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Academic Departments & Programs
NWACC's academic departments and divisions offer a variety of degree programs. Feel
free to browse the following information to learn more about a specific program or
course.
Adult Education
NWACC's Adult Education Division offers non-credit classes that teach and review academic skills normally associated with the public school secondary curriculum to prepare you for the high school equivalency exam, the General Educational Development (GED®) Arkansas high school diploma. Classes focus on Adult Basic Education (ABE) and GED® preparation.
The division also offers English as a Second Language (ESL), designed for those whose native language is not English. All classes are open-entry and open-exit. You may enroll at any time during the year and may attend at any time of day or evening. There is no charge for any adult education class.
Business and Computer Information
NWACC’s Business and Computer Information Division offers a wide variety of courses that will help you develop in-demand skills and be prepared for the workforce. Business courses are offered in a traditional classroom experience or online. Courses can be applied toward an associate of applied science, a technical certificate or a transfer degree.
Communication and Arts
NWACC’s Communication and Arts Division offers several areas of study spanning from art, design and cinematic studies to languages, theater and journalism. Courses are taught by highly qualified and engaged instructors with real-world experience in their fields, including published writers and composers, award-winning musicians and playwrights. Communication and art courses can be used toward associate of fine arts degrees, associate of applied science degrees, technical certificates, certificates of proficiency and transfer degrees.
Food Studies
As NWACC's culinary school, Brightwater: The Center for the Study of Food offers the insights and skills needed to positively impact our food system. In addition to gaining cooking proficiency, you will regularly participate in activities and training on culinary nutrition, growing and sourcing food, food waste and recovery, whole-animal butchery, food entrepreneurship, and seasonal cooking. Brightwater is the first culinary school to integrate a food-systems approach and inquiry-based learning to cooking, local farming, sustainability and community development.
Health Professions
NWACC's Health Professions Division provides growth opportunities in a range of rewarding fields such as nursing, dental assisting, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, fire science, paramedics and health information management. Work in a fast-paced environment saving lives as a first responder, leverage your interest in data and technology by specializing in health information, or help regain a patient’s strength as a physical therapist assistant. Health Professions offers certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and an associate of applied science degree options.
Science and Math
NWACC's Science and Math Division offers courses and areas of study that can translate your curiosity into the research field, funnel your love for algebra and calculus into an accounting career, and so many more exciting options. This division offers courses that fulfill requirements for certificates of proficiency, technical certificates, associate of applied science or transfer degrees.
Social & Behavioral Sciences
NWACC's Social and Behavioral Sciences Division can help you begin the career you want in a broad range of fields. You may want to make an impact on your community, work with children as an advocate or educational specialist, or protect and uphold the law as a paralegal. You can also earn credit in general education courses like anthropology, history, philosophy, psychology, geography and social work. By taking social and behavioral sciences programs, you can work towards earning credits for an associate of applied science, technical certificates, certificates of proficiency and transfer degrees.
Trails & Trades
NWACC's Trails & Trades Division offers short-term and high-impact training in a range of dynamic industries including trails, bicycle repair, construction, skilled trades and integrated design. Programs are taught by industry experts who provide you with hands-on training and in-demand skills that prepare you for a fulfilling career.
Workforce & Economic Development
NWACC’s Workforce and Economic Development (WED) Division provides a full range of non-credit and continuing education classes and customized training programs to residents, businesses and government agencies in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) and the surrounding area.
Its strategic and hands-on training and experienced-based learning enables community members and organizations to adapt to a rapidly changing global business environment and a rise in demand for skilled workers throughout NWA. The division's primary goal is to empower the greatest number of people to achieve maximum talent development for the betterment of themselves, their families and their communities.