School Details
Arkansas State University is a 4-year, public institution invested in student success. Developed from an agricultural school offering horticulture and the art of textile manufacturing, ASU now provides prospective students with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees through its various colleges.
Arkansas State University online offers coursework in an accelerated online format, with flexible schedules and multiple start dates. Earn your degree in arts and sciences, education and management, or certifications in leadership.
An online perspective:
- 100% online coursework
- Diverse perspectives, students from all around the country
- Same resources and support as on-campus
- Flexible and convenient for working professionals, with pliable internship options for graduate programs
Accreditation & Licensing
Arkansas State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
With multiple start dates every year and flexible learning, Arkansas State offers an online Associate in General Studies. Classes run in accelerated 7-week blocks and apart from general education classes, you can choose electives that mesh with your interests and educational goals. You can use this degree to gain a foothold on an entry-level career position, or as a stepping stone to your bachelor’s degree.
Arkansas State University, or A-State Online, offers a BA in Political Science that can be earned entirely through distance learning. The courses within this program can give you sure-footing towards a law, political or public service career. Writing and research play a role in this BA degree, preparing you for law school if that is in your career sights. You can also pair up this program with other online degrees for a double major in criminology, communication or sociology. Coursework entails:
- American political theory
- American constitutional law
- European political systems
The online BS in Creative Media offered by Arkansas State University hosts an emphasis in Corporate Media. Through accelerated coursework in A-State Online, you can learn to create internal and external corporate media pieces that can be used for training, advertising, marketing, or other purposes. Aside from artistic coursework in film, editing, and writing, you will gain a foundation in pertinent business disciplines such as finance, client relationships, and budgeting. This emphasis includes coursework such as:
- Video production
- Experiential media
- Audio production
Centered around the appeal of graphics and interactive media, Arkansas State University offers an online BS in Digital Innovation with a concentration in Graphic Communications. Through A-State Online, you can earn this degree entirely through distance learning. Coursework involves multimedia forms of communication, including print work. Students will blend computer science, graphic design and printing knowledge to acquire a solid foundation in multimedia production and create a portfolio. Classes are likely to include:
- Digital prepress workflow
- Desktop publishing and publication design
- Digital media and design
If you want to pursue a career in marketing or public relations and put yourself ahead of the competition, consider this online BS in Digital Innovation with a concentration in Strategic Communications. This 100% online degree teaches students how to use technology in creating clear, effective communication to give organizations a strategic advantage in marketing. Using multimedia, web-development and other design tools, you can combine your technical and creative skills to become a product manager, advertising specialist, social media manager or graphic designer, just to name a few. This unique degree can jumpstart your career with classes such as:
- Social media in strategic communications
- Computer-mediated communication
- Integrated marketing communications
The BS in General Studies offered by Arkansas State University can be earned completely online. In fact, this program is designed for working professionals to squeeze in their bachelor’s degree between outside obligations. If you have prior college-level coursework, or not, you can be assured that this degree will give you the flexibility you need. Classes involve communication, social science, life science, math requirements for a well-rounded education. Other classes can be tailored to your professional goals and interests. What’s more, is that A-State Online offers several start dates throughout the year, so you can start your degree when you’re ready.
Advance your career opportunities by enrolling in an online program today!
Business
Continue working while you further your education and prepare for leadership roles with Arkansas State University’s flexible online BAS in Organizational Supervision. Skills and knowledge gained from this program can be applied to supervisory positions in nearly any field. Students have the ability to customize the curriculum to fit their interests and career objectives by choosing electives from areas including healthcare management, conflict resolution, industrial safety, social impact management, and much more.
Students in this organizational leadership degree online gain competencies in topics such as:
- Organizational behavior
- Human resource management
- Interpersonal communications
- Critical thinking
- Leadership and management
The online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies opens up a wide variety of career options by giving students skills they need to succeed in almost any career path. Courses expand students’ knowledge of how people and organizations share, interpret, and understand information, deepening their ability to be heard and understood by their audience in a variety of situations. Communication theory and experiential learning are combined to make students effective interpersonal, professional, and organizational communicators.
Focus on your future with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration online from Arkansas State University. Whether you want to change your career path or advance into leadership positions from your current role, this degree prepares you for a wide range of career possibilities in business, finance, and marketing.
Coursework in the BSBA program explores every major sector of business activity, and assignments encourage creative thinking to solve problems. Students learn about topics ranging from accounting and operations management to marketing and business communications.
This Business Administration degree online includes studies of:
- Investments
- Leadership
- Consumer behavior
- Government regulations in business
- Financial institutions and markets
The online Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications with an emphasis in Social Media Management develops communication industry professionals with a strong focus on social media, turning the students’ interests in the communications field into career opportunities. Courses teach the fundamentals of strategic communications with an in-depth study on social media, social media measurement, and case studies in a flexible online program. Graduates are prepared to become both Google Analytics Certified and Hootsuite™ Certified, as well as being ready to take on positions managing and improving online impact for almost any company.
The online Certificate in Corporate Media from Arkansas State University helps students become video experts for their business or organization. Students in this program work directly with businesses and nonprofits to create effective video content to achieve their goals. Graduates will have increased expertise in shot composition, video graphics, relevant software, and more.
This online communication program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working adults. Coursework is accelerated, and multiple start dates are offered per year.
The online Certificate in Leadership Management prepares students to advance by helping them understand and develop competencies which will strengthen their own unique leadership style. Courses focus on communication and learning styles, giving students the tools to help implement organizational strategies and management of work projects while also teaching productive group participation skills. Graduates understand the principles of service learning in promoting personal growth and civic responsibility and have studied ethical decision-making.
Advance your career opportunities by enrolling in an online program today!
The online Certificate in Social Media Management prepares students to develop, implement, and manage communications strategies that employ digital advertising campaigns, social media components, and more. Courses promote problem solving, strong communication skills, and professional conduct and integrity, and give students the tools to measure the effectiveness of online advertising campaigns while constructing multimedia content for social media sites to achieve organizational strategic communication goals. Graduates will become certified in Google AdWords and HootSuite™.
The online Master of Public Administration enhances the careers of law enforcement and public-sector professionals as well as nonprofit leaders in order to affordably achieve management-, director-, or executive-level positions. Students are able to focus their studies on the specifics of management within tracks including Public Management and Nonprofit Management.
Courses focus on the skills required for effective administration, from managing people and money to resources and programs, while developing dispositions, knowledge, and skills for rigorous problem analysis and successful collaboration leading to comprehensive solutions. Graduates understand administrative methods associated with revenues, expenditures, and fiscal control of public organizations or nonprofit organizations and are skilled in the use of clear communication and ethical and effective management techniques.
The online Master of Science in Media Management combines an essential foundation in media communications with the knowledge and skills specific to each student’s goals, depending on the area of emphasis the student chooses. Focusing on interpersonal and group communication in mass media and online environments, graduates can pursue careers in journalism, advertising, public relations, sales, or non-profit organizations.
The three tracks to choose from are:
- Mass Media Management
- Digital Media Management
- Public Administration
The online Master of Science in Sport Administration trains sports managers to design, implement, and evaluate sports programs, strengthen athletic team rosters, improve organization efficiency, and maximize profits for professional teams and secondary and collegiate athletic departments. Courses also prepare students for upper management positions in parks, recreation, and leisure, as well as positions in industry segments such as sports marketing and sales, athletics administration, facility management, and fiscal management in a variety of organizations. Graduates have the credentials and connections that provide an edge over the competition in the job market.
The master’s degree in Strategic Communications gives you the tools you need to influence and promote an organization’s mission through communication. The broad-reaching applications of this degree help make you a valuable asset in virtually any business environment.
Coursework is writing intensive. Assignments are designed to further develop your critical thinking, analytical, and practical skills, so that you are prepared to create and implement solutions for your future employer. Upon graduation of this online communication degree, you will also earn a certification in Hootsuite.
Core communication skills gained through this program include:
- Quantitative research methods
- Audience market analysis
- Advertising account management
- Strategic communication management
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
You can train to support your community with the Associate of Applied Science in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management from Arkansas State University. The online emergency management degree offers courses in such subjects as:
- Incident management
- Hazardous materials containment
- Pandemic planning and preparedness
- Global perspectives in disaster preparedness
Through the online emergency management associate’s degree program, you earn an interdisciplinary education to qualify for a broad range of careers. Your online studies also cover coursework in planning, mitigation, response, and recovery.
You can prepare for work in public service with the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Arkansas State University. The online criminal justice degree addresses such topics as:
- Negotiation
- Criminal law
- Relationship-building
- Social research methodology
Through the online criminology bachelor’s degree program, you learn how inequalities and social forces intersect. Graduates have the knowledge and tools to reduce crime before it starts.
You can become a leader in your community with the Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management from Arkansas State University. The online emergency management degree prepares you for such roles as:
- Safety specialist
- Public information officer
- Disaster recovery manager
- Emergency services manager
Through the online emergency management bachelor’s degree program, you study the social, economic, and cultural factors important in disaster response. Graduates develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and risk assessment.
You can gain the skills to protect your community with the Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management from Arkansas State University. The online emergency management degree provides a timely and relevant education to support small or large communities from natural disasters.
Through the online emergency management master’s degree program, you learn to mitigate, oversee, and prevent crises. Graduates understand the legal, fiscal, and political contexts of such disasters and find success in such roles as:
- Safety specialist
- Disaster recovery manager
- Nuclear emergency planner
- Environmental health and safety manager
Education
For those seeking curriculum leadership positions, the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Curriculum Director can take you there. This online curriculum and instruction graduate program offers an accessible online education for those with a master’s degree working as a teacher or administrator.
Students prepare to manage instructional materials at the school or district level as curriculum directors. They train for the development and evaluation of education programs as well as textbooks, teacher development, and classroom technology.
The rigorous online curriculum and instruction coursework covers research and data, curriculum design, administrative logistics, ethics, and professional behavior from a curriculum director’s perspective. Topics of study include:
- Ethical leadership
- School law
- School and community relations
- Administration and supervision of special education
The Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Gifted & Talented Director imparts a deeper understanding of the unique needs of gifted and talented students. Graduates leave with increased proficiency in teaching gifted students.
This online gifted program enables you to direct the continuous improvement of gifted student programs. Courses also teach the management of such programs. Students develop the skills to lead staff in the detection, selection, placement, and progression of gifted children.
Candidates for this gifted and special education program must have a master’s degree and at least one year of teaching gifted and talented students. While the required courses include an internship, you can complete this as you continue your professional employment as a school administrator or educator. Study topics within this program include:
- Curriculum management
- School law
- Theories of instruction
- Planning and resource allocation
Designed to develop school system leaders, A-State offers the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Principalship. This online education administration graduate program provides a general education as well as specific professional competencies in this area.
The advanced program, led by esteemed faculty, provides additional training beyond a master’s degree. The curriculum arose from recommendations from accrediting associations and professional organizations.
The online education administration education specialist degree includes performance-based activities in P-12 settings through an internship. Graduates assume leadership roles such as:
- Directors
- Principals
- Assistant principals
The Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Special Education prepares special education teachers for leadership roles. Candidates must have a master’s degree and one year of teaching special education.
With this online special education program, graduates claim leadership positions such as Special Education Director at the district or campus level. Besides gaining leadership skills, students achieve the following outcomes;
- Administer learning activities
- Provide expertise in the assessment and implementation of steps to achieve goals
- Collaborate with related personnel and services
The required internship helps students put theory into practice. Students complete this step as they continue their professional work. Some credits from this program do apply to A-State’s doctoral degree in education, should you choose to further your education.
Besides providing a general education, the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Superintendency improves area-specific leadership competencies in public school systems. This online education administration post-graduate certificate provides advanced training beyond a master’s degree. Candidates need a master’s degree and three years of teaching experience.
The application-based curriculum focuses on performance-based activities for P-12 students. Besides teaching technology for the 21-st century educator, the online education administration coursework covers such topics as:
- Schooling in a pluralistic society
- Curriculum theory and practice
- Contemporary issues in American education
- Evaluation of education programs and systems
ASU offers the online Graduate Certificate in Gifted, Talented & Creative Teachers. This certificate will prepare teacher candidates to facilitate or coordinate programs for gifted, talented, and creative students within Arkansas and other states. This licensure program certifies teachers for Gifted Education K-12.
Sample of Program Courses:
- Identification, Nature, and Needs of the Gifted, Talented, and Creative
- Assessment or Programming for Gifted, Talented, and Creative
- Affective Programming in the Classroom
- Creativity
ASU offers the online MS in Early Childhood Services. With this degree, you will gain increased marketability to serve in an administrative leadership role. Students will gain an understanding of administrative responsibilities needed to manage a childcare or preschool program such as program design, staff training, policy formation, fiscal management and decision making. In addition, students will learn to create collaborative relationships with families and communities to support children’s development.
Sample of Program Courses:
- Administration and Supervision of Programs for Young Children
- Sources and Models of Early Childhood Curriculum
- Perspectives on Professionalism in Education
- Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Research in Early Childhood Education
ASU uses an application-based curriculum in its Master of Science Education in Curriculum & Instruction. Outcomes of this online curriculum and instruction master’s degree include the following:
- Enhanced leadership skills
- Enriched instructional best practices
- Increased critical and analytical skills
- Strong organizational and management skills
Candidates for this online curriculum and instruction master’s degree must hold a bachelor’s degree and have two years of teaching experience. Graduates elevate their processes for evaluating and improving curriculum development.
ASU offers the online MSED in Early Childhood Education. This program focuses on the developmental and educational needs of young children and is designed for educators who already hold a teaching license. Students will gain a broad perspective on education that spans early childhood and the knowledge of best practices in this setting. Students will learn to create, select and use a variety of assessment and documentation tools in multiple early childhood settings.
Sample of Program Courses:
- Documenting Young Children’s Learning and Development
- Perspectives on Professionalism in Education
- Technology as a Tool for Teaching
- Developmental Perspectives
- Teaching and Assessment
ASU offers an MS in Education in Educational Leadership. Students may choose an elective to customize their degree to align with their career goals. Choices of electives include elementary, middle, or high school curriculum.
This online education administration master’s degree develops educational leaders. Courses focus on designing curriculum. Other learning outcomes include the following:
- Motivating students
- Managing your classroom
- Assessments to maximize learning
- Implementing research-based instructional strategies
Graduates of this online education administration program can step into roles as building-level school leaders and administrators. They have the knowledge and skills to integrate theory and practice to support the success of all students.
All who enroll in ASU’s MS in Education in Educational Theory & Practice must hold a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license. This online curriculum and instruction master’s degree imparts expertise in curriculum theory and practice.
The application-based curriculum builds on successive courses. Students learn to incorporate modern technology as is appropriate for 21st-century educators.
With the goal of enhancing student achievement, other outcomes of this online curriculum and instruction program include such gains as:
- Field-based learning activities
- In-depth instruction and curriculum knowledge and skills
- Preparation for the process for National Board Certification
ASU provides a planned graduate program for educators of gifted children with its MS in Education in Gifted, Talented & Creative. This online gifted master’s degree program bases its curriculum on the standards of the Council for Exceptional Children.
The application-based courses are tightly integrated. Graduates gain expertise in such areas as:
- Teacher training
- Research and service in identifying giftedness
- Serving the needs of gifted learners
For an advanced degree that focuses on the techniques and skills of teaching reading, look to A-State’s MS in Education in Reading. This online reading and literacy program includes coursework in diagnosing and remedying problems in reading.
As a planned program at the graduate level, students participate in the Arkansas Delta Writing Project. This provides clinical experiences dealing with the correction of reading difficulties. Other benefits of this online reading and literacy master’s degree include the following:
- Experienced graduate reading faculty
- Practice with K-12 diagnostic assessments
- Interventions and methods to improve literacy
All reading and literacy coursework aligns with the International Literacy Association Standards. Besides preparing for the reading specialist certification exam, students learn strategies to work with struggling readers. Graduates step into roles such as school literacy coaches, district reading intervention specialists, or literacy specialists for regional education service cooperatives.
A-State offers an online gifted and special education master’s degree with its MS in Education in Special Education / Instructional Specialist K-12. This online program provides a quality education at the same cost to in-state and out-of-state students.
Designed for flexibility, this online special education program offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and a valid teaching certificate.
The accelerated coursework in this gifted and special education graduate program focuses on evidence-based practices. These include instructional techniques, interventions, and strategies that show consistently positive results. Topics of study include the following:
- Ethical and legal issues in special education
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Positive behavior interventions and support
- Literacy and language development for exceptional learners
ASU offers the online Graduate Certificate in Building-Level Administrator. This program is designed for credentialed educators in Arkansas as well as credentialed educators from other states who seek to acquire a Building-Level Administrator License (i.e. principal’s license). The program builds on previous degrees through the curriculum-intense courses and is designed to provide an accelerated, affordable route to obtaining an additional licensure.
Sample of Program Courses:
- Supervision and Evaluation of Teaching
- School and Community Relations
- Curriculum Management
- Ethical Leadership
- School Law
ASU offers the online Post-Graduate Certificate in Curriculum Director. This certificate program is designed for credentialed educators in Arkansas as well as credentialed educators from other states who seek to acquire a Curriculum Program Administrator License: Curriculum Director. The program builds on previous degrees through the curriculum-intense courses and is designed to provide an accelerated, affordable route to obtaining an additional licensure.
Sample of Program Courses:
- Supervision and Evaluation of Teaching
- School and Community Relations
- Elementary School Curriculum
- Curriculum Management
- Ethical Leadership
ASU offers the online Post-Graduate Certificate in Gifted & Talented Director. This program is designed for not only Arkansas credentialed educators but also credentialed educators from other states who seek to acquire Curriculum Program Administrator license: Gifted, Talented Director. The program builds on previous degrees through the curriculum-intense courses and is designed to provide an accelerated, affordable route to obtaining an additional licensure.
Sample of Program Courses:
- Supervision and Evaluation of Teaching
- School and Community Relations
- Curriculum Management
- Ethical Leadership
- School Law
Designed for credentialed educators, the Post-Graduate Certificate in Special Education Director from A-State offers flexibility. Working professionals appreciate the accelerated coursework and the ability to start the program multiple times throughout the year.
This online gifted and special education program leads to a Curriculum Program Administrator license: Special Education Director. The coursework builds on previous degrees with curriculum-intense courses. It provides an accelerated, affordable route to additional licensure.
Besides a curriculum internship, students learn leadership and assessment skills. Study topics within the online special education courses include:
- Ethical leadership
- School and community relations
- Supervision and evaluation of teaching
- Administration of special education
Engineering
You can advocate for STEM skills with the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management Systems from Arkansas State University. This online engineering management program prepares you for leadership roles with technical teams.
Through the online engineering management program, you learn to balance the human elements of research and production with project management. Graduates gain expertise in MS Project, Primavera, and Office Suite and find success in such roles as:
- Safety specialists
- Engineering managers
- Supply chain managers
- Product development engineers
You can learn to improve performance and processes with the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management from Arkansas State University. Students can customize this online engineering management graduate program to meet their career goals.
Through the online engineering management program, you will gain actionable skills and practical expertise, even without an engineering background. Students can select their coursework from such options as:
- Quality improvement
- Project management
- Numbers and analytics
- Manufacturing processes
You can gain leadership and technical skills with the Master of Engineering Management from Arkansas State University. This online engineering management master’s program benefits all engineers seeking management roles.
With no thesis requirement, this online engineering management program trains you to identify key issues and formulate solutions. Graduates find success in such roles as:
Civil engineers
Lead project engineers
Construction project managers
Process engineering managers
Healthcare
Influence others to live healthier lives with the skills you gain in the online Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion degree program. The information and resources you provide people can enable them to take control of their wellness and improve their quality of life.
Coursework prepares you to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate health programs for various individuals, groups, and organizations. Students will learn about a wide range of health issues alongside strategies for effective teaching and communication. Gain valuable insights into topics such as drug abuse, stress management, first aid, mental health, multicultural health, and human sexuality.
With this health and wellness degree online, you can pursue roles in settings such as:
- Medical clinics
- Public health agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Worksite wellness departments
Math & Science
You can cultivate your career with the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Studies from Arkansas State University. This online agriculture program imparts technology, science, and business skills for a successful future in agri-business.
Through the online agricultural program, you examine such topics as:
- Sustainability
- Horticulture
- Turf management
Besides learning the organization and structure of agricultural enterprises, you come to understand the business aspects of agriculture and agricultural technology. Graduates learn in-demand skills in auditing, purchasing, procurement, and contract management.
Nursing
The online RN to BSN degree completion program from Arkansas State University is designed to give nursing professionals the opportunity to advance their educations and careers without disrupting their work and personal lives. Through this program, students are able to:
- Increase their knowledge in clinical areas for their professional development
- Strengthen their nursing leadership and management skills
- Enhance their decision-making and critical thinking skills
- Use evidence-based data to strengthen and improve client care via comprehensive, efficient and cost-conscious care
- Qualify for a variety of career opportunities in work settings such as hospitals, clinics, home health environments, schools, industries, and more
The online DNP degree program from Arkansas State University is practice-focused and prepares nursing leaders for the highest level of clinical nursing practice beyond the initial and master's preparation in the discipline. Coursework explores topics such as:
- Leadership, policy, and healthcare systems
- Healthcare finance
- Healthcare Informatics
- Principles of healthcare ethics and genetics
- Epidemiology and population health
Psychology & Human Services
Arkansas State University’s online bachelor’s in Psychology will teach students how to apply psychological principles to social, personal, and organizational problems. The bachelor’s in Psychology online is applicable for students headed for almost any occupation. It is meant to help students better understand human behavior and mental processes.
The program concludes with a Professional Preparation Capstone, where students will create a thesis based on their cumulative learning throughout their courses. You will learn to design, implement, and communicate research methods.
Positions available after graduation include:
- Market research
- Guidance counseling/career advising
- Human services
- Marketing managing
- Sales
The bachelor’s in Sociology online prepares students for a variety of career paths by equipping them with an in-depth understanding of how people function within societies and cultures. Core requirements include classes on methods of research, social problems, world population and society, and principles of sociology.
This online Sociology degree helps students understand why we react to our surroundings the way we do and how we learn to coexist with one another by adapting to our larger social communities.
Students can choose from many elective topics such as:
- Criminology
- Sociology of gender
- Minority groups
- Sociology of aging
- Collective behavior
- Sociology of disasters
- Social stratification