Graduation Requirements

Regulations Applicable to All Baccalaureate Degrees

General Education

It is the mission of General Education to provide a foundation for sustained lifelong learning. The program is designed to help the student develop his/her abilities to reason critically, analyze objectively, think creatively, perceive assumptions, make judgments on the basis of values, construct arguments, use evidence, and communicate and observe effectively. General Education enhances the specific skills of reading, writing, computation, comprehension, listening, and speaking. The program instills an appreciation and understanding of the creative, intellectual, social, and scientific forces which shape history and guide lives.

Student Learning Outcomes

When General Education is successfully completed, the student should be prepared to:

• Communicate effectively in social, academic, and professional context using a variety of means, including written, oral, quantitative, and/or visual modes as appropriate to topic, audience, and discipline.
• Demonstrate critical thinking in evaluating all forms of persuasion and/or ideas, in formulating innovative strategies, and in solving problems.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diversity issues pertaining to race, ethnicity, and gender and will be capable of anticipating how their actions affect campus, local, and global communities.
• Work collaboratively to reach a common goal and will demonstrate the characteristics of productive citizens.

General Education Requirements

Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to the General Education program:

1. Courses from the major of a student will be counted for General Education elective credit only in the Communication, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and the American History/Government (Social Sciences) categories. When supportive requirements exist for a given major but are drawn from a discipline other than the major, they may be used to meet the general education requirements.
2. In addition to the courses in the major curriculum and its supportive requirements, a major may require specific courses within the General Education options.

Senior Credit Requirement

For any baccalaureate degree, a total of 40 semester hours must be earned in courses numbered at the 3000-4000 level. At least 20 hours in the major and at least 9 hours in the minor must be at the 3000-4000 level unless otherwise specified.

Residency Requirement

For a baccalaureate degree, candidates must have earned at least 30 semester hours in residence at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, 24 of which must be taken after attaining senior class standing, and a portion of which must be in the major and/or minor field. Special permission to deviate from the senior residence requirement may be granted in individual cases where a proposal has merit relative to the student’s academic objectives. Such requests must be presented in writing by the student to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and must have the approval of the student’s major advisor and the Academic Appeals Committee.

For an associate degree, at least 15 semester credit hours of the degree requirements must be fulfilled by credit earned from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Technical credit hours do not count toward the Associate of Arts degree or the Associate of Science degree.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students who wish to pursue a second baccalaureate degree must do the following.

• Satisfy all major and supportive requirements for the second degree as outlined in the catalog.
• Satisfy the residency requirement. If the first degree was awarded by UAM, the student will complete the remaining degree requirements in residence. If the first degree was NOT awarded by UAM, the student must complete a minimum of 30 hours in residence at UAM and meet the requirements of the degree sought.
• Satisfy all grade point average requirements.

Second Associate Degree

To earn two associate degrees (for example, an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science) concurrently, a student must fulfill all requirements for both degrees.

To be conferred a second associate degree subsequent to a first degree, a student must earn a minimum of 15 hours in residence at UAM in a discipline different from that of the first degree (for example, an Associate of Arts after earning an Associate of Science). All requirements for the second degree must be met. (Effective January 1, 2024)

Second Major

A student may complete a second major. All requirements for both majors must be fulfilled; course substitutions may be made at the Dean’s discretion. Students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree are not eligible to seek a second major except by earning a second, separate degree.

Graduation under a Particular Catalog

Students have a maximum of 6 years to graduate under the catalog in effect at the time of their original enrollment. Students have the following 3 options: (1) abiding by the requirements of the UAM catalog in effect at the time of their original enrollment, (2) abiding by a more current active UAM catalog, as long as they were enrolled at UAM during one or more terms in which the catalog was in effect, or (3) abiding by the most current catalog. Changes in academic programs or actions taken by authorities external to the University (e.g., accrediting agencies or state agencies) may make it necessary for a student to move to a more recent catalog.

The present catalog is in force from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023. Candidates for graduate degrees should refer to the graduate section of the catalog.

Grade Point Requirement for Graduation

A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required in: 1) major field, 2) minor field, and 3) overall. Some majors require all (or some) major courses to be completed with a minimum grade of “C.”

Advisement Report Requirement

Following completion of 70 hours and prior to the completion of 90 hours, baccalaureate students must have an advisement report on file in the Office of the Registrar. Students who have completed 90 or more hours must have a signed advisement report on file to register for the next semester. Students seeking an associate degree must file an advisement report between 35 and 45 hours. Students seeking technical certificates must file a Graduation Advisement Report in the final semester of study. Advisement Reports must include the signature of the student, advisor, academic dean and Registrar.

When a student applies for graduation, which occurs the semester before the intended graduation or in the final semester of study (technical certificate students), the student must meet with his/her advisor to complete and sign the Graduation Advisement Report. The signed report is then submitted to the Office of the Registrar. The signed report is used by the Registrar’s Office as a checklist to assist with the verification of the student’s graduation requirements.

Lack of knowledge or incorrect interpretation of University policies and regulations does not remove the student from the obligation to satisfy all requirements for a degree/certificate. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for completing a degree/certificate program. (See the Commencement section elsewhere in this section.)

Specific Degree Requirements

Associate Degrees

For information on the requirements for these degrees, please refer to the academic unit offering the associate degree of interest:

College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources - Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology, Associate of Science in Agriculture, Associate of Science in Land Surveying Technology, and Associate of Science in Natural Resource Management

School of Business - Associate of Science in Business Administration

School of Computer Information Systems - Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Associate of Applied Science in Crime Scene Investigation, Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Administration, and Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

Division of General Studies - Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science

School of Nursing - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

UAM College of Technology at McGehee - Associate of Applied Science in General Technology and Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

UAM College of Technology at Crossett - Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology, Associate of Applied Science in General Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Baccalaureate Degrees

Candidates for any baccalaureate degree must complete the following four requirements:

1. At least 120 hours of course work at or above the 1000-level in addition to any required courses below the 1000-level. At least 40 hours must be earned in courses numbered at the 3000-4000 level;
2. The General Education Program as listed elsewhere in this catalog;
3. A comprehensive major or a major of at least 30 hours and a minor of at least 18 hours.
4. The residency requirements as described elsewhere in this catalog.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree

Refer to the appropriate program section of the catalog for information on the majors:

B.A. Majors

Art
Communication
English
Health and Physical Education (non-licensure)
History
K-6 Elementary Education
Liberal Arts
Middle Childhood Education
Modern Languages
Music
Political Science

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) Degree

Refer to the Division of General Studies  section elsewhere in this catalog.

The Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) Degree

Refer to the School of Business  section elsewhere in this catalog.

B.B.A. Majors

Accounting
Business Administration

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) Degree

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) degree is designed to enhance interdisciplinary studies and allows for greater curricular flexibility for students who desire to pursue coursework in more than one area of interest. At the same time, it affords students the opportunity to make choices that are geared toward their particular goals and plans for employment or further study. This degree in itself leads to no specific licensure or certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in their chosen field should consult with an academic advisor in that area. The transcript and diploma for this degree reads “Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies” with no major, minor, or emphasis designation.

Refer to the Division of General Studies  elsewhere in this catalog.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree

Refer to the appropriate program section of the catalog for information on the majors:

B.S. Majors

Agriculture
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Information Systems
Criminal Justice
Education Studies
Exercise Science
Health and Physical Education
Land Surveying
Mathematics
Natural Resources Management
Natural Science
Psychology
Teaching and Learning

The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) Degree

Refer to the School of Arts and Humanities  section elsewhere in this catalog.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Degree

Refer to the School of Nursing  section elsewhere in this catalog.

The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Degree

Refer to the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences  section elsewhere in this catalog.

Other Degrees and Certificates

For information on the requirements for graduate degrees refer to the Graduate Programs section found elsewhere in this catalog.

For information on certificate requirements refer to the Colleges of Technology  section found elsewhere in this catalog.

Minors and Collaterals

Minor programs approved by the University are eligible under the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree programs. When approved by the major advisor and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, an individualized, interdisciplinary and/or collateral area of study of not less than 18 hours may be offered in lieu of a minor. Both minors and collaterals must include at least 9 hours of 3000-4000 level coursework.

An interdisciplinary international studies collateral can be designed in consultation with the student’s advisor and the academic dean for the major field. Courses such as the following might be included: International Business; General Geography; Conversational Spanish; French Civilization and Culture; history courses in Britain, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, East Asia, Russia, or Latin America; the English Seminar in Recent International Fiction; or the political science courses in International Relations, Middle East Politics, European Politics, Global Studies or Comparative Politics. Survey of World Literature I and II, Civilization I and II, Elementary French, and Elementary Spanish courses cannot be counted toward the requirements for a collateral. In every case, the courses planned for a collateral must show a good distribution among areas of study.

Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education

In compliance with State of Arkansas law, the University requires that each student pursuing a degree in a program leading to licensure as a teacher meet certain requirements for admission to the teacher education program. One of the requirements for admission to the teacher education program is the achievement of passing scores on all parts of the Praxis Core (reading, writing, and mathematics). Among the requirements for admission to the internship year, students must earn passing scores or meet the alternative assessment score on the appropriate Praxis content area examination in their teaching area. Prior to graduation students are required to have passing scores on the Praxis II, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), test. Specific admission requirements are available from the School of Education office located in Willard Hall on the Monticello campus.

Degree Requirements for Professional School Candidates (Veterinary, Medical, Dental, Law, Pharmacy, etc.)

Students who enter accredited professional programs before actually completing all degree requirements may be granted the baccalaureate degree under the following circumstances: students must have completed 93 hours of undergraduate course work including the state core curriculum of general education requirements, at least 12 hours at the 3000-4000 level, and at least 30 hours completed in residence at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. After completion of the course work at the accredited professional school deemed appropriate to satisfy all graduation requirements including those of a specific major, the student may then be awarded the degree upon request. Degrees will be awarded only for programs of study that are offered by the University at that time.

Graduation with Honors

The University recognizes graduates of baccalaureate degree programs who have excelled in their studies. At the baccalaureate degree level, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 to graduate cum laude. To graduate magna cum laude students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.70. The highest recognition is summa cum laude which requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.90.

To graduate with honors, baccalaureate students must have at least 60 hours in residence at UAM. Only 1000-level courses and above are used to compute the hours in residence and the grade point average.

Commencement

Credentials are conferred in May, June, August, and December. The official graduation date is 3 business days following the last examination of the semester or term.

Degree-seeking students must submit an online “Application for Graduation” with the Registrar’s Office by the twelfth week of classes in the semester they expect to graduate. Any applicant who submits an application beyond this deadline will not have their name appear in the Commencement program publication. Students who do not apply for graduation will not be conferred until an application has been received by the Registrar’s Office - If that application is received more than 10 days after graduation, they will not be conferred for that term and will need to submit a new application for the next term. When degree-seeking students apply for graduation, they must meet with their advisor to complete and sign the Graduation Advisement Report that is then submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Students seeking a technical certificate should contact their College of Technology Office of Student Services during the first 3 weeks of their final semester of study to complete and sign the Graduation Advisement Report (which is then submitted to the Office of the Registrar) and to complete the online “Application for Graduation.”

Commencement ceremonies for awarding degrees are conducted on the Monticello campus in May and December. Students completing a technical certificate at the end of the fall semester may choose to participate in the December ceremony.  The College of Technology campuses also host a separate commencement ceremony for awarding technical certificates in June.

Students must complete all degree requirements, including required exit examinations and/or all tests, for the master, baccalaureate, associate degree, or technical certificate in order to participate in the commencement. Requests for exceptions must be initiated by the student via the electronic form, “Request to Participate in Commencement Ceremony for Students not Graduating”. The student’s advisor and Dean of the academic unit under which the degree is housed will make their recommendations to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for approval. Students may only participate in one commencement ceremony for each degree or technical certificate earned. (See “Advisement Report Requirements” elsewhere in this section.)

Arkansas Core Curriculum

The Arkansas Board of Higher Education, by legislative direction, establishes at each public college and university a 35-hour general education core is fully contained within the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science in Land Surveying degree, and all baccalaureate degrees. This 35-credit block is fully transferable among Arkansas public institutions and will satisfy corresponding degree requirements at each institution.

The University maintains a current list of the 35-credit core from other Arkansas public institutions.

The University’s 35-hour general education core is listed below. It is fully contained within the General Education program required for all baccalaureate degrees, within the general education program for the Associate of Arts degree, and within the requirements for the Associate of Science in Land Surveying Technology degree.