Associate of Science in Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences Degree
The Associate of Science Degree in Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences is a transfer degree designed for the student who wishes to major in agriculture related disciplines. This degree was developed by a consortium of colleges and universities. The Arkansas Consortium for Teaching of Agriculture (ACTA), is currently comprised of ten community colleges (including NWACC) and three universities within the University of Arkansas System: University of Arkansas Fayetteville (UAF), University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). ACTA member institutions affirm that this A.S. degree is an appropriate degree for students entering the agricultural, food, and life science fields, because it is a science-based transfer degree that also includes introductory agriculture related courses.
The Division of Science and Mathematics can give students guidance on course selection for particular majors, but in general, the requirements are as follows:
Credit Hours
English Composition 1013 & 1023 6
Speech/Communication 3
Humanities 6
Social and Behavioral Science 6
U.S. History 3
Lab Science or Agriculture related (number and type depends 16 on student’s major)
College Algebra 1204 or higher level math 3 or 4
Careers orientation course 2
Introductory agriculture-related course 3
(In some area of agricultural, food, or life sciences)
Coursework related to student’s intended major 14
or to college-specific requirements
Total Hours 62 or 63
Students who follow this curriculum should be able to transfer all credits into the agriculture or agriculture related majors of their choices at one of the three senior four-year universities; among these majors are environmental science, plant science, poultry science, soil science, animal science, aquaculture/fisheries, horticulture, agronomy, turf management, pest management, feeds and feeding, nutrition or food science, biological engineering and human environmental science. The requirements for these majors are usually heavily loaded with science and mathematics courses. Students planning to major in one of these areas should follow carefully the curriculum advised by the senior institution to which they will transfer.
Transfer to other community college member institutions of ACTA will also be facilitated by students working on this degree. In addition, many member institutions offer courses that can be taken for credit towards this degree using long distance education or internet technologies. For more information you can access the ACTA web site at acta@cavern.uark.edu.
Certificate of Proficiency in Hospitality Management
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College Certificate of Proficiency in Hospitality Management is approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Courses offered include Introduction to Hospitality Management, Interpersonal Communications, Food and Beverage Management, and Food Safety and Sanitation with an option for ServSafe Certification.
HMGT 1603 Introduction to Hospitality Management 3
COMM 2323 Interpersonal Communications 3
HGMT 2694 Hospitality Internship 4
FDSC 2503 Food Safety & Sanitation OR 3
HRMN 2003 Hotel Operations 3
HFDB 2513 Food & Beverage Management OR 3
HMKT 2013 Arkansas Tourism 3
Total Hours 16
Aviation Science A.S. and A.A.S. Degree Options
The aviation program prepares students for careers in aviation related fields and to qualify for certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates. The aviation career field continues to expand offering opportunities both locally and across the country. As a result of looming retirements for the majority of the existing workforce, the demand for educated, FAA-certified people is forecast to increase significantly. The cost of the pilot and maintenance training programs offered through NWACC is very competitive, but requires careful planning. Timely application for student financial aid and consideration of alternative funding sources is of utmost importance. Tuition for classes taught off-campus by contract personnel are charged at the in-district rate regardless of student residence.
Aviation Management, Professional Pilot, and Aviation Maintenance options are all offered as an Associate of Science degree. This will allow transfer into Bachelor of Science programs offered at Henderson State University and other schools. A non-transfer Associate of Applied Science is also offered in the Aviation Maintenance option for students who do not require the advanced degree.
Flight training is provided through a partnership with Drake Aviation Academy and will lead to the following certificates and ratings: Private Pilot Certificate, Commercial Pilot, and Instrument Rating. For students already possessing these certificates, advanced ratings and certificates can be offered as needed. A student already holding an FAA certificate or license may gain college credit for that certificate. This credit will be awarded upon recommendation of the aviation faculty and successful completion of one semester of college work at NWACC. All flight training is provided by certified flight instructors under the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Regulations, Parts 141 and 61. Before beginning training for the Private Pilot License, each student must pass a third class medical examination, administered by a FAA medical examiner. Flight Fees for aviation courses are in addition to the college tuition.
The Aviation Maintenance option provides the opportunity to earn the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A and P) License. The classes are offered through a partnership with the Arkansas Aviation Technologies Center (AATC) at their facility. Students are able to choose between a fifteen or eighteen month full time program at the AATC facility before enrolling in the core education requirements to complete the degree. Students already possessing the “A and P” License may gain college credit towards completion of an Associate or Associate of Applied Science Degree. AATC fees apply in addition to appropriate tuition charges.
Aviation Management classes are provided at NWACC and will prepare a student to enter the business or support side of aviation. Students may enter a number of career areas to include airfield management, business aviation, and airways science or air traffic control within the FAA. The management track includes an industry internship with a local aviation business.
Associate of Science in Aviation Science
Aviation Maintenance Management Option
General Education Required Courses (36 hours)
CISQ 1103 Intro. to Computer Info. 3
COMM 1313 Fund. Of Communication 3
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
ENGL 1023 English Composition II OR 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra 4
MATH 1213 Trigonometry 3
XXXX XXX3 Human./Fine arts course 3
HIST XXX3 American History OR 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography 3
PHYS 2014 College Physics I 4
PHYS 2034 College Physics II OR 4
Lab Science 4
Aviation Core (27 hours.)
AVSC 1010 Aviation Maint.(prereq. for AVSC 1013/1014)
AVSC 1013 Aviation Powerplant 13
AVSC 1014 Aviation Airframe 14
Aviation Management Option
General Education Required Courses (36 hours)
CISQ 1103 Intro. to Computer Info. 3
COMM 1313 Fund. of Communication 3
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
ENGL 1023 English Composition II OR 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra 4
MATH 1213 Trigonometry 3
Human./Fine arts course 3
HIST XXX3 American History OR 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography 3
PHYS 2014 College Physics I 4
PHYS 2034 College Physics II OR 4
Lab Science 4
Aviation Core (27 hours)
AVSC 2113 Survey of Aviation Science 3
AVSC 2213 Aviation Safety 3
AVSC 2253 Aviation Law 3
AVSC 2283 Aviation Management 3
ACCT 2013 Accounting I 3
ACCT 2043 Computerized Accounting 3
BADM 2513 Business Organ. & Mgmt. 3
OSHA 2533 Safety & Health Risk Management 3
AVSC 290V Internship (3 hrs) 3
Professional Pilot Option
General Education Required Courses (36 hours)
CISQ 1103 Intro. to Computer Info. 3
COMM 1313 Fund. of Communication 3
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
ENGL 1023 English Composition II OR 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra 4
MATH 1213 Trigonometry 3
Human./Fine arts course 3
HIST XXX3 American History OR 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography 3
PHYS 2014 College Physics I 4
PHYS 2034 College Physics II OR 4
Lab Science 4
Aviation Core (27 hours.)
AVSC 2113 Survey of Aviation Science (Pre or Co Requisite for AVSC 1003) 3
AVSC 1003 Aeronautics 3
AVSC 1022 Aeronautics Lab 2
AVSC 1171 Pvt. Pilot Lab 1
AVSC 1073 Meteorology 3
AVSC 2223 Aerodynamics 3
AVSC 2052 Commercial Pilot Lab I 2
AVSC 2073 Instrument Pilot Prep. 3
AVSC 2083 Instrument Pilot Cert. Lab 3
AVSC 2071 Instrument Pilot Certification 1
AVSC 2062 Commercial Pilot Lab II 2
AVSC 2031 Commercial Pilot Cert. 1
AVSC 2213 Aviation Safety 3
Aviation Electives
AVSC 2311 Flight Instructor Lab 1
AVSC 2321 Flight Instructor Certification 1
AVSC 2411 Multi-Engine Certification 1
Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology (Maintenance)
General Education Required Courses (15/16 hours)
CISQ 1103 Intro. to Computer Info. OR 3
Computer Literacy 3
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
ENGL 1023 English Composition II OR 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra OR 4
MATH 1103 Survey of College Math OR 3
MATH 1003 Math for AAS General Education 3
XXXX XXX3 Soc./Behav. Science elective 3
Supporting Competencies (8 hours)
PHYS 1064 Introduction to Physics OR 4
PHYS 2014 College Physics I 4
DRFT 1234 Engineering Graphics I 4
Technical Courses (37 hours)
AVSC 1010 Aviation Maintenance 10
AVSC 1013 Aviation Power 13
AVSC 1014 Aviation Airframe 14
Electronics Technology A.A.S. Degree Program
The Electronics Technology Degree Program is intended for students currently employed in or re-entering the electronics field. The courses, offered in partnership with Northwest Technical Institute (NTI), allow students to upgrade their technical skills or to acquire the additional general education necessary to advance into supervision or management.
The electronics industry is characterized by rapid technological advances and has grown faster than most other industries over the past 30 years. Much of the continuing growth in this industry is expected to be among the professional specialty occupations. Electronic semiconductor processors and electrical and electronic assemblers will also grow faster than the industry average. Highly skilled technical personnel should be able to take advantage of the increasingly sophisticated level of manufacturing technology as industries become more integrated and manufacturing processes more advanced. Employment of electronics production workers and managers is expected to grow more slowly than average.
In general, earnings in the electronics industry are high, although this is partly because many of the lower wage production jobs have been automated or exported to other countries. Average weekly earnings of all production and nonsupervisory workers in the industry were higher than the 1998 weekly average of $442 for all industries.
Students interested in the electronics technology field need to have an aptitude for math and science and the ability to keep up with rapidly changing technology. A culminating internship in the program allows students to apply to specific positions in area industries the technical knowledge they have learned in classes and labs.
Graduates of the program will receive an AAS degree in Electronics Technology.
Following is a suggested sequence of courses, which can be individualized with the help of advisors both at NWACC and NTI.
First Semester (15 or 16 hours)
CFA 1103 Computer Fundamentals** 3
MATH 1103 Survey of College Math* OR 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra* 4
ELT 1103 DC/AC Current Fundamentals** 3
ELT 1203 Digital Fundamentals** 3
ELT 1403 Electronic Circuit Fabrication** 3
Second Semester (15 hours)
ENGL 1013 English Composition I* 3
MATH 1213 Plane Trigonometry* 3
ELT 2203 Solid State Devices I** 3
ELT 2303 Electronic Communications** 3
ELT 2403 Computer Repair** 3
Summer Semester (6 hours)
ELT 4203 Sensors and Transducers** 3
ELT 2513 Microprocessors** 3
Third Semester (16 hours)
PHYS 1064 Introduction to Physics* 4
MGMT 1003 Introduction to Business* OR 3
MGMT 2733 Human Relations in Business* 3
ELT 3203 Solid State Devices II** 3
ELT 3213 Programmable Controllers** 3
ELT 3313 Robotics** 3
Fourth Semester (16 hours)
CIS 2243 Networking** 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing* OR 3
ENGL 1023 English Composition II* 3
XXXX XXX3 Social/Behavioral Sciences elective* 3
ELT 3413 Electronic Ind. Devices/Motors** 3
IMP 1102 Industrial Manufacturing Processes** 2
SPC 1102 Statistical Process Control** 2
Summer Semester (3 hours)
ELT 4403 Internship** 3
Total Hours: 71 or 72
* NWACC courses
** NTI courses
For more information, contact Dr. Frank Troseth, 619-4275
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.
For more information, contact Cindy Hammons, (479) 936-5178
Option I: Safety & Health, and Hazardous Materials Management
Environmental students specialize in OSHA/EPA federal regulations management and serve as skilled laboratory and field employees in an area of growing importance. The Safety and Health and Hazardous Material Management option stresses protection of the worker in the workplace and provides students with training in HAZWOPER, OSHA voluntary compliance and air sampling and analysis.
First Semester (15 or 16 hours)
BLAW 2013 Legal Environment of Business I 3
CISQ 1103 Introduction to Computer Information 3
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra OR 4
MATH 1003 Math for AAS General Education 3
OSHA 2203 OSHA - Dept. of Labor Voluntary Compliance 3
Second Semester (17 or 18 hours)
BOTY 2534 Environmental Biology OR 4
ENSC 1003 Environmental Science AND 3
ENSC 1001 Environmental Science Lab* 1
CHEM 1104 College Chemistry I OR 4
CHEM 1024 Basic Chemistry 4
ENGL 1023 English Composition II OR 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing 3
ENSC 2204 Introduction to Soil Science* OR 4
FIRE 1003 Introduction to Fire Science OR 3
ENSC 291V Environmental Special Problems 1 to 4
OSHA 2003 Introduction to Industrial,
Occupational Safety & Health 3
Third Semester (16 hours)
CHEM 2614 Organic Physiological Chemistry 4
COMM 1313 Oral Communication 3
ENSC 2233 Instrumentation, Sampling and
Analysis (Air Quality)* OR 3
ENSC 2243 Instrumentation, Sampling and Analysis (Water Quality)* 3
ENSC 2703 Industrial Hygiene:
Workplace Environmental Management 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
Fourth Semester (16 hours)
ENSC 2303 Hazardous Material Control and
Emergency Response* 3
ENSC 2301L Hazardous Material Control and
Emergency Response Lab 1
ENSC 2413 Environmental Compliance Documentation 3
OSHA 2403 Ergonomics* 3
OSHA 2533 Safety and Health Risk Management 3
Elective 3
Total Hours: 64 to 66
Option II: Environmental Management
The Environmental Management option emphasizes water and land management and stresses soils, water treatment, and waste management. Students in this program have the outlook of an ecologist, and the orientation of a scientist with diverse skills and the ability to solve problems and work with people.
For more information, contact Larry Suchy, (479) 619-4279.
First Semester (13 or 14 hours)
BLAW 2013 Legal Environment of Business I 3
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra OR
MATH 1003 Math for AAS General Education 3 or 4
BOTY 2534 Environmental Biology OR 4
ENSC 1003 Environmental Science AND 3
ENSC 1001 Environmental Science Lab* 1
Second Semester (17 or 18 hours)
CISQ 1103 Introduction to Computer Information 3
CHEM 1104 College Chemistry I OR 4
CHEM 1024 Basic Chemistry 4
ENGL 1023 English Composition II OR 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing 3
ENSC 2204 Introduction to Soil Science* OR 4
ENSC 290V Environmental Special Problems 3 or 4
ENSC 2003 Environmental Management AND 3
ENSC 2001L Environmental Management Lab 1
Third Semester (16 or 17 hours)
CHEM 2614 Organic Physiological Chemistry 4
COMM 1313 Oral Communication 3
ENSC 2233 Instrumentation, Sampling and
Analysis (Air Quality)* OR 3
ENSC 2243 Instrumentation, Sampling and
Analysis (Water Quality)* 3
GEOL 1114 General Geology OR 4
HIST 2903 Environmental History 3
Elective 3
Fourth Semester (16 or 17 hours)
ENSC 2303 Hazardous Material Control and Emergency Response* 3
ENSC 2301L Hazardous Material Control and
Emergency Response Lab 1
ENSC 2413 Environmental Compliance Documentation 3
ENSC 2813 Environmental Toxicology OR 3
BOTY 2404 Survey of the Plant Kingdom 4
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
ENSC 245V Internship in Environmental Sciences 3
Total Hours: 61 to 66
Certificate of Proficiency in Safety and Health - Available On-Line
The Certificate of Proficiency Program is designed for students that are already working in a related field of safety and health, requiring a basic understanding of federal/state environmental regulations. This program of study would allow an individual the opportunity to improve their job skills for their current job even if no other additional classes were sought. If a student completes the Certificate of Proficiency and then wants to pursue further study, the Technical Certificate described below could be an option.
OSHA 2003 Introduction to Industrial,
Occupational Safety & Health 3
OSHA 2203 OSHA - Dept. of Labor Voluntary
Compliance OR 3
AVSC 2213 Aviation Safety 3
ENSC 2303 Hazardous Materials Control and
Emergency Response 3
ENSC 2301L Hazardous Materials Control and
Emergency Response Lab 1
OSHA/ENSC Related Elective 3
CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer Information or
proficiency demonstrated 3
Total Hours 16
Technical Certificate in Environmental and Regulatory Science
The Technical Certificate also requires a firm base of understanding of federal/state regulations. This certificate, however, is more specifically geared to employees who do on-site exposure sampling, handle hazardous materials, respond to emergency release of chemicals in the workplace, or address other workplace related environmental issues. If a student completes the Technical Certificate and then wants to pursue further study, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Environmental and Regulatory Science could be an option.
OSHA 2003 Introduction to Industrial, Occupational Safety & Health 3
OSHA 2203 OSHA - Dept. of Labor Voluntary Compliance 3
OSHA 2533 Safety and Health Risk Management 3
ENSC 2233 Instrumentation, Sampling, and Analysis (Air Quality) OR 3
ENSC 2243 Instrumentation, Sampling, and Analysis (Water Quality) 3
ENSC 2303 Hazardous Materials Control and Emergency Response 3
ENSC 2301L Hazardous Materials Control and Emergency Response Lab 1
ENSC 2413 Environmental Compliance Documentation 3
ENSC 2703 Industrial Hygiene: Workplace Environmental Management 3
OSHA/ENSC Related Elective 6
CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer Information or proficiency demonstrated 3
Elective 3
Total Hours 34