Apr 20, 2025  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Division of Business and Computer Information


Our Associate of Science transfer programs offer three options; A.S. in Business Administration, Option: Business Transfer (UA Walton College of Business), A.S. in Business Administration, Option: Computer Information Systems Transfer (UA Walton College of Business), and the A.S. in Business, General Transfer. The first two options meet the highest transfer standards, utilizing the same curriculum as the Walton College. The third program is designed around the state business core, which is largely used by the public four-year institutions in Arkansas, outside the University of Arkansas System.

Business Administration: General Transfer

The College offers this Associate of Science degree option in Business Administration for those students wishing to complete the first two years of the baccalaureate program at NWACC. This degree plan allows the student to complete the basic general education and pre-business degree program requirements. This degree also has the option to be earned entirely online. Students transferring should coordinate their plans with the institution they plan to transfer to and an NWACC academic advisor. This program is not designed for transfer to the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville.

Associate in Science

Business Administration: Walton College of Business Transfer(Business or Information Systems)

NWACC offers this Associate of Science degree option for those students wishing to complete the first two years of the baccalaureate program as offered by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in Business Administration. Students may begin this plan, achieve their A.S. Degree in Business from NWACC and then have a smoother transfer to the University of Arkansas, Walton College of Business.

This Associate of Science degree option in Business Administration transfers seamlessly to the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas with Junior Status. Courses should be completed in the required sequence along with completing prerequisites for courses. Students must still meet the GPA requirements of the UA Walton College of Business, to transfer. Current requirements are that a student must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Courses should be completed in the required sequence along with completing prerequisites for courses.

NWACC offers this Associate of Science degree option for those students wishing to complete the first two years of the baccalaureate program as offered by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in Business Information Systems. Students may begin this plan, achieve their A.S. Degree in Computer Information Systems from NWACC, and then have a smoother transfer to the University of Arkansas, Walton College of Business. Students must still meet the GPA requirements of the UA Walton College of Business, to transfer. Current requirements are that a student must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater.

Programs

Associate in Science

Business Management

NWACC offers a variety of progressive Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) options in business management. In our A.A. S. degree, we offer concentrations in Retail, Accounting Technology, Banking, Logistics, Entrepreneurship and General Business. These options are built around a common core of general education courses complemented by basic business and computer-based courses. Each option is then completed with courses that emphasize the specific area of concentration. These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). An advisory committee of area business representatives and business faculty continually evaluate the course content of each option. Adjustments are made to keep the content relevant to the needs of employers and employees in the area. The Business Department is continually trying to improve its efforts to measure the success of its graduates and programs. Currently students are evaluated via business feedback from our capstone internship program or through evaluation of the student’s portfolio prepared for an Entrepreneurship in Action. Our Academic Assurance plan includes Assessment of Student learning at three points during the curriculum to ensure that student cohorts are making significant academic progress toward our program outcomes. Remedial/developmental (zero level) courses must be used for placement purposes only and can’t be used to fulfill any degree or certificate requirement.

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

Technical Certificate

Computer Aided Design

A CAD designer is a technical specialist who commonly works under the direct supervision of a licensed architect, engineer, or as an independent design professional providing drafting and design services. The primary responsibility of a CAD designer is creating technical drawings as a member of a design team and providing vision for future applications of design technology. The CAD Designer may focus on single or multiple design disciplines that include preparation of construction documents, documenting engineering designs for manufacture, meeting with clients or customers, or implementing new technology training in the workplace. A successful CAD Designer will have a solid understanding of all CAD application methods and, at NWACC, our CAD program incorporates current application methods as part of our CAD instructional approach. In partnership with local businesses, we offer resources and training that are unique to our geographic area.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers a comprehensive series of CAD programs that include emphasis in Architectural Design, Civil Design and Mechanical Design to meet the educational needs of Northwest Arkansas area residents and employers. The significance of a diversified CAD program is derived from demand for dynamic technological training needs of the area.

Certificate programs are offered to students who wish to specialize in a particular design field or further an education beyond a 4-5 year university program. The NWACC certificate programs are intended to compliment university studies. Our staff of licensed and experienced design professionals teach all NWACC certificate program disciplines to ensure that students are prepared with the training needed for job advancement or transition into the workplace.

NWACC CAD students develop technical skills for design using the latest software and training methods. This training includes a solid base of mathematics, physical sciences, communication skills, and practical experience with modern equipment and applications. Employed CAD designers will find many opportunities to acquire the formal training needed to further advance in a present job or to prepare for another career.

An advisory committee works with NWACC to make the CAD program as relevant and up-to-date as possible. These civic-minded representatives of local business, industry, government, professional and public service agencies assist the College in the identification of needs and the development of new areas within our existing programs.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the result of community interest to have a diversified CAD program. Our state-of-the-art facilities utilize the latest AutoCAD software to prepare individuals interested in entry-level design positions. All CAD graduates can feel assured of excellent job opportunities after completion of our two-year A.A.S. options or certificate programs.

NOTES: Not all courses are available each semester; check course descriptions for prerequisite requirements. Honors courses will meet degree requirements where applicable. Fifteen credit hours must be earned at NWACC to graduate. Total Hours: 60-61.

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

Technical Certificate

Computer Information Systems

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems provides a curriculum that will help students update their technical skills for personal/professional use or earn a degree that will enable them to increase their job opportunities.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems offers students three different options: Information Management and Applications, Computer Programming, and Computer Networking. These options allow students to tailor their degree to the specific area in which they are interested.

With the assistance of area business representatives and computer information faculty, these options are built around a common core of general education and basic business and computer courses. These options, and the courses offered, are under continuous review by faculty and an advisory committee to ensure that NWACC is offering the computer skills that are in demand for today’s workforce. These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

Technical Certificate