Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University, commonly referred to as A-State, is a public research institution of higher learning located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System. The university system is the second largest college system in the state of Arkansas, and Arkansas State University is the second biggest university according to enrollment. Its campus resides on 1,376 acres. It houses nine colleges of education: College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, College of Media and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Sciences and Mathematics, and University College. Arkansas State University is also home to the largest library in the state, the Dean B. Ellis Library.

A-State offers more than 150 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. It also offers various certificate programs. Arkansas State University strives to educate leaders, promote academic growth, and improve lives. It aspires to gain recognition for its dedication diversity and its Core Diversity Areas include: developing a new institutional diversity foundation; promoting fundamental diversity, equity, and success; advising the search activities; fostering awareness of diversity, acknowledgement, and appreciation; interacting with institutional accountability systems, and implementing diversity into the curricula.

Arkansas State University was founded in 1909 under the name First District Agricultural School. It was established by the Arkansas Legislature for the purpose of a regional agricultural training school. The school started offering two-year college programs in 1918, and in 1925 it changed its name to First District Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1930, a four-year degree program was started and the school became Arkansas State College in 1933. In 1955, master’s degree programs were established. In 1967, the college was granted university status and it changed its name to Arkansas State University. In 1992, Arkansas State University started offering a doctoral degree program in educational leadership. In 1997, a doctoral degree in environmental science started. Currently, Arkansas State University is home to about 14,000 students.

Arkansas State University Accreditation Details

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools regionally accredits Arkansas State University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The Psychology and Counseling Department houses programs accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related Education Programs. The school psychology program is also approved by the Arkansas Department of Education and the National Association of School Psychologists.

Arkansas State University Application Requirements

• Complete Application for Admission online

• Pay a $15 non-refundable application fee

• Submit official high school transcript

• Submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning

• Submit official ACT or SAT examination scores, ASSET or COMPASS scores, or other related tests directly to Arkansas State University. Examination scores are only valid for five years from the date of testing.

• Submit two MMR records to the Office of Admissions

• Apply for financial aid

• Apply for scholarships

• Apply for room and board

• Attend a new student registration

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition

Undergraduate

The estimated in-state tuition and fees for students enrolled in 15 hours of study is approximately $4,100. For out of state students, it is $7,031. Additional fees are applicable depending on specific program, course, and college of enrollment.

Graduate

The estimated in-state tuition for graduate students enrolled in 12 hours of courses is about $3,947. The approximate out of state tuition is $7,031. As with undergraduate programs, additional fees per course, program, and college may apply.

Financial Aid

Arkansas State University offers an array of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. About 90 percent of students at A-State receive some form of financial assistance.

Scholarships

• ASTATE Scholar

• ASTATE Excellence

• ASTATE Leadership

• ASTATE Pride

• ASTATE Spirit

• Arkansas Promise Scholarship

• Transfer Scholarship

• Incentive Scholarship

• Legacy Scholarship

Grants

• Federal Pell Grant

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• TEACH Grant

Loans

• Federal Perkins Loans

• Federal Direct Loans

• Federal Direct PLUS Loans

• Private student loans

Work-Study

A-State participates in the Federal College Work Study program that provides jobs to undergraduate and graduate students to help them pay for their college education. The jobs are located on and off campus.

Psychology and Counseling Programs at Arkansas State University

The Department of Psychology and Counseling at Arkansas State University offers various programs for students seeking careers in related fields. The main mission of the psychology programs is to provide a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of psychological science. This groundwork will assist students who decide to pursue advanced degrees in psychology or related areas.

A Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in psychology are available. The bachelor’s degree requires the completion of a total of 120 hours and includes courses in psychological wellness, educational psychology, positive psychology, social psychology, behavioral analysis, and abnormal psychology. The master’s degree is a research-intensive program of specialized study. It requires the completion of 36 semester hours and the courses include research methodology, applied analysis of psychological research, foundations of organizational psychology, and foundations of cognitive psychology. Students must also complete a thesis component.

The school psychology program that is offered is a Specialist in Education degree in psychology and counseling with focus on school psychology. The program is intended for students seeking to become school psychologists. The program requires the completion of 66 semester hours, including courses in school and system organization, school psychology practice and development, home, school, and program evaluation, student diversity in development and learning, and research and program evaluation.

The counseling programs include Specialist in Education and Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The Specialist in Education program consists of 60 credit hours of coursework that prepares students for careers as professional counselors. Students who complete the program are able to take the National Counselor Examination. The Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is intended for those who already have a graduate degree in counseling or related area. It requires the completion of 15 semester hours of courses in mental health counseling, such as psychopathology, couples and family counseling, and physiological psychology and psychopharmacology.

The psychology and counseling programs at Arkansas State University are ideal for those seeking a sound foundation in the disciplines to open the door to a wide range of career opportunities.
See also: The 50 Best Low-Cost Online Master’s in Counseling Programs