Students interested in pursuing teacher preparation programs are now able to transfer their credits from NorthWest Arkansas Community College to finish their degree at the University of Arkansas. 

The degree programs include Elementary Education B.S.E., Special Education B.S.E., Business Education and Family and Consumer Science Education.

"We are hoping to attract more students to the field of education, and this partnership will help take down some of the barriers that students find when transferring from one institution to another," said Jennifer Beasley, director of the Office of Teacher Education at the U of A.

The partnership between the two higher education institutions started last fall when U of A education professors met with Diana Johnson, associate vice president for learning at NWACC, and faculty. A transfer agreement was signed in spring 2020. 

"This partnership between NWACC and UA aligns with NWACC's vision of 'Positively changing the lives of those we serve,' Johnson said. "Providing a pathway for our students to pursue and earn a bachelor's degree is a key part of that vision."

About the College of Education and Health Professions: The College of Education and Health Professions offers advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities in service to the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. The college provides the education and experiences for a variety of professional roles, ranging from community mental health counselors to school teachers and leaders. Programs in adult and higher education, along with educational technology and sport management, offer a broad range of options. In addition to education-related opportunities, the college prepares nurses, speech-language pathologists, health educators and administrators, recreation professionals, rehabilitation counselors and human performance researchers.

About NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC): NWACC is an accredited, public two-year institution that serves and strengthens its surrounding communities by helping students maximize their potential and exceed expectations. With state-of-the-art facilities, NWACC provides excellent academic instruction, workforce training and personalized attention from highly respected faculty, staff and administrators. For more information about NWACC, visit www.nwacc.edu