Professional and Technical Programs
Professional and Technical Programs
The Division of Professional and Technical Programs advances the mission of UA Cossatot by identifying and aligning with current business and industry needs while providing high-quality instruction, facilities, and training equipment to develop a skilled, job-ready workforce. Our student population includes both Secondary Career Center students and post-secondary UA Cossatot students, creating a clear and structured pathway as learners transition from high school to college or directly into the workforce.
Business Programs
CAREER OPTIONS: The Certificate of Proficiency in Accounting gives students foundational accounting knowledge, while the Technical Certificate builds entry-level bookkeeping skills. Students who complete these programs gain a working understanding of the basic accounting cycle and learn how to maintain financial records using computer-based systems.
The Certificate of Proficiency and Technical Certificate in Business Management prepare students with entry-level management skills. The Certificate of Proficiency provides a basic understanding of general management principles, while the Technical Certificate expands this knowledge to include applied management concepts and practices, preparing graduates for immediate employment.
Certificates in Digital Media and Marketing introduce students to foundational marketing principles across various digital communication platforms.
The Associate of Applied Science in General Business is designed for students seeking occupational, technical, and vocational skills that support employment opportunities or career advancement.
PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program allows students to earn Certificates of Proficiency and Technical Certificates in Accounting, Business Management, and Digital Media Marketing, all of which are incorporated within the Associate of Applied Science in General Business degree. The degree includes three concentration areas designed to enhance students’ employability and career readiness. Some courses require minimum placement scores and/or prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment.
TRANSFER OPTIONS: Associate of Applied Science degrees are NOT designed for transfer.
CAREER OPTIONS: The Associate of Science in Business degree is designed for transfer, so completion of the program alone does not lead to a specific career path. However, earning an associate degree enhances overall employability and qualifies students for positions that require an associate-level credential. This degree is well-suited for students planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees and careers in business-related fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, Management, and Marketing.
PROGRAM INFORMATION: This degree prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in a business discipline identified through Arkansas transfer agreements with participating universities.
TRANSFER OPTIONS:
- Arkansas State University 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 (BUSI 10103 Directed Elective) or Bachelor of Professional Studies.
- Henderson State University to complete Bachelor of Business Administration (BUSI 20103 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, or Management. All can be completed online.
- University of Arkansas Monticello to complete Bachelor of Business Administration (BUSI 10103 Directed Elective)
- University of Arkansas 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.
- University of Arkansas Fort Smith: to complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
- University of Arkansas Grantham to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration (any concentration).
- Franklin University to complete a Bachelor of Science.
CAREER OPTIONS: The Associate of Science in Business degree is a transfer-focused program and, on its own, does not lead to a specific career pathway. However, completing an associate degree can enhance overall employability and qualify students for positions that require an associate-level credential. This program is ideal for students planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees and careers in business-related areas such as Accounting, Business Administration, Management, and Marketing.
PROGRAM INFORMATION: This degree track is designed for students who intend to transfer to the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, to complete a bachelor’s degree in a business discipline.
Visit the University of Arkansas Sam W. Walton College of Business here. Click here to review transfer information regarding this program.
Agriculture Programs
CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Agriculture prepares students for entry-level positions in the agricultural industry, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed to own and operate a farm or ranch. The Associate of Science degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is structured so that students may earn the Technical Certificate after the second semester and the Associate of Science degree after the fourth semester. Some courses require minimum placement scores and/or prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment.
TRANSFER OPTIONS:
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
- Associate of Science in Agriculture Education to Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Agricultural Education concentration.
- Associate of Science in Agriculture Business to Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Business with Management and Marketing concentration.
Arkansas State University Jonesboro to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Degree concentrations include Agricultural Studies, Animal Science, Agricultural Business, or Plant & Soil Science.
Southern Arkansas University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business.
CAREER OPTIONS: This degree is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in Forestry, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Conservation, or related fields within the natural sciences. It provides a strong foundation for entry into professional roles in conservation agencies, forest and land management organizations, wildlife preservation programs, and environmental consulting.
PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program provides the first two years of general education and discipline-specific coursework intended for transfer to a four-year institution. Upon completion, students are prepared to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Wildlife Management, or a closely related natural resources field.
TRANSFER OPTIONS:
- University of Arkansas Monticello to complete Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources or Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management.
- Arkansas Tech University to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
- University of Arkansas Fort Smith to complete Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
Technical Programs
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
This program combines the study of Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology allowing
students a broad area of study to increase employment opportunities.
CAREER OPTIONS:
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the fields of automotive
and diesel technology and encourage them to become entrepreneurs. The automotive and
diesel technical skills learned in this program are transferrable to aeronautical,
military, and engineering service fields. Students are strongly encouraged to complete
the Associate of Applied Science in General Technology.
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
This degree was co-designed with local manufacturers to ensure the curriculum is relevant
and up to date. While in the program, students will earn stackable credentials; Certificates
of Proficiency in Mechanical Devices, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Industrial Motor
Controls, Programmable Controls, and Welding will lead to Technical Certificates in
Industrial Technology and Industrial Electricity. All hours will apply toward the
Associate of Applied Science in General Technology degree. Students will gain the
skills needed to perform duties required in industrial maintenance settings. After
the successful completion of the Industrial Fundamentals course, which follows the
NCCER curriculum, students will have the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized
industry certification..
CAREER OPTIONS:
Industrial Technology provides students with the skills needed to perform general
duties required in entry-level maintenance or production jobs with greatly increased
employment opportunity. The skillsets learned in the Industrial Electricity may be
applied toward a career in industrial electricity or in support of a multi-craft degree.
Degree Plan
Cosmetology Application
PROGRAM INFORMATION: The Cosmetology program is designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical instruction required as a pre-requisite to qualify for licensure examination by the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology. Eligibility for the Cosmetology program requires either a high school diploma or GED. Enrollment is limited to full-time only; part-time enrollment is not permitted. Daily attendance is mandatory. Students must enroll in three consecutive semesters (including summer term). Eligible students are accepted on a first come/first serve basis. Special payment requirements and semester calendars exist. Students may transfer up to 600 clock hours from other cosmetology programs into the UA Cossatot program. Students lacking enough hours for program completion after three semesters of enrollment will be considered for an additional semester on a case-by-case basis, permitting seats are available. Additional hours will be charged a $10 per clock hour.
CAREER OPTIONS:
The primary purpose of this course is to train the student in the basic manipulative
skills, safety judgments, proper work habits, desirable attitudes, and appreciation
necessary for positions as a Cosmetologist. Students will be trained in hygiene and
sanitation (80 clock hours), related science (120 clock hours), physiotherapy, hairdressing
(1000 clock hours), manicuring (100 clock hours), aesthetics (100 clock hours), salesmanship
and shop management (50 clock hours), and shop deportment (50 clock hours).
PROFESSIONAL LICENSE REQUIREMENT NOTIFICATION:
UA Cossatot programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensures in Arkansas and may not meet education requirements for a license in another state. UA Cossatot makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure information is current, however, licensure regulations are frequently revised. In compliance with federal regulations, UA Cossatot has provided the following information about whether a student’s successful completion of our program enables or qualifies him/her to take professional licensing exams necessary to practice their chosen professional discipline in other states?
The provided tables indicate one of the following:
YES= the program does satisfy educational requirements for licensure in the given state
NO=the program does not satisfy educational requirements for licensure in the given state. Additional requirements are necessary.
Has Yet To be Determined= we have not yet determined if the program satisfies educational requirements in a particular state.
If you have questions about professional licensure requirements in your chosen field, you should discuss the issues with your program advisor or program director.
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
The goal of the Nail Technician/Manicure program is to provide students with the basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, proper work habits, and desirable attitudes necessary to qualify for licensure examination by the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology. Eligibility for the program requires either a high school diploma or GED. This program should be completed in one semester (600 clock hours). Enrollment is limited to full-time only; part-time enrollment is not permitted. Daily attendance is mandatory. Eligible students are accepted on a first come/first serve basis. Students lacking enough hours for program completion after one semester of enrollment will be considered for an additional semester on a case-by-case basis, permitting seats are available. Additional hours will be charged at $10 per clock hour.
The Esthetician program prepares students to enter the world of skin care by teaching the required skills for success in a competitive industry. Students will develop communication skills, professional behavior, and the core skills of working in or building a spa business. At the end of the 600-clock hour program, students will be qualified to take the licensure examination by the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology. Eligibility for the program requires either a high school diploma or GED. This program should be completed in one semester. Enrollment is limited to full-time only; part-time enrollment is not permitted. Daily attendance is mandatory. Eligible students are accepted on a first come/first serve basis. Students lacking enough hours for program completion after one semester of enrollment will be considered for an additional semester on a case-by-case basis, permitting seats are available. Additional hours will be charged at $10 per clock hour.
**The Nail Technician and Esthetician programs are only offered in the fall and spring semesters.
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
Students must complete a Technical Certificate in Welding Technology prior to entering
the Pipe Welding Certificate program. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum will be
used for instruction toward both NCCER accreditation and American Welding certification;
additional work experience may be necessary depending on the level of proficiency
in various forms of welding developed during instruction.
SMAW courses will teach students basic welding techniques in shielded metal arc welding, including cutting with oxyfuel equipment, electrode classification, and testing welds using destructive and non-destructive methods. Lab class provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge from theory-based classes to practical exercises. These courses cover the NCCER curriculum for Welding Level One.
The MIG (GMAW) course includes an in-depth study of the gas metal arc welding process. Students will learn the principles of a constant voltage power source and the mechanics and maintenance of the wire feeding system. Lab classes provide opportunities for students to practice short-circuiting transfer on stainless and mild steel and globular transfer with flux-cored wire feeding systems. The curriculum for this course is based on the NCCER guidelines
In the TIG (GTAW) course, students will use gas tungsten arc welding equipment to perform various welds in all positions. Lab class provides opportunities for students to practice GTAW. Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to test the NCCER Welding Level Two certification.
CAREER OPTIONS:
The Technical Certificates and Certificates of Proficiency focus on welding processes
designed to develop the skills necessary for entry into industrial and commercial
welding employment. Pipe Welding is an advanced welding program designed to prepare
graduates for employment in pipe welding related jobs and/or higher paying jobs in
general welding positions.
Technical Certificates at UAC are typically earned in under two years and are designed to provide students with the experience necessary to be prepared for a variety of entry-level opportunities upon completing their certificate program. For most courses, students also have the opportunity to transfer credits earned from their technical science program to another Arkansas college or university.
Certificates of Proficiency at UAC provide students with both the technical skills needed in their chosen area and the soft skills needed to acquire a job, maintain that job, and work safely in the workforce. Please note that Certificates of Proficiency are NOT eligible for Title IV/Pell grants and are one semester in duration. Each Certificate of Proficiency fits within one of the applied science programs listed above.