Graduation Requirements

Associate of Applied Science degrees are offered in air conditioning and refrigeration with major areas of air conditioning and refrigeration and facilities management; automation technology; automotive service technology; business technology with major areas of business technology, banking, and human resource management; cardiovascular technology; computer information technology; general technology with major areas of emphasis of cosmetic science and collision repair; law enforcement; logistic management; health information technology; human services; medical assisting; occupational therapy assistant; paramedic/emergency medical services, physical therapist assistant; practical nursing; registered nursing; and welding. An Associate of General Studies degree is offered with a major of General Studies.

Technical certification is offered in air conditioning and refrigeration, air conditioning and refrigeration-facilities maintenance; automotive service technology, business technology, business technology-banking, collision repair technology, computer information technology, cosmetology, health information technology, health professions; industrial control systems, industrial electronics technology, law enforcement, practical nursing, and welding technology.

Proficiency certification is offered in automotive service, basic emergency medical services, computer information technology, construction technology, culinary arts, dispatcher telecommunications, jail standards, health sciences, law enforcement, logistics management, machinist operations, medical billing, medical coding, medical transcription, mobile applications, nursing assistant, office support specialist, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, and welding.

Students may graduate under the catalog in force when they first enroll in the University (no catalog prior to 2005-2006 may be selected), or any subsequent catalog, subject to the approval of the Chief Student Officer. Students should keep in mind that curricula change in order to maintain relevance, up-to-date knowledge, and in some cases, accreditation standards. The University reserves the right to make effective immediately any change in graduation requirements for students whose studies have not advanced beyond the level at which the change becomes operative.


Degree Audit and Application For Graduation

Candidates for graduation must complete a degree audit and an application for graduation. Students completing graduation requirements at the end of the fall semester must submit to the Office of Student Services an application for graduation and complete a degree audit in consultation with their advisor on or before the end of the eighth week of the previous spring semester. Students completing graduation requirements at the end of either the spring semester or the following summer sessions must submit an application for graduation and complete a degree audit in consultation with their advisor on or before the end of the eighth week of the previous fall semester.


Green Transcript

Upon graduation, students may earn a "Green" designation on their transcript by completing no less than 12 hours of coursework directly supporting their ability to apply environmental awareness and responsibility to their personal and professional daily life. Such coursework may include waste and energy management, environmental health, alternative technology, environmental law and regulation, general environmental awareness, and advocacy topics. Courses supporting a Green Transcript are identified with an icon following the course title in the curricula listings of the individual programs of study.


Financial Obligation

Before any transcript is issued, the student must have paid any debt owed the University.


Graduation Honors

Honors will be conferred upon candidates who at graduation have earned a minimum grade point average on all courses taken post-merger at Arkansas Tech as follows: Summa Cum Laude-3.900 - 4.000, Magna Cum Laude- 3.700 - 3.899, Cum Laude-3.500 - 3.699. Graduation honors will be determined by work taken at Arkansas Tech only. This policy is effective July 1, 2003 for the Ozark Campus. Previously enrolled students should contact the Office of the Student Services for clarification of the policy.


Commencement Participation

Participation in commencement is expected of all candidates for degrees.  Students who are unable to participate may officially petition the Chief Student Officer in writing for permission to have the degree awarded in absentia.

Students taking courses at other institutions must have official transcripts submitted to the Office of Student Services and have completed all degree requirements prior to the commencement ceremony to be allowed to participate.

Students who do not have a minimum grade point of 2.00 in the major and overall will not be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Academic regalia shall be worn by all graduates during the graduation ceremony. The academic regalia consists only of the cap and gown. Students may wear honor cords, pins, or stoles representative of university groups over their gown during the ceremony.  Decoration on caps is permitted.

Diplomas are mailed to graduates following commencement.


Requirements for Associate Degrees

The requirements for the associate degrees are outlined under each program of study. Associate programs include a general education component consisting of a minimum of 15 credit hours in English, mathematics, social sciences, and computer applications. In addition to the general education component, each program will require a technical component consisting of 45-56 hours. Students completing AAS degrees will have:

  • The ability to contribute and function in a collaborative environment.
  • The ability to identify, analyze and solve technical problems.
  • The ability to communicate effectively.
  • A recognition of the need for and ability to engage in lifelong learning
  • An ability to understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities.
  • A commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.
  • An ability to utilize and apply critical thinking skills.
  • An ability to apply knowledge and skills required to function in a specific technical discipline.
  • A commitment to apply environmental awareness and responsibility to personal and professional daily life.

Please refer to individual programs of study for specific requirements.

In addition to completing the necessary hours prescribed, candidates for associate of applied science degrees must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements
  1. A student must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours taken from Arkansas Tech University. Certain programs may have more rigorous standards due to, for example, accreditation standards or licensure requirements.
  2. No more than a total of 30 credit hours of correspondence, extension, military service, prior learning assessment, or credit by examination work may be applied as credit toward a degree.
  3. Refer to individual program of study pages for credit hour requirements.
  4. The cumulative grade point average must not be less than 2.00 and not more than 25 percent of the credit hours may carry the “D” grade. Students must have a 2.00 grade point in their major.
  5. No more than 50% of technical coursework may be transferred into a program.
  6. Only six hours of freshman English composition may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
  7. An official record of any correspondence or transfer work completed at another institution must be on file in the Office of Student Services prior to the end of the semester or term in which graduation is planned.
  8. No catalog prior to 2005-2006 may be selected.

Associate of General Studies

The associate of general studies degree provides students the flexibility to create a customized program of study designed to fulfill a unique career goal which is not available through any single technical certificate or associate of applied science degree currently offered at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus.

Students who earn this degree will take a core of general education course work and technical (or higher college level) course work recommended by an academic advisor in the Office of Student Services.

Students may utilize multiple disciplinary training options in a variety of technical fields. Certificate programs currently without a degree option and students who are taking industry requested specialized courses tailored to employer needs may utilize this pathway to a degree.

To view requirements for the Associate of General Studies degree, please access the General Studies programs of study page.


Certificates of Proficiency

To receive a Certificate of Proficiency, application must be made to the Office of Student Services. Students must be currently enrolled to request a Certificate of Proficiency be awarded.


Degree Completion for Returning Students

Technical course work taken after July 1, 2003 will be considered for application toward a degree, contingent upon the grade requirements for the major as well as overall GPA.

Technical course work taken prior to July 1, 2003 will be considered at the recommendation of program faculty.

Students returning to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree who have not yet earned a degree and meet requirements to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree by having previously taken all required technical course work and general education requirements either at Arkansas Tech University or an accepted accredited transfer institution may earn the Associate of Applied Science degree by successfully completing a minimum of 3 additional hours at an Arkansas Tech University campus.


Degree Completion for Transfer Students

To earn a degree, the student must complete at least 50% of technical course work at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. Transfer credit will not count toward the overall GPA.

Students returning to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree who have not yet earned a degree by having previously taken all required technical course work and general education requirements either at Arkansas Tech University or an accepted accredited transfer institution may earn the Associate of Applied Science degree by successfully completing a minimum of 3 additional hours at an Arkansas Tech University campus. No catalog prior to 2005-2006 may be selected.


Requirements for Additional Associate Degrees

A student may not receive multiple degrees within a semester for a single approved degree program.  Students wishing to earn multiple degrees in different degree programs within the same semester may do so by completing all degree requirements for each degree.

Students who have already received an associate degree may earn an additional associate degree if the following have been completed:  (a) all University catalog requirements for the second major field of study, (b) all applicable requirements specified under "Requirements for Associate Degrees" above.

Students who have already received a baccalaureate degree may earn an associate degree if the following have been completed: (a) all University catalog requirements for the major field of study, (b) applicable requirements specified under “Requirements for Associate Degrees”.

Students pursuing an associate of applied science degree must use the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus catalog in effect at the time they first enroll or any subsequent catalog. No catalog prior to 2005-2006 may be selected.


Assessment Program

Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is dedicated to providing a wide range of traditional and innovative academic programs and is committed to the advancement of student learning and continuous improvement of academic programs and university services. Assessment is at the core of continuous improvement, therefore, students are responsible for participating in state and institutional assessment activities.


General Education Requirements

The general education curriculum is designed to provide a foundation for knowledge common to educated people and to develop the capacity for an individual to expand that knowledge over his or her lifetime. Students who have completed the general education curriculum at Arkansas Tech University will be able to:

  • Communicate effectively
  • Think critically
  • Develop ethical perspectives
  • Apply scientific and quantitative reasoning
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the arts and humanities
  • Understand wellness concepts

To accomplish the above goals, Arkansas Tech requires the completion of the following general education curriculum. Students should refer to the curriculum in their major area of study for specific courses either recommended or required by the academic department to fulfill the general education requirements.

English - 6 hours
(See Course Descriptions for minimum grade requirements)

Three hours from one of the following:

ENGL 1013 Composition I
ENGL 1043 Honors Composition I

Three additional hours from one of the following:

ENGL 1023 Composition II
ENGL 1053 Honors Composition II

Mathematics - 3 hours
(See Course Descriptions for minimum grade requirements)

Three hours from one of the following:

MATH 1003 College Mathematics
MATH 1113 College Algebra
Any higher level mathematics course

Science - 8 hours
Complete a total of eight hours of science with laboratory from BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, PHSC, PHYS

US History or Government - 3 hours
Three hours from one of the following:

HIST 1903 Survey of American History
HIST 2003 United States History to 1877
HIST 2043 Honors United States History to 1877
HIST 2013 United States History since 1877
POLS 2003 American Government

Social Sciences, Fine Arts/Humanities, Speech Communications - 15 hours
(Complete one of the following 3 options):

Option 1:
Social Sciences - 6 hours
Fine Arts and Humanities - 6 hours
Speech Communications - 3 hours
Option 2:
Social Sciences - 6 hours
Fine Arts and Humanities - 9 hours
Option 3:
Social Sciences - 9 hours
Fine Arts and Humanities - 6 hours

Speech Communications
COMM 1003 Introduction to Communication
COMM 2003 Public Speaking
COMM 2173 Business and Professional Speaking

Social Sciences
(Students majoring in engineering may substitute up to six hours of upper level humanities, social sciences, mathematics, or science)

AGBU 2063 Principles of Agriculture Macroeconomics
AGBU 2073 Principles of Agriculture Microeconomics
AMST 2003 American Studies
ANTH 1213 Introduction to Anthropology
ANTH 2003 Cultural Anthropology
ECON 2003 Principles of Economics I
ECON 2013 Principles of Economics II
ECON 2103 Honors Principles of Economics I
GEOG 2013 Regional Geography of the World
HIST 1503 World History to 1500
HIST 1513 World History since 1500
HIST 1543 Honors World History to 1500
HIST 1903 Survey of American History
HIST 2003 United States History to 1877
HIST 2013 United States History since 1877
HIST 2043 Honors United States History to 1877
POLS 2003 American Government
PSY 2003 General Psychology
SOC 1003 Introductory Sociology

Fine Arts and Humanities
ART 2123 Experiencing Art
ENGL 2003 Introduction to World Literature
ENGL 2013 Introduction to American Literature
ENGL 2023 Honors World Literature
ENGL 2173 Introduction to Film
ENGL 2183 Honors Introduction to Film
JOUR 2173 Introduction to Film
MUS 2003 Introduction to Music
PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2043 Honors Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2053 Introduction to Critical Thinking
TH 2273 Introduction to Theatre


Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS)

Act 747 of 2011 establishes a statewide common course numbering system for postsecondary courses. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) meets this requirement. Before you register for ATU general education courses, please see the transfer table located in the "Admissions" section of this catalog to verify whether you have courses that are transferable.


Freshman Orientation

Beginning fall, 2012, students admitted as conditional-prep are required to take an orientation course during their first semester of enrollment (fall or spring).

This orientation class (OZRK 1001) is designed to introduce the beginning student to the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, its culture, and traditions, and will contain certain common topics. Important policies governing campus life will be explained, and campus resources will be identified. Topics covered in each course will answer many questions typical freshmen have, which will assist in the transition from a high school environment. Subject matter will include managing time, setting academic goals, exam preparation, study and note-taking skills, introduction to library resources, and choosing a program of study and career.


State Minimum Core

The courses that comprise Tech's general education curriculum also constitute the University's State Minimum Core, established in accordance with Act 98 of 1989, for implementation the fall semester of 1991. Act 98 requires colleges and universities to identify "a minimum core of courses which shall apply toward the general education core curriculum requirements for baccalaureate degrees at state supported institutions of higher education and which shall be fully transferable between state institutions."


Credit By Examination

Arkansas Tech University recognizes the rigor of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Programme (IB), and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Students who have scored accordingly on an AP, IB, or CLEP exam can earn credit toward graduation at Arkansas Tech University by receiving a qualifying score on the examinations. These credits can satisfy general education requirements.

Students who have already earned a grade in a course may not earn duplicate credit through advanced credit. Advanced credit is not used to calculate a student's grade point average, and therefore, cannot be used to retain scholarship awards.

AP, CLEP, and IB scores should be documented on your application for admission. Submit official score reports or readable copies embossed by your high school to the Office of Admissions. Students who have earned International Baccalaureate (IB) credit should submit their IB transcript for evaluation.

No more than a total of 30 semester hours of correspondence, extension, military service, or credit by examination work may be applied as credit towards a degree.

IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma

Students who successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with a minimum score of four on each examination, will be granted 24 semester credit hours of undergraduate general education courses. ATU may grant fewer than 24 semester credit hours if the student received a score of less than four on an examination administered as part of the IB Diploma Programme.

Following are the IB examinations that Tech will accept, the corresponding qualifying score, and credit awarded.

IB Examination

Qualifying
Score

Credit Awarded
Biology/Standard 4 w/diploma BIOL 1014 Introduction to Biological Science
Biology/Higher  4 BIOL 1014 Introduction to Biological Science or
BIOL 1114 Principles of Biology
Chemistry/Standard 4 w/diploma CHEM 2124 General Chemistry I
Chemistry/Higher  4 CHEM 2124 General Chemistry I &
CHEM 2134 General Chemistry II
Computer Science/Standard 4 w/diploma COMS 2104 Foundations of Computer Programming I
Computer Science/Higher  4 COMS 2104 Foundations of Computer Programming I
Economics/Standard 4 w/diploma
ECON 2003 Principles of Economics I
Economics/Higher 4 ECON 2003 Principles of Economics I &
ECON 2013 Principles of Economics II
English/Standard 4 w/diploma ENGL 1013 Composition I
English/Higher 4 ENGL 1013 Composition I &
ENGL 1023 Composition II
Environmental Systems/Higher 4 BIOL 1004 Principles of Environmental Science
Film Studies/Higher 4 ENGL 2173 Introduction to Film or
JOUR 2173 Introduction to Film
Geography/Standard 4 w/diploma GEOG 2013 Regional Geography of the World
Geography/Higher 4 GEOG 2013 Regional Geography of the World
History/Standard (U.S.) 4 w/diploma HIST 2003 US History I
History/Higher (U.S.) 4 HIST 2003 US History I &
HIST 2013 US History II
History/Standard (World) 4 w/diploma HIST 1503 World History to 1500
History/Higher (World) 4 HIST 1503 World History to 1500 &
HIST 1513 World History since 1500
Japanese: Language A or B/Standard 4 w/diploma JPN 1013 Beginning Japanese I
Japanese: Language A or B/Standard 5 w/diploma JPN 1013 Beginning Japanese I &
JPN 1023 Beginning Japanese II
Japanese: Language A or B/Higher 4 JPN 1013 Beginning Japanese I&
JPN 1023 Beginning Japanese II
Japanese: Language A or B/Higher 5 JPN 1013 Beginning Japanese I,
JPN 1023 Beginning Japanese II,
JPN 2013 Intermediate Japanese I &
JPN 2023 Intermediate Japanese II
Math Studies/Standard 4 w/diploma MATH 1113 College Algebra
Math Studies/Higher 4 MATH 1203 Plane Trigonometry
Math/Standard 4 w/diploma MATH 1203 Plane Trigonometry
Math/Higher MATH 2914 Calculus I
Math/Higher 5 MATH 2914 Calculus I &
MATH 2924 Calculus II
Music/Standard 4 w/diploma MUS 1713 Theory I
Music/Higher  4 MUS 1713 Theory I
Music/Higher  5 MUS 1713 Theory I &
MUS 1723 Theory II
Philosophy/Standard 4 w/diploma PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy/Higher 4 PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
Physics/Standard 4 w/diploma PHYS 2014 Physical Principles I
Physics/Higher 4 PHYS 2014 Physical Principles I &
PHYS 2024 Physical Principles II
Psychology/Standard 4 w/diploma  PSY 2003 General Psychology
Psychology/Higher  4 PSY 2003 General Psychology
Social and Cultural Anthropology/ Standard 4 w/diploma ANTH 1213 Introduction to Anthropology
Social and Cultural Anthropology/
Higher
4 ANTH 2003 Cultural Anthropology
Spanish: Language A or B/Standard 4 w/diploma SPAN 1013 Beginning Spanish I

Spanish: Language A or B/Standard
5 w/diploma SPAN 1013 Beginning Spanish I &
SPAN 1023 Beginning Spanish II
Spanish: Language A or B/Higher  4 SPAN 1013 Beginning Spanish I &
SPAN 1023 Beginning Spanish II
Spanish: Language A or B/Higher 5 SPAN 1013 Beginning Spanish I,
SPAN 1023 Beginning Spanish II,
SPAN 2013 Intermediate Spanish I &
SPAN 2023 Intermediate Spanish II
Theater Arts/Standard 4 w/diploma TH 2273 Introduction to Theatre
Theater Arts/Higher  4 TH 2273 Introduction to Theatre
Visual Arts/Standard  4 w/diploma
 ART 2123 Experiencing Art
Visual Arts/Higher  4
ART 2123 Experiencing Art

AP (Advanced Placement) Program


High school students who participated in The College Board’s AP Program may receive college credit by attaining Tech’s AP qualifying score. Credit earned through AP may satisfy general education requirements. Following are the AP examinations that Tech will accept, the corresponding qualifying score required, and credit awarded.

AP Examination Qualifying
Score
Credit Awarded
 Art History  ART 2123 Experiencing Art  
Biology 3 BIOL 1014 Introduction to Biological Science
Biology  4 BIOL 1114 Principles of Biology
Calculus AB  3 MATH 2914 Calculus I
Calculus BC  3 MATH 2914 Calculus I &
MATH 2924 Calculus II
Chemistry  3 CHEM 1113 A Survey of Chemistry,
CHEM 1111 Survey of Chemistry Laboratory &
CHEM 2204 Organic Physiological Chemistry or
CHEM 2124 General Chemistry I &
CHEM 2134 General Chemistry II
Chinese Language & Culture  3 CHIN 2013 Intermediate Chinese I
Computer Science A  3 COMS 2104 Foundations/Computer Programming I

Computer Science A
 4 COMS 2104 Foundations/Computer Programming I &
COMS 2203 Foundations/Computer Programming II
English Lang/Comp or Lit/Comp  3  ENGL 1013 Composition I
English Lang/Comp or Lit/Comp  4 ENGL 1013 Composition I &
ENGL 1023 Composition II
Environmental Science 3 BIOL 1004 Principles of Environmental Science,
ENVS 1004 Principles of Environmental Science or
PHSC 1004 Principles of Environmental Science
French Language 3  FR 2013 Intermediate French I
German Language 3 GER 2013 Intermediate German I
Government & Politics: Comparative  4 POLS 2403 Comparative Government
Government & Politics: US 3 POLS 2003 American Government
Human Geography 3 GEOG 2023 Human Geography
Japanese Language & Culture 3 JPN 2013 Intermediate Japanese I
Macroeconomics 3 ECON 2003 Principles of Economics I
Music Theory 3 MUS 2003 Introduction to Music
Physics B 3 PHYS 2014 Physical Principles I &
PHYS 2024 Physical Principles II
Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 3 PHYS 2024 Physical Principles II
Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 4 PHYS 2124 General Physics II
Physics C: Mechanics 3 PHYS 2014 Physical Principles I
Physics C: Mechanics 4 PHYS 2114 General Physics I
Physics 1  3 PHYS 2014 Physical Principles I
Physics 2 3 PHYS 2024 Physical Principles II
Psychology  3  PSY 2003 General Psychology
Spanish Language 3  SPAN 2013 Intermediate Spanish I
Spanish Literature 4 SPAN 4213 Spanish Literature
Statistics  3  MATH 2163 Introduction to Statistical Methods
Studio Art Design 2-D  4 ART 1403 Two-dimensional Design
Studio Art Drawing  4 ART 1303 Introduction to Drawing
United States/American History 3 HIST 2003 United States History to 1877 &
HIST 2013 United States History since 1877
World History 3 HIST 1503 World History to 1500 &
HIST 1513 World History since 1500

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP allows students to earn credit toward graduation by attaining Tech’s qualifying score on either the general and/or subject examinations. Credit earned through CLEP may satisfy general education requirements. No more than one subject examination may be taken in a particular departmental area, and students must have prior approval from the department in which they are majoring to count the hours toward graduation.

It is recommended that an ACT sub-score of 24 or above or an SAT sub-score of 500 or above be used as a guideline for attempting to earn credit through CLEP. Following are the CLEP examinations that Tech will accept, the corresponding qualifying score required, and credit awarded.

CLEP Examination Qualifying
Score
Credit Awarded

American Government
 50 POLS 2003 American Government
American Literature  50
 ENGL 2013 Introduction to American Literature
Biology 50 BIOL 1014 Introduction to Biological Science or
BIOL 1114 Principles of Biology
Calculus 50 MATH 2914 Calculus I
Chemistry 50 CHEM 2124 General Chemistry I
Chemistry 55 CHEM 2124 General Chemistry I &
CHEM 2134 General Chemistry II
College Algebra  50 MATH 1113 College Algebra
College Mathematics 50 MATH 1003 College Mathematics
College Composition 50 ENGL 1013 Composition I
College Composition 59 ENGL 1013 Composition I &
ENGL 1023 Composition II
College Composition Modular 50  ENGL 1013 Composition I
College Composition Modular 59 ENGL 1013 Composition I &
ENGL 1023 Composition II
English Literature 50 ENGL 3413 British Literature to 1800
English Literature 55 ENGL 3413 British Literature to 1800 &
ENGL 3423 British Literature since 1800
French Language 42 FR 1013 Beginning French I
French Language  50  FR 1013 Beginning French I & FR 1023 Beginning French II
German Language 43 GER 1013 Beginning German I
German Language 55 GER 1013 Beginning German I &
GER 1023 Beginning German II
History of the United States I 50 HIST 2003 United States History to 1877
History of the United States II 50 HIST 2013 United States History since 1877
Human Growth & Development 50 PSY 3813 Lifespan Development
Humanities 50 HUM 2003 Topics in Arts and Humanities
Information Systems & Computer Applications 52 COMS 1003 Introduction to Computer Based Systems
Natural Sciences 56 BIOL 1014 Introduction to Biological Science,
PHSC 1013 Introduction to Physical Science, &
PHSC 1021 Physical Science Laboratory
Precalculus 50 MATH 1914 Precalculus
Principles of Macroeconomics 50 ECON 2003 Principles of Economics I
Psychology, Introductory 50 PSY 2003 General Psychology
Social Sciences & History 50 HIST 1503 World History to 1500
Social Sciences & History 56 HIST 1503 World History to 1500 &
HIST 1513 World History since 1500
Sociology, Introductory 50 SOC 1003 Introductory Sociology
Spanish Language 45 SPAN 1013 Beginning Spanish I
Spanish Language 55 SPAN 1013 Beginning Spanish I &
SPAN 1023 Beginning Spanish II

Institutional Credit

Computer Science

Students with previous computer experience may petition the Department of Computer and Information Science for credit for COMS 1003 Introduction to Computer Based Systems. Petitioners will be given written and/or oral examinations by a computer science faculty member.

Challenge Subject Examinations

Students who have had extensive experience in health care and industrial settings may elect to attempt to earn credit through an institutional challenge examination in:

AHS 2013 Medical Terminology

Prior Learning Assessment

The term "Prior Learning Assessment" (PLA) is the process by which an individual's experiential and extra institutional learning is assessed and evaluated for purposes of granting college credit.  Supporting documentation that demonstrates learning outcomes, competencies, and professional skills gained through prior learning must be submitted.

Students may be awarded a maximum of 24 semester credit hours for prior learning not to exceed 50% of the technical coursework required for a technical certificate or associate degree.  No more than a total of 30 semester hours of correspondence, extension, military service, prior learning assessment, or credit by examination work may be applied as credit towards a degree. 

Not all programs provide the PLA credit option. 

Eligibility

A student must be admitted and attending an Arkansas Tech-Ozark certificate or associate degree seeking program to be eligible to apply for PLA credit.

Application

An application form must be completed and approved to petition for PLA credit. Application for PLA and listing of current approved credit is available on the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus website.


Internships

Arkansas Tech University endorses the internship approach to learning and has adopted university-wide guidelines. This approach can help students understand the reality of certain careers and supplement academic instruction with practical, realistic implementation in a work environment. Academic credit can be earned for internships in several degree programs. Please see individual programs for availability of specific degree credit.