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Professional Studies

Professional Studies programs at the University of Arkansas Cossatot provide students with the broad educational background required for positions in agriculture, business, criminal justice and child development professions. The program provides specialized training needed to meet entry-level requirements of business and industry.

The business curriculum allows students to choose a career path which meets their individual goals, with technical certificate tracks in three areas and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business with three majors. The Associate of Science Business degree is a statewide articulated program designed to transfer to participating 4-year institutions.

UA Cossatot offers a Technical Certificate in Agriculture as well as unique Associates of Science degrees with the following options: Agriculture Business, Agriculture Education, and Agriculture Science. The Agriculture Business degree is designed for direct transfer to Southern Arkansas University’s Agriculture-Business program.

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to transfer to Southern Arkansas University.

A Certificate of Proficiency in Child Development is a twelve-semester hour program designed to meet the state requirements prior to obtaining a job in a childcare facility.

Certificates of Proficiency

Accounting

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Accounting
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Certificate of Proficiency and the Technical Certificate in Accounting are embedded into the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting. The Certificate of Proficiency provides students with a basic knowledge of Accounting. The Technical Certificate in Accounting provides students with entry level bookkeeping skills. Students completing the certificate will have a working knowledge of the elementary accounting cycle and how to keep a set of books using a computer. Graduates will be ready for immediate employment in automated bookkeeping after one year of study. The Associate of Applied Science in Accounting is designed for students who seek occupational, technical, and vocational skills primarily for employment or advancement.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is designed for students to earn the Certificate of Proficiency after semester one, the Technical Certificate after semester two and the Associate of Applied Science after semester four. Some courses have minimum score and/or prerequisite requirements prior to enrollment.

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Associate of Applied Science degrees are NOT designed for transfer.

Franklin University to complete a Bachelor of Science.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
ASU to complete Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Supervision
UA Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Applied Science
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Business Management

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Business Management
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Certificate of Proficiency and Technical Certificate in Business Management, which is embedded into the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, provides students with entry-level management skills. Students completing the Certificate of Proficiency will have basic knowledge of general management. Students completing the Technical Certificate will have a working knowledge of management concepts and practices and graduates will be ready for immediate employment after one year of study. Associate of Applied Science in Business Management is designed for students who seek occupational, technical, and vocational skills primarily for employment or advancement.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is designed for students to earn the Technical Certificate after semester two and the Associate of Science after semester four. Some courses have minimum score and/or prerequisite requirements prior to enrollment.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Franklin University to complete a Bachelor of Science.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
UA Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Applied Science
ASU Jonesboro to complete Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Supervision
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or University.

Child Development

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Child Development
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: Students completing the Child Development program are likely to find employment in schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions performing tasks such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play of young children.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This certificate is a 120 contact hour program based on the educational requirements preparatory to the Child Development Associate (CDA) program governed by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. The courses cover positive ways to advance children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development, planning safe, healthy learning environments, strategies to establish productive relationships with families, managing effective program operations, principles of child growth and development, and observing and recording children’s behavior. Students may choose to pursue CDA credentialing through the Council following completion of the coursework, demonstrating competence in a licensed childcare program and being observed by an advisor in this setting, completing a professional portfolio, parent opinion questionnaires, and applying to complete a written and oral assessment administered by the council.

Digital Media & Marketing

Degree: Technical Certificate - Digital Media & Marketing
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Certificate of Proficiency and the Technical Certificate in Digital Media and Marketing are embedded into the Associate of Applied Science in the Digital Media and Marketing Degree. The Certificate of Proficiency provides graduates with a basic knowledge of general skills appropriate for the workplace. The Technical Certificate program prepares students for the workplace with skills in general business and more in-depth Social Media and Advertising skills. The Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media and Marketing is designed for students who seek occupational, technical, and vocational skills primarily for employment or advancement.

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Associate of Applied Science degrees are NOT designed for transfer.

Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
ASU Jonesboro to complete Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Supervision
UA Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Applied Science
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Gainful Employment Information

Technical Certificates

Accounting

Degree: Technical Certificate - Accounting
Degree Plan

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Associate of Applied Science degrees are NOT designed for transfer.

Franklin University to complete a Bachelor of Science.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
ASU to complete Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Supervision
UA Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Applied Science
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Gainful Employment Information

Agriculture

Degree: Technical Certificate - Agriculture
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Agriculture prepares students for entry-level work in the field of agriculture with emphasis placed on owning and operating your own farm/ranch operation.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is designed for students to earn the Technical Certificate after two semesters of study.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

If planning to transfer to an institution, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas College or University.

Gainful Employment Information

Agriculture Business

Degree: Technical Certificate - Agriculture Business
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Agriculture, which is embedded into the Associate of Science in Agriculture Business or the Associate of General Studies degree, prepares students for entry level work in the field of agriculture with emphasis placed on owning and operating your own farm/ranch operation. The Associate of Science degree prepares students to transfer to a four year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is designed for students to earn the Technical Certificate after semester two and the Associate of Science after semester four. Some courses have a minimum score and/or prerequisite requirements prior to enrollment.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Ag-Business major.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Agriculture Education

Degree: Technical Certificate - Agriculture Education
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Agriculture, which is embedded into the Associate of Science in Agriculture Education or the Associate of General Studies degree, prepares students for entry-level work in the field of agriculture with emphasis placed on owning and operating your own farm/ranch operation. The Associate of science degree prepares students to transfer to a four-year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Ag-Education major.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Agriculture Science

Degree: Technical Certificate - Agriculture Science
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Agriculture, which is embedded into the Associate of Science in Agriculture Science or Associate of General Studies degree, prepares students for entry level work in the field of agriculture with emphasis placed on owning and operating your own farm/ ranch operation. The Associate of Science degree prepares to transfer to a four year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is designed for students to earn the Technical Certificate after semester two and the Associate of Science after semester fours. Some courses have minimum score and/or prerequisite requirements prior to enrollment.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Ag-Education major.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Business Management

Degree: Technical Certificate - Business Management
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Business Management, which is embedded into the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, provides students with entry level management skills. Students completing the Technical Certificate will have a working knowledge of management concepts and practices and graduates will be ready for immediate employment after one year of study. Associate of Applied Science in Business Management is designed for students who seek occupational, technical, and vocational skills primarily for employment or advancement.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Franklin University to complete a Bachelor of Science.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
UA Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Applied Science
ASU Jonesboro to complete Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Supervision
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or University.

Criminal Justice

Degree: Technical Certificate - Criminal Justice
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: Students have the opportunity earn their certification as a dispatcher/jail and will be prepared for immediate employment inthese fields upon successful completion of the program.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: The Criminal Justice Technical Certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of Criminal Justice as a Dispatcher or Jailer.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

If planning to transfer to an institution, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or University.

Gainful Employment Information

Associate of Applied Science

General Business

Degree: Associate of Applied Science- Business Management
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Certificate of Proficiency and Technical Certificate in Business Management, which is embedded into the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, provides students with entry level management skills. Students completing the Certificate of Proficiency will have basic knowledge of general management. Students completing the Technical Certificate will have a working knowledge of management concepts and practices and graduates will be ready for immediate employment after one year of study. Associate of Applied Science in Business Management is designed for students who seek occupational, technical, and vocational skills primarily for employment or advancement.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Franklin University to complete a Bachelor of Science.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies
UA Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Applied Science
ASU Jonesboro to complete Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Supervision
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or University.

Associate of Science

Agriculture Business

Degree: Associate of Science- Agriculture Business
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Agriculture, which is embedded into the Associate of Science in Agriculture Business or the Associate of General Studies degree, prepares students for entry-level work in the field of agriculture with emphasis placed on owning and operating your own farm/ranch operation. The Associate of Science degree prepares students to transfer to a four-year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is designed for students to earn the Technical Certificate after semester two and the Associate of Science after semester four. Some courses have a minimum score and/or prerequisite requirements prior to enrollment.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Ag-Business major.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Agriculture Education

Degree: Associate of Science- Agriculture Education
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Agriculture, which is embedded into the Associate of Science in Agriculture Education or the Associate of General Studies degree, prepares students for entry level work in the field of agriculture with emphasis placed on owning and operating your own farm/ranch operation. The Associate of science degree prepares students to transfer to a four-year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Ag-Education major.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Agriculture Science

Degree: Associate of Science - Agriculture Science
Degree Plan

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Ag-Education major.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Business

Degree: Associate of Science - Business
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Associate of Science in Business Degree is designed to transfer and therefore completion of the degree alone does not qualify students for any specific career; however, completion of an associate degree will improve overall employability and will make students eligible for employment opportunities that require an associate level degree. This degree is suited for students who plan to pursue careers in Business related fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, Management, and Marketing.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This degree is designed for students preparing to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a baccalaureate degree in a business field identified by Arkansas' four-year institutions participating in the transfer agreement.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Arkansas State University at Jonesboro to complete Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Business Economics, Bachelor of Science in International Business, Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science in Management, or Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Arkansas Tech University to complete Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BUS1313 Directed Elective) or Bachelor of Professional Studies.
Henderson State University to complete Bachelor of Business Administration (BUS2023 Directed Elective)
Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia to complete Bachelor of Business Administration in Advertising and Public Relations, Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, or Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Texas A&M University - Texarkana to complete Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
University of Arkansas Little Rock to complete Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Business Information Systems, Human Resources Management or Management. All can be completed online.
University of Arkansas at Monticello to complete Bachelor of Business Administration (BUS1313 Directed Elective)
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to complete Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Central Arkansas to complete a Bachelor of Accounting, Business Administration, Economics - international Trade, Finance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Insurance and Risk Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Managment, Management, Management Information Systems, or Marketing.
Franklin University to complete a Bachelor of Science. Can be completed online.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Business--UA Fayetteville

Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This degree track is designed for students preparing to transfer to the Sam M. Walton College of Business at University of Arkansas Fayetteville to obtain a baccalaureate degree in a business field.

Visit the University of Arkansas Sam W. Walton College of Business here.

Criminal Justice

Degree: Associate of Science- Criminal Justice
Degree Plan

CAREER INFORMATION: The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is designed to transfer and therefore completion of the degree alone does not qualify students for any specific career; however, completion of an associate degree will improve overall employability and will make students eligible for employment opportunities that require an associate level degree. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice students are prepared for entry-level positions in a variety of careers within the Criminal Justice field.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program offers the first two years of general education and criminal justice coursework for a degree in Criminal Justice.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Arkansas State University (ASU) to complete Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (ASU courses fully online)
Arkansas State University (ASU) to complete Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (ASU courses fully online)
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability to any Arkansas college or university.

Natural Resources

Degree: Associate of Science - Natural Resources
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: The Associate of Science in Natural Resources degree is designed to transfer and therefore completion of the degree alone does not qualify students for any specific career; however, completion of an associate degree will improve overall employability and will make students eligible for employment opportunities that require an associate level degree. This degree is suited for students who plan to pursue careers in Forestry or Wildlife Management.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program offers the first two years of general and content specific courses to transfer to a four-year institution for degree completion.

TRANSFER OPTION:

University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
UA Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit Gainful Employment Information to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or University.

Professional Studies Faculty and Staff

Barbara Lacefield, Chair

Ashley Dougherty

Kay Cobb

Kelli Harris

Accreditation

The following business degrees are accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs:
AAS Accounting
AAS Administrative Assistant
AAS Business Management
AS Business
AS Agriculture Business

View results for student learning and business unit performance for select business programs. View retention and graduation data for business programs.