Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University was founded by the state's General Assembly in 1909 for polytechnic education. Since 1997, enrollment at Arkansas Tech has skyrocketed by 183 percent for an institutional record of 12,000 students. Endowed for $23.24 million, ATU stands proudly upon its 516-acre rural campus in Russellville near the Arkansas River as a public, master's-level research institution. According to the U.S. News, ATU is the South's 97th best college and 40th top public school with the 213th best online bachelor's degrees nationwide. Niche also applauded Arkansas Tech as America's 72nd "Most Conservative College" with the 97th "Best College Food."

Arkansas Tech University Accreditation Details

Reaffirmed through 2020, Arkansas Tech University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). This regional body reviews Title IV-eligible colleges in 19 states for the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation is extended to the College of Education by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Rehabilitation science courses align with the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). School counseling majors also take some courses approved by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Arkansas Tech University Application Requirements

Classified as "selective," Arkansas Tech University had a Fall 2015 acceptance rate of 89 percent. Entering freshmen for the B.A. in Psychology must graduate from an approved high school or achieve a minimum GRE score of 600. Unconditional admission mandates a secondary GPA of 2.0 or greater, though the average is 3.16. First-year applicants should attain a composite SAT score above 990 or ACT score over 19. Advanced Placement (AP) credits in psychology can transfer with a 3 or higher. Transfer students for the Bachelor of Professional Studies program need 60+ credits from regionally accredited colleges graded at least "C."

The Graduate College has several stipulations psychology or school counseling majors must fulfill before enrollment. Both programs require holding an accredited four-year bachelor's degree or a foreign equivalent. International, non-native English speakers must score at least 550 on the TOEFL pBT. Applicants should possess an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for unconditional admission. On average, master's students score 300 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The Master of Science specifically requires 18 prerequisite credits in psychology coursework graded "B" or better. The Master of Education program gives preference to licensed teachers with two or more years of school experience.

Although Arkansas Tech University has rolling admission, the priority deadlines are January 1st for Spring and August 1st for Fall. Interested psychology and counseling students must log into their online account for the application. The following additional materials must also be submitted online or by mail to Brown Hall:

• Check or money order for the $50 fee

• Official, sealed academic transcripts

• Standardized testing results (SAT, ACT, or GRE)

• Verification of English proficiency if necessary

• Immunization records showing 2 MMR vaccines

• One to three recommendations (optional)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduates from Arkansas are charged $2,628 per semester or $5,256 each year. Non-residents will pay $5,256 per semester or $10,512 yearly for full-time undergraduate study. Mandatory fees like the technology, student support, and wellness fees add $684. Online courses simply add $10 per credit for a distance learning fee. Room and board is estimated to cost $6,542 annually. ATU suggests budgeting $1,410 for textbooks and supplies. Total annual cost of attendance is roughly $17,696 (in-state) and $22,856 (out-of-state). Graduate students from Arkansas are billed $2,466 per full-time semester. Out-of-state master's scholars enrolled full-time pay $4,932 each term.

Related resource: The Top 25 Low-Cost Online Master’s Degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The NCES reports that 96 percent of Arkansas Tech students receive financial aid for an average package worth of $7,295. Institutional awards like the Board of Trustees Scholarship, University Honors Stipend, Academic Excellence Scholarship, Tech Transfer Scholarship, and Dr. Robert Autry Brooks Scholarship are abundant. Financially needy students could obtain the Federal Pell Grant or FSEOG Grant. Residents of the "Natural State" may receive the Arkansas Go! Opportunities Grant or Military Dependent's Scholarship. Federal Work-Study jobs provide $8.50 per hour for campus employment. Learners can also borrow Federal Stafford, Perkins, and PLUS loans carefully.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

Arkansas Tech offers four psychology or counseling degree options in its College of Arts & Humanities and College of Education. The Russellville campus has a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, so nearly half of courses have fewer than 20 students for meaningful interaction. ATU offers an engaging learning atmosphere with the resources of a large research institution, such as the Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center. Aspiring mental health professionals should consider the following:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Housed in Witherspoon Hall, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at ATU lays the behavioral science foundation for advanced study into people's thoughts and actions. The 39-credit major begins in the freshman year with courses from research design to human development and cultural anthropology. Undergraduates may also declare a Rehabilitation Science Minor, join Psi Chi, access the Child Welfare Resource Library, intern at River Valley Medical Center, or study abroad in Normandy.

Bachelor of Professional Studies in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Delivered online via Blackboard and Building Blocks, the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) offers non-traditional Arkansas Tech students an Industrial/Organizational Psychology concentration for studying workplace behavior. The accelerated program selects adults aged 25 or older who already have 60 transferrable credits for the 120-credit curriculum. Online mini-terms will delve into personnel management, human resources, business communication, ethics, employee needs assessment, and social psychology. It's possible to complete the fast-track, flexible bachelor's within 18 months.

Master of Science in Psychology

Grounded in empirical research, Arkansas Tech's Master of Science in Psychology provides a post-graduate springboard for doctoral candidates to sharpen their inquiry skills in examining human behavior. Available with thesis and non-thesis tracks, the 30-credit curriculum integrates courses on psychometrics, personality dynamics, cognition, psychopathology, statistics, and physiological psychology. Advanced field placement is optional with agencies like the Arkansas Department of Human Services or UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute. Experience can also be gained at the on-site Counseling Services Center.

Master of Education in School Counseling and Leadership

Accredited by the CAEP, the Master of Education in School Counseling and Leadership prepares graduate cohorts for promoting student success with integrity and fairness in K-12 districts. The 45-credit, performance-based program satisfies the requirements for school counseling state licensure. Courses are held off-campus at the Center for Leadership and Learning (CLL) in evening hours. Arkansas Tech University has partnerships with the local Russellville School District and Conway Public Schools for the capstone internship.