Associate
Degree Programs
NorthWest Arkansas Community
College offers five degree programs: the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree, the
Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, the Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.),
the Associates Degree in General Studies (A.G.S.), and the Associate of Applied
Science (A.A.S.) degree.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Associate of Arts (AA) or the Associate of Science (AS)
degree is designed for students who want to transfer to a senior college or
university to earn a bachelor's degree. The primary educational outcome
associated with this degree matches this purpose. Students are prepared to
succeed in a four-year college program.
Associate of Applied Science degrees train students for
specific careers. The primary educational outcome associated with this degree
relates to this purpose. Students are prepared to enter, continue to work or
advance within their fields of study.
As
members of a learning community, students should demonstrate professional
behavior in their interactions with others and in their approach to academic
work. Professionalism is valued by employers and appreciated by all. The
development of professionalism is a reflective process that often requires
changing behavior. To encourage this process, faculty and staff will model
professionalism and establish standards that students are expected to follow.
Learning outcomes for general
education
College degrees do more than
train and certify vocational skills. NWACC believes that general education is
an essential part of all its higher education degree programs. These general
education outcomes prepare students to pursue life-long learning. For some of
the outcomes, a specific set of courses has been established to help students
accomplish them. Other outcomes are not associated with one particular course.
For example, there is no single course designated to help students develop
higher order thinking skills. These skills will be developed across the
curriculum. Whether or not there is a specific curriculum, all of the general
education outcomes are addressed to some degree in most courses. For example,
students will be expected to write outside of English class or use algebra
outside of math class. NWACC faculty have identified the following general
education outcomes that communicate what students will gain from their degree.
Students develop higher order thinking skills.
Higher education goes beyond memorization and basic comprehension. Students must be able to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate what they learn. While most first and second year college courses lay a foundation of basic knowledge of the subject matter, students will also be challenged to use their intellect, to think critically, to solve problems and/or to wrestle with complex issues.
Students gain greater awareness of cultural
perspectives.
One of the traditional goals of a college education is to expand students' understanding of the world by presenting them with diverse ideas and attitudes. In the pluralistic society in which we live, being aware of cultural perspectives is essential. An important element of this understanding is recognition of one's own culture and the impact it has on one's perspective. Across the curriculum, students will be exposed to different cultural perspectives to enhance their ability to understand and interact with others.
Students can write clear, coherent, well-organized
documents, which are substantially free of errors.
Students can read selections at the appropriate level of education and describe the main ideas and supporting details. Students can evaluate written materials objectively.
Students develop effective oral communication skills.
A college graduate should be able to speak effectively. Most NWACC students will develop public speaking skills to inform and persuade others. Some professional program students will focus on interpersonal communication skills essential in performing job-related duties. All students should have opportunities to improve their oral communication skills across the curriculum through class presentations and small group activities.
Students can achieve mathematical literacy.
College graduates should be able to understand and use numerical relationships and basic analysis of data in their roles as consumers, citizens, scholars, and professionals. Graduates should possess the computational, algebraic and quantitative skills necessary to solve problems and evaluate complex situations.
Students can use computers proficiently.
Because of society's increasing use of computer technology, college graduates must be able to use a computer. Employers are expecting computer skills in those they hire. For most students, being proficient means being able to create, update and manipulate word-processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. Students will able to use e-mail for communication and a browser to navigate the Internet. Other students will gain proficiency in specific computer applications related to their field of study.
Students can employ a variety of sources to
locate, evaluate, and use information.
In support of personal, professional, and academic goals, students should be able to recognize a need for information and locate it. They must then be able to evaluate effectively the reliability and relevance of that
information.
|
Measures of Student Achievement |
|
|
Students are prepared
to work |
Employment statistics Employer surveys &
Internship evaluations Licensure exams &
technical credentials |
|
Students are prepared
to transfer |
UA transfer study Measures specific to
knowledge domains Graduate survey |
|
Students develop
higher order thinking skills |
CAAP critical thinking
test CAAP scientific
reasoning test |
|
Students gain greater
awareness of cultural perspectives |
Graduation survey |
|
Students can write |
CAAP writing test CAAP – ACT comparison Comp I & II essay
evaluation |
|
Students can read at
the appropriate level |
CAAP reading test CAAP – ACT comparison Graduate survey |
|
Students can communicate their ideas orally |
Graduate Survey |
|
Students can use math |
CAAP math test CAAP – ACT comparison Math final exam
questions Graduate Survey |
|
Students can use
computers proficiently |
CISQ 1103 pre and post
testing Graduate survey |
|
Students can locate
and evaluate information |
Graduate survey |
The CAAP
is the standardized test used for the Arkansas Assessment of General Education
(AAGE). It is central to NWACC’s general education assessment. Comparing the
NWACC year 2003-04 graduates mean scores to the mean of other
|
CAAP Test |
NWACC |
|
National |
|
Writing |
63.2 |
62.8 |
62.3 |
|
Mathematics |
56.3 |
55.6 |
56.1 |
|
|
62.9 |
61.4 |
60.4 |
|
Critical thinking |
61.7 |
61.4 |
60.5 |
|
Science Reasoning |
60.7 |
59.0 |
59.0 |
The Associate of Arts
and Associate of Science Degrees
The primary learning outcome of the AA and AS is to prepare students to be successful in a four-year degree program. These degrees are composed of a liberal arts and sciences core. The curriculum does not focus on particular vocational skills; instead the aim is to give students a breadth of knowledge, basic analysis, and communication skills necessary to succeed in a variety of situations. The curricula also provide increased knowledge of self and the world from three basic perspectives or domains: Arts & Humanities, Social & Behavioral Science, and Natural Science. Faculty have identified primary learning outcomes associated with each domain.
Arts and Humanities
Courses in this domain explore the aesthetic qualities that define us as human and concepts such as beauty, love, hate, truth, hope, and despair. These are concepts that seem to be unique to the human experience. Students will understand that the arts are essential to what it means to be human. This exploration provides students with a deeper and richer perception of themselves and the world around them. Students will recognize our interconnectedness and broaden their cultural perspective. Arts & Humanities studies also serve to liberate and awaken one’s own creativity.
Natural Science
Studying the natural sciences will acquaint students with the fundamental principles of the natural world and processes used in science to uncover these principles. Students will gain core scientific knowledge appropriate to freshmen and sophomore years and necessary for success in upper division courses. Science is more than a body of knowledge; it is also a process. Students will gain understanding of the scientific method and principles of inquiry. The knowledge and the process both have relevance to everyday life. Students will recognize the implications of science in making choices on personal, community and global issues.
Environmental & Regulatory Science A.A.S. Degree Options and Certificate Programs
The Division of
Science & Mathematics offers a technical, competency-based Associate of
Applied Science Degree in the field of Environmental Regulatory Science. Option
I focuses on safety & health and the management of hazardous materials in
the workplace. Option II focuses on the management of environmental resources.
Graduates of either option may work for employers that include private
industry, consulting firms, and public utilities. Graduates may also work in
the area of government agencies such as EPA, OSHA, or the Corps of Engineers.
Approximately 80% have been successful within one year of graduation, as
defined by employment in the field or seeking further higher education in a
related discipline. Secondary skills related to wildlife, data collection,
mapping and air & water quality may be acquired. Participation in an
internship is encouraged and may be required for graduation. To acquaint
students with professional development opportunities occurring within the
field, students are encouraged to participate in a minimum of two hours of
special topics for selected field-related conference meetings & activities
prior to graduation.
Students must
demonstrate basic skills and proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics
as part of acceptance into this program. Proficiency level may affect the
sequence of courses enrolled in, and may also extend the time required to
complete the program.
Graduates of
option I must have Department of Labor Certifications in HAZWOPER, and OSHA
Voluntary Compliance. Graduates of option II must also have the HAZWOPER
certification. Both options require at least one certification in sampling and
analysis. Students will develop technical skills in governmental regulatory
software programs currently utilized by industry. Many of these classes are now
available on-line.
Social and Behavioral
Science
Courses in this domain look at the world from the perspective of human actions and interactions. This perspective can be studied through examining either current issues or past events. Social and behavioral science studies provide students with insight into the complexities of human behavior and culture. Students will learn the methods of inquiry and critical thinking skills that have been used to answer broad-based questions in this domain. These courses will also increase students’ awareness of cultural differences and openness to new ideas.
Within this domain, students are required to take at least one U. S. History or American Government course. Students should become more informed citizens, better able to apply knowledge of United States History/Government to issues concerning us all.
Some AA/AS degree programs have some additional course requirements that serve particular purposes. Depending on the specific degree you seek, you may have to take courses in one of the following domains:
English Composition (Choose 2 classes for 6 hours)
ENGL 1013 Composition I* OR
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors
ENGL 1023 Composition II* OR
ENGL 1023H Composition II, Honors*
Fine Arts/Humanities (9 hours)
ENGL 2113 Survey of British Literature I*
ENGL 2123 Survey of British Literature II*
ENGL 2213 Survey of World Literature to 1650 OR
ENGL 2213H Survey of World Literature to 1650 Honors
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature from 1650 OR
ENGL 2223H Survey of World Literature from 1650 Honors
ENGL 2313 Survey of American Literature I*
ENGL 2323 Survey of American Literature II*
(Choose 1 Class for 3 hours)
ARHS 1003 Art Appreciation
ART 1033 Introduction to Studio Art
ARHS 2913 Art History I
ARHS 2923 Art History II
COMM 1003 Film Arts*
DRAM 1003 Introduction to Theater
MUSI 1003 Music Appreciation
(To complete the 9 hour requirement, you may choose an additional class from the options above or choose a class from the options below.)
FREN 2003 Intermediate Foreign Language I*
GERM 2003 Intermediate Foreign Language I*
SPAN 2003 Intermediate Foreign Language I*
HUMN 1003 Exploring Humanities
PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2033 World Religions
PHIL 2103 Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 2203 Logic
Speech/Communication (Choose 1 class for 3 hours)
COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communications
College Algebra or Above (Choose 1 class for 3 or 4 hours)
MATH 1204 College Algebra
MATH 1103 Survey of College Mathematics
MATH 1213 Plane Trigonometry
MATH 1285 Precalculus
MATH 2043 Survey of Calculus
MATH 2053 Finite Math
MATH 2103 Discrete Math
MATH 2554 Calculus I
MATH 2564 Calculus II
MATH 2574 Calculus III
MATH 2914 Differential Equations
Natural Science (Choose 2 classes for 8 hours)
BIOL 1544 Principles of Biology I
BIOL 1014 General Biology II*
BIOL 1544H Principles of Biology, Honors*
BIOL 2214 Anatomy & Physiology I*
BIOL 2224 Anatomy & Physiology II*
BIOL 2533 Cell Biology*
MBIO 2014 General Microbiology*
BOTY 1614 Plant Biology
BOTY 2404 Survey of
BOTY 2534 Environmental Biology
CHEM 1024 Basic Chemistry*
CHEM 1054 Chemistry in the Modern World
CHEM 1075 Fundamentals of Chemistry*
CHEM 1104 College Chemistry I*
CHEM 1124 College Chemistry II*
CHEM 2614 Organic Physiological Chemistry*
GEOL 1114 General Geology
GEOL 1134 Environmental Geology
PHSC 2004 Physical Science*
PHSC 1073 Survey of Meteorology
PHYS 1024 Physics & Human Affairs
PHYS 1064 Introduction to Physics
PHYS 2014 College Physics I
PHYS 2034 College Physics II
PHYS 2054 Advanced College Physics I
PHYS 2074 Advanced College Physics II
ANTH 1013 Introduction to Biological Anthropology*
ANTH 1011L Biological Anthropology Lab*
ASTR 2004 Survey of the Universe
HORT 2004 Principles of Horticulture
HORT 1103 Plants in the Home Environment
HIST 2003 History of American People-1877
HIST 2013 History of American People 1877-Present
HIST 2003H History of American People-1877 Honors*
HIST 2013H History of American People 1877 to Present Honors*
PLSC 2003 American Government
Western Civilization (Choose 1 Class for 3 hours)
WCIV 1003 Western Civilization I
WCIV 1013 Western Civilization II
Other Social Science
Courses
(Choose 3 classes for 9 hours)
Can select a U.S. History, Western Civilization, or American Government class if not previously taken.
ANTH 1013 Introduction to Biological Anthropology*
ANTH 1011L Biological Anthropology Lab*
ANTH 1023 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
CMJS 2013 Introduction to Criminal Justice
ECON 2013 Macroeconomics
ECON 2023 Microeconomics
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography
GEOG 1123 Human Geography
GEOG 2103 Emerging Nations
GEOG 2203 Developed Nations
PHIL 2103 Introduction to Ethics
PLSC 2203 State & Local Government
PLSC 2803 International Relations*
PSYC 2003 General Psychology
PSYC 2103 Human Growth & Development*
SOCI 2013 General Sociology
SOCI 2033 Social Problems
SOCI 2043 Marriage and Family
Health/Physical Education (2 hours)
2 hours of wellness-based courses such as Health or Physical Education
Computer Based Course (3 hours)
(or demonstration of computer literacy)
*Check catalog for prerequisites/corequisites before enrolling in this class.
Associate of Science
Degree Plan
English Composition (Choose 2 classes for 6 hours)
ENGL 1013 Composition I* OR
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors*
ENGL 1023 Composition II* OR
ENGL 1023H Composition II, Honors*
Fine Arts/Humanities (Choose 2 classes for 6 hours)
ARHS 1003 Art Appreciation
ART 1033 Introduction to Studio Art
ARHS 2913 Art History I
ARHS 2923 Art History II
COMM 1003 Film Arts*
DRAM 1003 Introduction to Theater
ENGL 2113 Survery of British Literature I*
ENGL 2123 Survey of British Literature II*
ENGL 2213 Survey of World Literature to 1650 OR
ENGL 2213H Survey of World Literature to 1650 Honors
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature from 1650 OR
ENGL 2223H Survey of World Literature from 1650 Honors
ENGL 2313 Survey of American Literature I*
ENGL 2323 Survey of American Literature II*
FREN 2003 Intermediate Foreign Language I*
GERM 2003 Intermediate Foreign Language I*
SPAN 2003 Intermediate Foreign Language I*
HUMN 1003 Exploring the Humanities
MUSI 1003 Music Appreciation
PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2033 World Religions
PHIL 2103 Introduction to Ethics
Speech/Communication (Choose 1 class for 3 hours)
COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communication
Science & Mathematics (19 hours combined)
College Algebra or Above (3 or 4 hours minimum)
MATH 1204 College Algebra*
MATH 1213 Plane Trigonometry*
MATH 1285 Precalculus*
MATH 2043 Survey of Calculus*
MATH 2053 Finite Math*
MATH 2103 Discrete Math*
MATH 2554 Calculus I*
MATH 2564 Calculus II*
MATH 2574 Calculus III*
MATH 2914 Differential Equations
Natural Science (8 hours minimum to 16 hours standard)
ASTR 2004 Survey of the Universe*
BIOL 1544 Principles of Biology I
BIOL 1014 General Biology II*
BIOL 1544H Principles of Biology I, Honors*
BIOL 2214 Anatomy & Physiology I*
BIOL 2224 Anatomy & Physiology II*
BIOL 2534 Cell Biology*
MBIO 2014 General Microbiology*
BOTY 1614 Plant Biology
BOTY 2404 Survey of
BOTY 2534 Environmental Biology
CHEM 1024 Basic Chemistry*
CHEM 1054 Chemistry in the Modern World
CHEM 1075 Fundamentals of Chemistry
CHEM 1104 College Chemistry I*
CHEM 1124 College Chemistry II*
ENSC 2003 Environmental Management
ENSC 2001L Environmental Management Lab
ENSC 2204 Introduction to Soil Science
GEOL 1114 General Geology
GEOL 1134 Environmental Geology
PHSC 2004 Physical Science*
PHYS 1024 Physics & Human Affairs
PHYS 1064 Introduction to Physics
PHYS 2014 College Physics I*
PHYS 2034 College Physics II*
PHYS 2054 Advanced College Physics I*
PHYS 2074 Advanced College Physics II*
HIST 2003 History of American People-1877
HIST 2013 History of American People 1877 to Present
HIST 2003H History of American People-1877 Honors*
HIST 2013H History of American People 1877 to Present - Honors*
PLSC 2003 American Government
Other Social Science
Courses
(Choose 2 classes for 6 hours)
Can Select a U.S. History or American Government class in not previously taken.
ANTH 1013 Introduction to Biological Anthropology*
ANTH 1011L Biological Anthropology Lab*
ANTH 1023 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
CMJS 2013 Introduction to Criminal Justice
ECON 2013 Macroeconomics
ECON 2023 Microeconomics
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography
GEOG 1123 Human Geography
GEOG 2103 Emerging Nations
GEOG 2203 Developed Nations
PHIL 2203 Logic
PLSC 2203 State & Local Government
PLSC 2803 International Relations
PSYC 2003 General Psychology
PSYC 2013 Human Growth & Development*
SOCI 2013 General Sociology
SOCI 2033 Social Problems
SOCI 2043 Marriage & Family
WCIV 1003 Western Civilization I
WCIV 1013 Western Civilization II
Life Skills (Choose 1 option for 2-3 hours)
Computer Based Course OR
Demonstration of Computer Literacy OR
Wellness-Based Course (such as health or P.E.)
The AAT is designed to deliver the first two years of teacher education curriculum leading to licensure with an emphasis in one of the following: (1) middle school math and science, (2) middles school language arts and social science, or (3) early childhood education (program pending approval Summer, 2005). Successful completion of the AAT degree provides efficient transition into teacher education programs leading to teacher licensure. Students must pass the CAAP exam and the Praxis I prior to graduation.
Studies who wish to complete this degree should complete the requirements for the degree plan and should meet the following criteria for graduation:
1. A cumulative GPA of 2.65;
2. a successful score on the Praxis I; and
3. production of a pre-professional portfolio. The exit portfolio should contain the following components:
a. a current resume;
b. the student’s philosophy of education*;
c. a reflective journal that describes the 30-hour field experience*;
d. letters of recommendation;
e. a current transcript;
f. proof of research capability, such as the identification of ten (10) Internet sites that pertain to an educational topic or a teaching field;
g. auxiliary components including copies of state curricular framework, article critiques that review current educational issues from professional sources, and book reviews pertinent to educational issues.*
Students must (1) make application for admission in the
*required assignments for successful completion of CIED 1001 Introduction to Education.
Associate of Arts in
Teaching Degree Plan
English Composition (Choose 2 classes for 6 hours)
ENGL 1013 Composition I* OR
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors* AND
ENGL 1023 Composition II* OR
ENGL 1023H Composition II, Honors*
Mathematics
MATH 1204 College Algebra*
Science (Choose 8 hours)
BIOL 1544 Principles of Biology I* OR
BIOL 1544H Principles of Biology I, Honors*
PHYS 1034 Physics for Elementary Teachers OR
PHSC 2004 Introduction to Physical Science
Fine Arts/Humanities (Choose 6 hours from below)
ENGL 2213 Survey of World Literature to 1650 OR
ENGL 2213H Survey of World Literature to 1650 Honors
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature from 1650 OR
ENGL 2223H Survey of World Literature from 1650 Honors
ARHS 1003 Art Appreciation* OR
MUSI 1003 Music Appreciation*
Communications (Choose 1 class for 3 hours)
COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communications
Social Science (Choose 3 class for 9 hours)
PLSC 2003 American National Government*
WCIV 1003 Western Civilization I* OR
WCIV 1013 Western Civilization II*
HIST 2003 History of American People-1877*
HIST 2013 History of American People-1877 to
Present* OR
HIST 2003H History of American People - Honors*
HIST 2003H History of American People 1877 to Present – Honors*
State Minimum Core
Sub-total 36
hours
Education
CIED 1001 Practicum, Introduction to Education*
CIED 1002 Introduction to Education*
ETEC 2003 Educational Technology (K-12 Computing Skills)
Total Common Core 42
hours
Specialization Tracks
Associate of Arts in Teaching Middle School
Mathematics/Science
Mathematics (Choose 1 class for 3-4 hours)
College Trig, PreCalculus, Survey of Calculus OR higher
MATH 1213 Plane Trigonometry
MATH 1285 Pre-Calculus
MATH 2043 Survey of Calculus
Math for Teachers 6 hours
MATH 2213 Math Structures I
MATH 2223 Math Structures II
Science (Choose 1 class)
GEOG 1103 Physical Geography
GEOG 1123 Human Geography
GEOL 1114 General Geology
GEOL 1134 Environmental Geology
PHSC 1073 Survey to Meteorology
PHYS 1034 Physics for Elementary Teachers OR
PHSC 2004 Introduction to Physical Science
Social Science (6 hours)
HIST 2053 History of
PSYC 2003 General Psychology
Total hours for AAT
Math/Science 60-63
hours
Associate of Arts in
Teaching Middle School Mathematics/Science
Language Arts/Social
Sciences
Language Arts (9 hours)
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature from 1650
ENGL 2313 Survey of American Literature I
ENGL 2323 Survey of American Literature II
Social and Behavioral Science (9 hours)
WCIV 1013 Western Civilization II
HIST 2013 History of American People 1877 to Present
PSYC 2003 General Psychology
Geography (3 hours)
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography OR
GEOG 1123 Human Geography OR
GEOG 2203 Developed Nations
Total Hours for AAT
Language Arts/Social Science 63
hours