School Details
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) stands proud as a vibrant and evolving 4-year public institution. It is deeply rooted in its nearly 100-year history and committed to excellence.
Originally established in 1927 as Little Rock Junior College, the school’s growth and expansion led to the offering of four-year degrees. Later the college merged with the University of Arkansas System in 1969. UA Little Rock delivers many academic programs, encompassing more than 100 undergraduate and 60-plus graduate options.
The Department of Extended Learning oversees a robust selection of online programs, providing accessibility and flexibility to students from all sides of the globe. Guided by a vision to enhance communities and dedicated to developing intellects, the mission of UA Little Rock centers on a profound commitment to learning, discovery, and societal advancement.
The university prides itself on presenting a stimulating and engaging online learning environment where students can access high-quality education, regardless of where they live. UA Little Rock Online offers a pathway to success for those seeking to balance work, life, and education. With flexible schedules, affordable tuition, and a wealth of academic resources, students can embark on a transformative educational journey, reaching their goals and positively impacting the world.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Arkansas at Little Rock is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Enter a Bachelor of Arts program in Interdisciplinary Studies through University of Arkansas at Little Rock online. This program prepares students to enter today’s competitive marketplace or to pursue an advanced degree in a variety of fields. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Fine Arts
- Social Sciences
Through the study of a wide range of topics, students develop effective communication and critical thinking skills applicable to a broad range of professions. With this solid academic foundation, students may also find a focused area of study suited to academic goals. Explore every option in a flexible distance learning format with UA Little Rock online.
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing with University of Arkansas at Little Rock online. This program is designed for students interested in pursuing professional writing work in Nonfiction or Technical Writing. Studies for this degree include but are not limited to:
- Persuasive Writing
- Writing for Business and Government
- Introduction to Research
- Rhetoric
Graduates of this program may pursue careers in grant writing, technical writing, freelance, teaching, web development, and more. Along with specialized courses, students will also be subject to fine arts, humanities, histories, and sciences. Develop advanced and essential writing and editing skills in a flexible distance format through UA Little Rock online.
Enhance skills in Workplace Spanish with an online Certificate from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This program is designed for students with proficiency in elementary Spanish. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Conversation and presentation
- Writing
- Translation
Graduates with this certificate enter the workforce with intermediate-level proficiency, having developed essential knowledge in basic vocabulary and cultural competency. This program does not lead to certification as a translator or interpreter, but credits may be applied to a major or minor in Spanish. Explore the Spanish language and gain skills applicable to a current or future career with US Little Rock online.
Enroll in this instructional design degree online and advance your professional opportunities. During the pandemic online education was at an all-time high; in this post-pandemic world, it remains popular. Add to that the way Fortune 500 organizations are turning to online training resources, and it is easy to see why there is a high demand for professionals who are able to develop effective digital education materials. These online teaching degrees deliver training specifically in online instruction.
Studies include but are not limited to:
- Multimedia
- Special topics
- Basic design principles
Courses are designed for writing teachers, those teaching writing-intensive courses in secondary or higher education, and curriculum designers. Whether working in an academic setting or business and industry, this one-of-a-kind certificate will assess and strengthen communication and critical thinking, and analytical skills. Discover the most up-to-date instructional technology.
The online MA in Mass Communication degree program from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock emphasizes critical thinking about mass media and its journalistic and strategic communication practices, media content, and its effects on the public. There are two concentration options offered to suit students' personal interests and professional goals:
- Media Research – Prepares students to analyze and conduct scholarly research in mass communication and to write and present the results of such research to both scholarly and non-scholarly audiences
- Professional Mass Media – Provides students with advanced professional training in multi-platform journalism or strategic communication/public relations
University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers an online Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing to the nontraditional student. Enrolled students take an advanced leap into professional Technical or Nonfiction writing. Studies may cover topics including but not limited to:
- Editing for Publication
- Composition Theory
- Legal Writing
- Independent Study
Courses prepare students for workplace and technical communication as well as writing and publishing. Graduates with this degree may also pursue careers in teaching writing in K-12 and college settings. Students may choose to conduct a degree culminating into either a thesis or an online portfolio. Join a diverse academic community on a journey into the professional writing world with UA Little Rock online.
Business
The online BA in Applied Communication degree program from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is designed to equip students with skills that may be used in their personal lives as well as across a variety of professions, including business, education, government, and industry. Students learn how to use a positive communication framework to ethically lead by:
- Analyzing messages
- Anticipating communication barriers
- Accomplishing communicative goals
- Embracing difference
- Influencing discourse
Jumpstart your career with this Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree online. The practice-based curriculum can be used in preparation for the CPA examination. Courses prepare students for careers in public accounting, finance, business, and government. Topics covered include:
- Principles of Accounting
- Business Statistics
- Business Law
- Microeconomics
- Marketing
As a 100% online accounting degree, this program is designed so that students can study without sacrificing their current careers and family lives. In fact, as long as there is a computer and an internet connection, your classroom can be wherever you wish.
Gain a competitive edge in the workplace with this Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Analytics degree online. This program is designed to prepare students for high-growth technology-based careers in business. With the rapidly evolving global business environment, organizations rely on big data and evidence-based decision making. This online business analytics degree curriculum provides marketable skills in the use of analytic tool sets for analyzing big data and in critical thinking and problem solving. Graduates pursue careers as:
- Business and Systems Analysts
- Database Developers and Administrators
- Marketing and Financial Analysts
- Analytics Project Managers
This program offers you a flexible learning environment, so you can earn your degree while working and juggling other commitments.
Gain a competitive edge in the business world with the Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Information Systems. This online management information systems degree prepares students for high-demand, technology-based careers. Improve skills in communication, teaming, and problem-solving while preparing to succeed in the rapidly evolving global environment. The curriculum combines technical skill development with business competencies, ensuring the production of efficient and effective business applications.
As a 100% online management information systems degree, this program is designed so that students can study without sacrificing their current careers and family lives. In fact, as long as there is a computer and an internet connection, your classroom can be wherever you wish.
The online BBA degree program from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is designed to prepare students for high-demand, technology-based careers in a rapidly evolving global environment. There are several concentrations offered to suit students' personal interests and professional goals:
- Accounting
- HR Management
- Management
- Business Information Systems
Prepare for a career working with an organization’s most important asset, its employees, with this Bachelor of Business Administration in Management: Human Resource Management degree online. Focus is placed on the development of knowledge and applied skills in managing people and solving people-related problems. Plus, you will also receive a strong foundation in business essentials while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Courses prepare students for entry-level careers in human resource management.
Topics covered include:
- Legal environment of employee relations
- Job analysis and design
- Employee planning, recruitment, and selection
- Employee training and development
- Employee productivity improvement, compensation, and other reward systems
Union-management relations and the quality of work life are also discussed.
Jump-start your career with this Bachelor of Business Administration in Management: Innovation & Entrepreneurship degree online. This program provides a strong foundation in business essentials while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Courses develop conceptual and applied skills that are necessary for both new venture startups and success in the business world. Student inquisitiveness and the drive to face challenges creatively are a focal point in this online entrepreneurship degree.
Students choose from one of these competency areas:
- Financial
- International Business
- Retail
- Technology and Innovation
- International Business
This Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing online degree provides students with a competitive edge in the business world. Prepare for careers in advertising, marketing management, and professional sales. The curriculum blends three key aspects of marketing:
- Advertising to consumers and business
- Understanding and connecting to the marketplace
- Building and managing the relationships necessary for success in the marketplace
An emphasis in Digital Marketing is available online as well.
Students benefit from courses taught by the same award-winning faculty who teach on-campus courses. Plus, the flexibility of online learning allows students to balance their education with work and other obligations.
Computer Science & IT
Professionals can gain training and experience in the data and information science field with an online Graduate Certificate in Data Science from UA Little Rock. Students in this program learn about innovations in information retrieval, storage, and analysis tools and techniques.
Courses dover database systems and data protection and privacy. Students also learn about information visualization. Graduates can choose to apply credits from this online Data Science program to an online MS in Information Science or PhD in Computer and Information Sciences, Information Science track.
The online Graduate Certificate in Information Quality program from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock provides an integrated curriculum that covers both theory and practice, offering graduate students and working professionals the opportunity to enhance IQ career entry and growth through specialized study. Courses explore the subjects of:
- Principles of Information Quality
- Information Quality Tools & Industry Landscape
- Information Quality Policy & Strategy
- Total Quality Management & Statistical Quality Control
- Information Quality Theory
The online MS in Information Quality degree program from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a career-oriented program focused on practice, skills, and theory. The curriculum, which is based on the Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Graduate Degree Programs in Information Systems endorsed by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Association for Information Systems (AIS), covers subjects such as:
- Information Quality Policy & Strategy
- Information Visualization
- Information Systems Analysis
- Database Systems
- Project & Change Management
The Master of Science in Information Science balances theory and industry best practices using state-of-the-art tools and technology. Students gain advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data.
In addition to four required courses, students in this online master’s in data science program have the ability to choose five graduate level courses relevant to their educational goals and career objectives. Students can choose to complete a final project or thesis related to their workplace environment.
Core courses cover topics including:
- Database systems
- Data science and technologies
- Information visualization
- Data protection and privacy
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
The online Associate of Science in Law Enforcement is a two-year program aimed at equipping students with the essential expertise for a successful career in law enforcement. This degree program not only enhances problem-solving skills but also fosters leadership qualities and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates for career advancement opportunities.
This online law enforcement degree offers a diverse curriculum. Students will delve into the intricacies of the criminal justice system, policing procedures, and legal frameworks. Emphasis is placed on cultivating critical thinking and communication abilities crucial for effective law enforcement practice.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is tailored for students aspiring to roles in law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial system. This online criminal justice degree combines theoretical research with practical applications, offering a unique perspective on crime and justice.
Students will delve into diverse subjects including administration, criminal behavior, and correctional issues, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the field. The program’s accelerated seven-week courses are led by professors who actively contribute to both academia and the community, ensuring a dynamic learning experience.
Some of the courses in this major include:
- Crime and Behavior
- Police and Society
- Survey of Corrections
- Research Methods
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program online is tailored to equip graduates with the necessary expertise to excel within the criminal justice system. Through advanced academic studies, students will develop specialized knowledge in complex issues, supervisory skills, and statistical proficiency essential for understanding research in this field.
Graduates will emerge with practical insights that position them for advancement within criminal justice organizations. The program allows for customization, with half of the credit hours consisting of electives chosen by the student. The program’s accelerated format ensures completion of all 36 required hours in three years or seven semesters, facilitating a streamlined path to career enhancement.
Education
University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a special emphasis in Middle Level Education. Students will earn preparation for teaching grades 4-8, and be eligible to pursue Arkansas licensure. The curriculum is designed for students to pursue content areas of math, science, language arts, and/or social studies.
Enroll in online literacy programs and advance professional opportunities. Literacy development is vital in schools and the workplace, serving as the building blocks upon which other learning is based. However, some people have more trouble with literacy than others do. Those with dyslexia have moderate to severe reading difficulties. With this online special education degree, students gain the knowledge and skills to work effectively with dyslexic students. There are many components of dyslexic learners and professionals who need to learn how to work with them.
This program leads to an add-on endorsement in dyslexia and may be applied toward the M.Ed. in Reading program.
All students deserve a quality education, and this online special education degree is your first step in helping to make this happen. Prepare for a career working with a growing part of the student population, those with special needs. This program is for educators who are looking for strategies for advanced learning in K-12 settings. This certificate is ideal for educators at all levels who just wish to improve the learning environments for their gifted students.
This online special education degree is a K-12 licensure attached to an existing license in general or special education and meets the requirements for the Arkansas Licensure in Gifted and Talented Education.
Enroll in this instructional design degree online and advance your professional opportunities. Students in this program will learn about instructional design in public schools, higher education institutions, and business or industry settings. Learn to analyze problems in all aspects of human learning. You will revise, implement, evaluate, and manage solutions to those problems. The curriculum includes the needs of exceptional learners and learners with disabilities while also explaining the dynamic interactions between content, pedagogy, and technology.
This online instructional design degree can be transferred to the M.Ed. in Learning Systems Technology Education.
Get ready to help all students receive a quality education with this online special education degree. Prepare for a career working with a growing part of the student population, those with special needs. This online program helps students develop competencies around children and adolescents with exceptional abilities.
Learn best practices around the framework of understanding talent development and exceptional learning. Courses will likely include:
- Teaching the Gifted and Talented
- Curriculum and Instruction in Gifted Education
- Affective Needs of the Gifted and Talented
You will work with an advisor to design a customized plan of study depending on your career goals.
Enroll in this instructional design degree online and advance professional opportunities. This program is preparation for individuals to take on roles that deal with instructional design and learning outcomes. These can be teaching or administrative roles in a variety of areas including public schools, higher education institutions, businesses, government, and more. The curriculum outlines strategies to analyze problems, find solutions, and plan and evaluate them. It can be divided into three main areas:
- Instructional program design
- Educational technology product development
- Educational technology management
Learn about the psychology and development of diverse learners and societal concerns pertaining to instructional technology.
Enroll in online literacy programs and advance professional opportunities. Literacy development is vital in schools and the workplace, serving as the building blocks upon which other learning is based. With a literacy degree, students can become highly educated on different areas of reading skills. Develop strategies for working with children on different levels of reading. The curriculum emphasizes the relationship between theory, research, and practices in literacy education.
Students may pursue three different pathways with this online literacy program:
- Standard Degree
- Reading Specialist Licensure
- Dyslexia Therapist Licensure
Healthcare
The online Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion program is designed to prepare students as health professionals in community health agencies, health maintenance organizations, as well as business and industry wellness programs. Courses include Personal Health; Family Life & Sex Education; Exercise, Wellness, & Lifestyle; and Nutrition.
Spread the word about healthy lifestyles with the skills you learn in the Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion degree. This online public health degree incorporates teaching and communication skills with the vital medical and nutritional knowledge you need to know.
Courses prepare you to research and evaluate various health programs. Theoretical foundations of health education are combined with practical teaching methods. Students will gain an understanding of the role of health education in community and public health. The program allows for the choice of a project or thesis to meet graduation requirements.
Professionals who can benefit from this program include:
- Wellness directors
- Certified health education specialists
- Researchers
- Corporate wellness coordinators
- Health department personnel
- Health management employees
Nursing
The online RN to BSN degree completion program from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers registered nurse graduates of either an associate or a diploma program the opportunity to pursue a BSN while continuing employment. The coursework builds upon the curriculum foundation of the core registered nurse program and covers topics such as:
- Health Assessment
- Wellness Promotion
- Economics
- Research
- Legalities
- Leadership
- Advocacy
Psychology & Human Services
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is an online psychology degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This program is designed for individuals interested in the study of the human mind and human behavior. With this online bachelor’s in psychology you will study the application of psychological principles, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving skills as ways to further the understanding of behavior. Coursework prepares students to think critically about psychological data and theories, learning how to approach problems from a scientific perspective. Students also gain communication skills, learning how to communicate psychological content to both professional and lay audiences. There is a great deal of flexibility when choosing courses, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests and goals.
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is an online sociology degree program for those interested in furthering their knowledge in the field. With this degree students study the social lives of people, groups, and societies along with the study of our behavior as social beings. Courses cover a wide range of topics, from analyzing short contacts between anonymous individuals to examining global social processes. You will gain skills in effective communication, critical thinking, and data analysis while examining the study of organizations, gender, families, cities, minority groups, environment, and urbanization.
Graduates will be prepared for careers in various fields, including:
- Law
- Education
- Counseling
- Social Work
- Public Health
- Public Administration