NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers three degree programs: the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree, the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, and the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
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.
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:
Associate of Arts Degree Plan
English Composition (Choose 2 classes for 6 hours)
ENGL 1013 Composition I*
ENGL 1023 Composition II*
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors
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 Survery of World Literature I*
ENGL 2223 Survery of World Literature II*
ENGL 2313 Survery of American Literature I*
ENGL 2323 Sruvery of American Literature II*
(Choose 1 Class for 3 hours)
ARHS 1003 Art Appreciation
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.)
ART 1033 Introduction to Studio Art
FLAN 2003 Intermediate Foreign Language I*
HUMN 1003 Exploring the Humanities
PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2033 World Religions
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 Plant Kingdom*
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
U.S. History or Government (Choose 1 class for 3 hours)
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 Antrhopology*
ANTHL 1011L Biological Anthropology Lab*
ANTH 1023 Introduction to Cultural Antrhopology
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*
ENGL 1023 Composition II*
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors*
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 I*
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature II*
ENGL 2313 Survey of American Literature I*
ENGL 2323 Survey of American Literature II*
HUMN 1003 Exploring the Humanities
MUSI 1003 Music Appreciation
PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2033 World Religions
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 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 Plant Kingdom*
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*
U.S. History or Government (Choose 1 Class for 3 hours)
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 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2033 World Religions
PHIL 2103 Introduction to Ethics
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.)
Degree Options
NWACC offers several options for transfer degrees depending primarily on the type of college to which the student intends to transfer. The table on the following page compares the credit hour requirements (minimum) for each degree and provides the learning outcomes for each distribution area. Please note the specific types of courses required within each knowledge domain are usually designated by the major and the particular transfer institution. Students should refer to more specific transfer information provided in other sections of this catalog, the degree sheets, and guidance from the transfer institution. NWACC advisors are available to help with course selection. Students interested in pursuing a baccalaureate education degree will take either the AA or AS track depending on the type of education degree they want to earn at the transfer institution.
Within these degree options, students are required by Arkansas law to take the State Minimum Core Required for Baccalaureate Degree. These require courses totaling 35 semester hours, are distributed as follows:
English Composition 6
Speech Communication 0-3
College Algebra or higher 3
Laboratory Science 8
Fine Arts/Humanities Survey 6-9
U.S. History or American Government 3
Social Sciences 6-9
The following updated list of NWACC courses was approved February 2004 by ADHE to meet this 35-hour core requirement:
English Composition
ENGL 1013 Composition I 3
ENGL 1023 Composition II 3
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors 3
ENGL 1023H Composition II, Honors 3
Speech/Communications
COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communication 3
College Level Math
MATH 1204 College Algebra 4
MATH 1213 Plane Trigonometry 3
MATH 1285 Pre-Calculus 5
MATH 2043 Survey of Calculus 3
MATH 2053 Finite Mathematics 3
MATH 2554 Calculus I 4
MATH 2564 Calculus II 4
MATH 2574 Calculus III 4
MATH 2103 Discrete Math 3
MATH 2914 Differential Equations 4
Science with lab
ASTR 2004 Survey of the Universe 4
BIOL 1544 Principles of Biology I 4
BIOL 1014 General Biology II 4
BIOL 1544H Principles of Biology I Honors 4
BIOL 1014H General Biology II Honors 4
BIOL 2214 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 2224 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
MBIO 2014 Microbiology 4
BOTY 1614 Plant Biology 4
BOTY 2404 Survey of the Plant Kingdom 4
BOTY 2534 Environmental Biology 4
CHEM 1024 Basic Chemistry 4
CHEM 1054 Chemistry and the Modern World 4
CHEM 1075 Fundamentals of Chemistry 5
CHEM 1104 College Chemistry I 4
CHEM 1124 College Chemistry II 4
GEOL 1114 General Geology 4
GEOL 1134 Environmental Geology 4
PHSC 2004 Intro to Physical Science 4
PHYS 1024 Physics & Human Affairs 4
PHYS 1064 Introduction to Physics 4
PHYS 2014 College Physics I 4
PHYS 2034 College Physics II 4
PHYS 2054 Advanced College Physics I 4
PHYS 2074 Advanced College Physics II 4
U.S. History or Government
HIST 2003 History of American People to 1877 3
HIST 2013 History of American People 1877 to Present 3
HIST 2003H History of American People to 1877, Honors 3
HIST 2013H Hist. Amer. People 1877 to Present, Honors 3
PLSC 2003 American Government 3
Social Science Courses
ANTH 1013/11 Intro. to Biological Anthropology 3
ANTH 1011 Intro. to Biological Anthropology Lab 1
ANTH 1023 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 3
CMJS 2013 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
ECON 2013 Macroeconomics 3
ECOM 2023 Microeconomics 3
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography 3
GEOG 1123 Human Geography 3
GEOG 2103 Emerging Nations 3
GEOG 2203 Developing Nations 3
WCIV 1003 Western Civilization I 3
WCIV 1013 Western Civilization II 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
PSYC 2103 Human Growth & Development 3
SOCI 2013 General Sociology 3
SOCI 2033 Social Problems 3
SOCI 2043 Marriage and Family 3
*HIST 2003 History of American People to 1877 3
*HIST 2013 History of American People 1877 to Present 3
*PLSC 2003 American National Government 3
PLSC 2203 State and Local Government 3
PLSC 2803 International Relations 3
*If not selected to meet U.S. History/Government requirement.
Fine Arts / Humanities
ENGL 2113 Survey of British Literature to Romanticism 3
ENGL 2123 Survey of British Literature from Romanticism 3
ENGL 2313 Survey of American Literature to Civil War 3
ENGL 2323 Survey of American Literature from Civil War 3
ENGL 2213 Survey of World Literature to 1650 3
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature from 1650 3
DRAM 1013 Introduction to Theatre 3
COMM 1003 Film Arts 3
ARHS 1003 Art Appreciation 3
ART 1033 Introduction to Studio Art 3
ARHS 2913 Art History I 3
ARHS 2923 Art History II 3
MUSI 1003 Music Appreciation 3
HUMN 1003 Exploring The Humanities 3
PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy 3
PHIL 2033 World Religions 3
PHIL 2103 Introduction to Ethics 3
PHIL 2203 Introduction to Logic 3
Transferring for a Bachelor’s degree program
The Bachelors degree is the credential most often associated with a college education. Bachelor’s degrees consist of approximately 120 semester credit hours which consist of general education courses (math, writing, speech, etc.), survey courses that provide a breadth of knowledge, and specific courses that provides depth of knowledge in a particular major. At NWACC, we offer courses and degrees that allow students to transfer into bachelors programs by offering the general education and survey courses (often referred to as the “core” courses).
NWACC does not offer any upper division courses so we offer no true “majors”. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees described above consist of just over 60 credit hours of “transfer” courses. A transfer course may count as a requirement or as an elective credit in a particular bachelor’s program. How the courses transfer depends on the college and the major. NWACC has prepared almost 250 transfer program-to-program guides to assist students in choosing NWACC courses that will transfer to specific bachelors programs in the region. The guides are comprised of general education and survey courses traditionally taken during the first two years of college. Most, but not all of the transfer guides lead to earning an Associate degree at NWACC. Following these guides helps assure that the NWACC courses taken will transfer and meet the requirements of a particular degree offered at a particular college. You are not limited to the special transfer guides. Advisors can help you select the freshman and sophomore level courses to transfer to almost any program. The Learner Development Venter can provide the most current advice and listing of transfer guides. Below find a list of some of the major fields of study for which we have transfer program-to-program guides to specific institutions. Note that some bachelor’s degrees are offered in the traditional way, some are offered on-line, some evenings and weekends, and some use a combinations of settings to allow you to earn your degree without leaving NW Arkansas.
Pre-Professional Coursework
The following courses do not result in a degree from NWACC. Completion of prerequisite courses will prepare students for application to the following programs. Completion of prerequisite courses does not guarantee acceptance into these programs.
Dental Hygeine
• University of Arkansas Fort Smith
• Missouri Southern State University
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Radiologic Technology
• AHEC-NW/UAMS
Pre-Law
Pre-Medical
Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Pharmacy
Information for these programs is available in the Learner Development Center.
University Partnerships with NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bachelor degrees offered on the NWACC campus
NorthWest Arkansas Community College, through partnerships with two universities, offers two bachelor's degrees on campus.
1) Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Arkansas
• BSE in Elementary Education
(Pre-K thru 4th grade)
-Earn an Associate of Science degree from NWACC
-Apply and be accepted to U of A College of Education
-Take U of A classes on NWACC campus taught by U of A faculty
-Finally, earn your BSE and be recommended for licensure
2) Bachelor of Science degree from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• BS in Medical Technology
- Earn an Associate of Science degree from NWACC
- Apply and be accepted to UAMS College of Health Related Professions
- Take classes using CDs and NWACC laboratory classes
- Final year of internships at local hospitals
- Earn your BS in Medical Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degrees
The AAS degree is a vocational oriented degree whose outcome is to prepare students to enter and advance in their field of study. The curriculum will provide the specific knowledge, skills and perspectives for students to attain that outcome. While the primary aim is to prepare students for work, each degree program has at least 15 credit hours of general education, including 6 hours of English, 3 hours of college-level math, 3 hours of social science, and a 3-hour computer-based course. The number of professional and general education course varies by degree. The minimum general education requirements for an AAS degree are listed below:
The College offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in 24 different career areas. Various departments in the college offer these degrees. Find more detailed information about each degree’s course requirements by going to the department or division section of the catalog.
• Health Professions Division
EMT-Paramedic
Fire Science
Nursing
Physical Therapist Assistant
Respiratory Therapy
• Science, Mathematics, Aviation, Regulatory, & Technology
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Electronics Technology
Environmental and Regulatory Science
Safety and Health and Hazardous Material option
Environmental Management option
Hospitality Management Certificate
• Business and Computer Information Division
Business Management
Accounting Technology Option
General Business Option
Banking and Finance Option
International Business Option (Inactive)
Computer Aided Drafting & Design
Architecture Option
Engineering Option
Manufacturing Option
Computer Information
Information Systems Applications Option
Computer Programming Applications Option
Office Systems Support Option
Computer Networking Option
Web Technologies Option
• Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
Criminal Justice
Paralegal Studies
Early Childhood Education
Paraeducator Technical Certificate Program
• Communication & Art Division
Graphic Design
A.A.S. Transfer Disclaimer
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education has requested that all Arkansas institutions offering the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree publish the following general disclaimer:
The Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed for employment purposes and it should not be assumed that the degree or the courses in the degree can be transferred to another institution. While a few institutions have recently begun to accept some courses in A.A.S. programs, the general rule is that courses in A.A.S. degrees are not accepted in transfer toward bachelor’s degrees. Students to whom transfer is important should get assurances in writing in advance and only from the institution to which they wish to transfer.