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The Social and Behavioral Sciences Division offers career ready Associate of Applied Science degrees in Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, and Paralegal Studies. These degree plans deliver the skills and experience necessary to successfully enter the workforce. In addition to the Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.), the Associate of Science Liberal Arts and Sciences (ASLAS), and the Associate of Arts (AA), we offer emphasis areas (advising plans) for the AA degree that include Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) and Global Studies. Certificates of Proficiency and Technical Certificates are available in Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, and Child Advocacy Studies. Program curriculum incorporates experiential learning and real world applications provide students with meaningful foundations in their chosen fields.
Child Advocacy Studies
The Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) is designed to develop students’ understanding of the various factors that lead to child maltreatment and the best practices for responding to incidents of child maltreatment. Students will learn to work effectively within the systems and institutions that respond to child maltreatment. Students completing the courses will be better equipped to carry out the work of various agencies and systems (healthcare, criminal justice, social services, education) as they advocate on the behalf of the needs of children as victims and survivors of child abuse. The CAST curriculum is approved by the Zero Abuse Project. Students may earn an Associate of Arts with a CAST Emphasis, a Certificate of Proficiency, or a Technical Certificate.
After earning the Certificate of Proficiency, the additional hours must be completed to earn a Technical Certificate.
Programs
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences
Certificate of Proficiency
Technical Certificate
Early Childhood Education
Education and Wellness Department
The Early Childhood Program is committed to providing excellent, research-based educational experiences and modeling best practices for all learners (including the young child and the adult learner).
The Early Childhood Program provides courses that allow students to:
- Acquire the lower-division early childhood and child development foundations needed for completion of the A.A.S. degree at NorthWest Arkansas Community College and employment in quality child care centers; Develop broad perspectives of the discipline by gaining an understanding of the underlying continuity of human development, understanding the relationship between child development and later development and success in life, and understanding the importance of the role of the early childhood professional in today’s society; Comprehend the value of critical thinking in analyzing current trends and issues impacting children and their families by developing a sociocultural view of child development, critically evaluating research as it pertains to children and their families, drawing sound conclusions from research in order to better inform their professional decisions; Communicate with colleagues, families, and the broader community about children’s issues.
- In addition, the A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Development is designed to meet the competencies required for the Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Credential which is required by Act 187 passed by the Arkansas Legislature during the 2009 session. This degree will allow a graduate to apply for the Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Credential from the Division of Early Care and Education of the Department of Human Services. It qualifies the graduate to serve as a lead teacher in a nonpublic school classroom or in a Head Start classroom while continuing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree from another institution of higher education. Student will also be qualified to serve as a para-professional in a public school pre-kindergarten classroom. NOTE: It will not allow the graduate to be the lead teacher in a public school pre- kindergarten classroom.
Child Development Associate Training
Child Development Associate Training, known as CDA Training is available at NWACC. The courses ensure that CDA candidates will be prepared for assessment by the CDA council for professional recognition, which is the national organization that awards CDA credentials to candidates.
The following sequence of courses provides preparation for assessment for the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). Students must be employed in an approved early childhood program and working at least 30 hours per week with children of the appropriate age for CDA credential sought.
Early Childhood Education Project (ECEP/ PDR)
In partnership with the University of Arkansas, the Early Childhood Program at NWACC offers a variety of early childhood workshops throughout the year. There is no fee to attend, but participants must be present for all hours in order to receive the certificate of completion. For more information about ECEP and/ or to request a training go to ecep.uark.edu Several ECEP workshops are embedded in credit courses, which means that students can earn PDR (formally TAPP) credit, as well as college credit.
Physical Education Activity Classes (PEAC)
Participation in physical education activity classes (PEAC) involves moderate to strenuous physical activity and some health risks. Students that have current or prior health issues should consult with a personal physician and bring a release from a medical doctor to the PEAC instructor. The NWACC Waiver of Liability Form will also be signed by all students participating in PEAC courses.
K-12 Teacher Education
We offer the Associate of Arts in Teaching. This degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a K-6 or Middle level Education degree. In addition to the A.A.T., the student must meet minimum requirements of transfer to the institution’s College of Education requirements.
For students who want to get a degree in other 7-12 content areas, K-12 Physical Education, K-12 Art or Music, 4-12 Business or Technology, the student will need to work with an advisor to get a plan that will transfer to their desired four year institution.
Classes offered are both online and face-to-face.
Programs
Associate of Applied Science
Certificate of Proficiency
Technical Certificate
Criminal Justice Program
The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Criminal Justice is considered appropriate for persons preparing for employment in many municipal, state and private police agencies as well as persons considering employment in local, state, federal, and private correctional facilities. While the Associate degree may be a stepping-stone for those students who plan to go on for a bachelor’s degree, it is designed as a standalone two-year terminal degree program. The objective of the degree program is to provide students with an understanding of the process by which justice is distributed in our society, the function and operation of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections) role of individuals in the allocation of justice.
The associate degree in criminal justice has four tracks: a law enforcement track, prevention and corrections track, forensic sciences track and a child advocacy track. Students may choose one of the four tracks as an area of emphasis by selecting the appropriate certificate.
NWACC will award six hours of credit for students who can demonstrate completion of training from Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA). Three hours will substitute for either Law Enforcement in Society or Criminal Procedures and three hours will apply toward Criminal Justice electives. Financial Aid Scholarships are available for CMJS majors.
NWACC, in partnership with the Criminal Justice Institute, is able to offer A.A.S. degrees in Crime Scene Investigation and Law Enforcement Administration to actively employed law enforcement personnel. Please contact the Criminal Justice Coordinator for details of these programs. CMJS 9983 and CMJS 9993 may be awarded at the discretion of the Criminal Justice Coordinator and the approval of the Division Dean as a general course substitution for a Criminal Justice Elective or Related
Elective to those students having taken other relevant courses (or substantial academic training courses) not listed on the degree plan. For more information about careers in the field of criminal justice or aspects of the criminal justice program, visit NWACC Criminal Justice.
Criminal Justice Certificates
Each Certificate requires eighteen credit hours within the specialized area of study and may be a part of an Associate of Applied Science degree or a stand-alone program of study.
Criminal Justice Institute
Under a Memorandum of Understanding, active duty law enforcement personnel may obtain Certificates and/or an A.A.S. degree in Crime Scene Investigation or Law Enforcement Administration by obtaining Criminal Justice hours through the Criminal Justice Institute and general education hours through NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Those students who are currently employed in law enforcement may obtain information regarding these programs by contacting the Criminal Justice Institute or by contacting the Criminal Justice department at criminaljustice@nwacc.edu.
Programs
Associate of Applied Science
Certificate of Proficiency
Technical Certificate
Paralegal Studies
This program is an American Bar Association approved paralegal program designed for paralegal professionals who assist attorneys in the research, investigation, document preparation, trial coordination, case management and writing responsibilities of a law firm, corporate legal department, or government law office or judicial agency. Students interested in the program need excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to accept responsibility and take direction, and an aptitude for organizing legal ideas and factual materials. As less than 30% of all paralegal programs have ABA approval status, this is a mark of distinction and shows that the program meets high standards in the areas of faculty, student achievement, curriculum and the overall student services of the college.
The NWACC program supports the general principles of ethical legal practice, professional responsibility, and the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers. Students receive extensive training in legal ethics, including the mandate that paralegals work only under the supervision of attorneys and are prohibited by law from giving legal advice to the public.
Programs
Associate of Applied Science
General Studies
Programs
Certificate of General Studies
Associate of General Studies
Teaching
Programs
Certificate of Proficiency
Technical Certificate
Associate of Arts in Teaching
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