U of A Online Learning Options Now Offered Via Tyson Foods Program

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Tyson Foods team members in Arkansas and beyond will soon have access to select online degree programs and workforce training from the University of Arkansas through a new partnership between the state’s flagship institution and Guild, a public benefit corporation designed to help companies provide educational and career opportunities for employees.

This is the second announcement this year by the U of A about new industry-education partnerships that offer pathways for Arkansans and others to use employer benefits to pay for higher education and career training.

In 2022 through a partnership with Guild, Tyson began offering its employees a tuition-free path to attain master’s, undergraduate and associate degrees; career certificates and literacy; and technology fundamentals from more than 35 universities and learning providers. Tyson covers 100% of tuition, books and fees for its team members. As of late June, the U of A is proud to provide select online learning options to Tyson employees through Guild.

“The University of Arkansas is thrilled to partner with Tyson and Guild to make it possible for team members in Arkansas and across the U.S. to access the transformative educational programs offered by our land-grant institution,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Building partnerships with Arkansas businesses is key to serving Arkansans and our nation.”  

The U of A announced in May a partnership with Guild that allows Walmart Inc. associates in Arkansas and across the country to use Walmart benefits through Live Better U, its educational benefits program run in partnership with Guild, to pay for U of A learning opportunities. Tyson, headquartered in Springdale about 11 miles from the U of A campus, now has a similar plan for its employees. 

“Building these partnerships is key to reaching learners employed by globally reaching businesses based in Arkansas like Tyson Foods and Walmart,” said Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education. “Education transforms lives and helps fuel economic growth in Arkansas.” 

Tyson team members will gain access to U of A training programs and three bachelor’s degree programs from the Sam M. Walton College of Business in supply chain management, human resources management and general business, as well as a master’s degree in supply chain management. They can also access a graduate certificate from the College of Engineering in Lean Six Sigma.

Walton College is ranked No. 1 in North America for undergraduate supply chain management programs and No. 2 in graduate supply chain programs by Gartner – a leading global supply chain research and advisory firm. The college is also accredited by AACSB, a global business education organization.

Tyson and Walmart employees will follow the same application process to qualify for acceptance into degree programs as do any other U of A student, Murphy said. 

“There are no special cohorts or rules for these potential students,” Murphy said. “They must meet the U of A application criteria. They will take the same courses, have the same instructors and obtain the same diplomas as any other students within those programs.”

A full list of online programs offered by the U of A are showcased on the University of Arkansas ONLINE website.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.