UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
YEAR UCA WAS FOUNDED 1907
DEGREE PROGRAMS & CERTIFICATES 118
STUDENTS ARE FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
YEAR UCA WAS FOUNDED 1907
DEGREE PROGRAMS & CERTIFICATES 118
STUDENTS ARE FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
At UCA, we're innovators and visionaries dedicated to shaping our future while remaining firmly grounded in our community. With a hands-on approach and forward-thinking mindset, we tackle challenges head-on, driven by a spirit of collaboration and resilience. We believe in the power of lifelong learning and questioning the ordinary while continuously honoring the legacy of the Bears who paved our path. We embrace our shared journey and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, fostering an environment where differing perspectives lead to greater understanding. We're united in our pursuit of excellence and committed to making a lasting impact.
1,737
2023 FIRST-TIME ENTERING UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT
9,790 14:1
STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
FALL 2023 TOTAL ENROLLMENT FROM 48 STATES & 76 COUNTRIES
Surrounded by Arkansas’ natural beauty, from the majestic Ozarks to the waters of the Arkansas River, we live where nature thrives. Our culture is rich with local flavor, offering everything from farm-fresh produce to unique food truck creations. Active living is second nature to us—spending sunny days on the lake, exploring forests, floating on rivers and embracing the great outdoors. In Arkansas, life is an adventure, a place to grow, innovate and be whatever you dream.
600 THOUSAND ACRES OF LAKES IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS
9,700 MILES OF RIVERS AND STREAMS
9 MILLION ACRES OF FORESTS
12 BILLION TREES
Our city is a beacon of community spirit in Arkansas, offering much more than the typical college town experience. You’ll find a blend of affordable living, bold academic opportunities and a diverse economy—all fueled by our collective spirit of giving and collaboration. Our growth is driven by a shared commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive space.
Downtown Conway buzzes with a variety of businesses and eateries, while events like Toad Suck Daze allow us to showcase and celebrate our unique culture. Through shared activities and experiences, we build a strong sense of community and foster meaningful connections. Conway is a place you'll want to call home, even after you've earned your degree.
BEST OVERALL COLLEGE TOWN IN ARKANSAS WHEN GRADED ACROSS WALLET FRIENDLINESS AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, AS WELL AS ACADEMIC AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.
WalletHub, 2023
BUSINESSES IN DOWNTOWN CONWAY
MOST BIKE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS
League of American Bicyclists, 2024
Student life is different here. We offer opportunities for connection, growth and engagement, year-round. Our campus is alive with over 150 Recognized Student Organizations, catering to every interest and passion. Make friends, give back and grow in a supportive community where you can chase your dreams and develop both personally and academically.
Whether you're cheering on the Bears, joining campus events or contributing to our inclusive culture, every moment at UCA is a chance to create your own story and be a part of our university life.
Culinary variety flourishes on campus, catering to all dietary needs and cravings. From the diverse offerings at the Christian Cafeteria to our cozy campus coffee shops, there’s something for everyone.
Our campus offers many amenities to enhance every aspect of student life. The Torreyson Library provides quiet corners for study and research amidst the natural beauty of our campus— perfect for outdoor recreation and hanging out with friends.
The Ronnie Williams Student Center stands as the heartbeat of student life, bustling with activity from the student-run radio station to the convenience of an on-campus grocery store and all the Bear merchandise you need at the UCA Bookstore.
Beyond these amenities, we’re dedicated to your success with full-time staff across campus—from enrollment to career services. Our student-focused community ensures you have access to everything you need for a successful college journey.
› 1907 BREAD CO.
› CHICK-FIL-A
› CHRISTIAN CAFETERIA
› EINSTEIN BROS BAGELS
› GREAT AMERICAN COOKIE CO
› MOOYAH’S
› PIZZA HUT
› QUIZNOS
› STARBUCKS
› S USHI C
› TWISTED TACO
› THINK COFFEE
› CONVENIENCE STORE
Your health and wellness is integrated into campus life, blending outdoor adventure with comprehensive care. Our Campus Outdoors program and HPER Center promote healthy habits with an expansive list of services and activities available.
The Pastor Student Health Center offers everything from check-ups to mental health support, with doctors and nurses practicing on campus. It's a holistic path where you're supported in every step—academically, physically and mentally within a community that genuinely cares.
SAFETY is a priority at UCA. Our residence halls are safeguarded 24/7 by our campus police department so our campus is a secure space where students can thrive. The Safe@UCA app complements these efforts, offering features like Bear Patrol Safety Escort and Chat with UCAPD, ensuring safety resources are always within reach. Explore more at uca.edu/go/safeapp
In Bear Country, victory is a tradition in competition and academics. Our Bears and Sugar Bears embody excellence, with alumni shining in the NFL, NBA and MLB. Experience the energy at the Stripes, dive into a beach volleyball game, or rally behind our basketball stars. It’s all about pride, passion and putting your #BearClawsUp in celebration of our shared triumphs.
WOMEN
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11 RESIDENCE HALLS
6 APARTMENT COMPLEXES
10 GREEK HOUSES
Campus housing provides comfortable living spaces, convenient access to facilities and a built-in community supported by dedicated Residence Life staff. With over 25 housing options, you can immerse yourself in our vibrant campus life throughout your college years.
Here, education extends beyond the traditional classroom, blending academic exploration with daily life. Engage in collaborative learning and personal growth within a network of peers and faculty, enriching your college experience right from your doorstep.
› 9 academically-themed residential communities
› The only college in Arkansas offering this enriching residential experience to all first year students
› Students participating in LLCs experience a higher GPA, improved retention rate and a smoother transition to college academic life
Experiential learning is at the core of our educational philosophy, designed to expand the horizons of our students beyond the traditional classroom. Through our comprehensive experiential learning programs, we aim to prepare you for the complexities of the global workforce and foster tangible multicultural connections. This approach encompasses study abroad, study away, undergraduate research, service-learning and internships— transformative practices that broaden perspectives and enhance lives.
The Study Abroad and Study Away programs provide you with opportunities to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and environments, enriching your academic and personal growth. Through these experiences, you can gain a global perspective and develop skills that are essential for success. Learn more at uca.edu/globalstudy
We're at the forefront of academic innovation and research
Our diverse colleges and programs foster a culture of inquiry and discovery, encouraging students to engage in research, experiential learning and internships. Our research areas explore everything from the intricacies of brain health to the sustainability of Arkansas' natural resources, contributing valuable insights and advancements.
UCA is preparing a new generation of scholars, problem-solvers and leaders by merging disciplines like biology, economics and health sciences with cutting-edge research initiatives. We're inspiring students to make a meaningful impact in Arkansas and beyond, readying them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Accounting
Applied Data Analytics
Elementary & Special Education
Dual Licensure
Financial Literacy
Health Coaching
Historic Preservation
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREES
Business Administration
General Education
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Accounting
Addiction Studies
» Prevention
» Treatment
Anthropology
Applied Data Analytics
Art
» Art Education
» Art History
» Fine Art
Art: Studio Art
» Ceramics
» Drawing & Illustration
» Graphic Design
Biology
Chemistry
» Painting
» Photography
» Printmaking
» Sculpture
» ACS Certified: Standard, Biochemistry
Communication
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Community Nutrition
Computer Engineering
Computer Information Systems
» Business Analysis
Computer Science
» Data Science
Creative Writing
Criminology
Cybersecurity
» Cybersecurity Strategic Policy
» Management of Cybersecurity
» Cyberphysical Security
Data Science
» Business
» Computer Science
» Statistics
Dietetics
Economics
» International Trade
» Pre-Law
Elementary Education (K-6)
Engineering
Physics
English
» English, Teaching Licensure
Environmental Science
» Biology
» Chemistry
Exercise Science
» Pre-Athletic Training
» Planning & Administration
Family & Consumer Sciences
Film
Finance
General Business
General Science
General Studies
Geography
» Geospatial Technology
Health Promotion
Healthcare Administration
History
Information Systems
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Insurance & Risk Management
» Personal Financial Planning
Interior Design
International Studies
» International Affairs & Security
» International Development & Globalization
» Regional & Cultural Studies
Journalism
» Broadcast Journalism
» Online Journalism
» Print Journalism
Linguistics
» Computer Science
» General Linguistics
» Language
» Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Logistics & Supply
Chain Management
Management
» Human Resource Management
Marketing
Mathematics
» Applied Mathematics
» Data Science
» Mathematics Education
» Pure Mathematics
Medical Laboratory Science
Middle-Level Education (4-8)
» Language Arts + Math
» Language Arts + Science
» Language Arts + Social Studies
» Math + Science
» Math + Social Studies
» Science + Social Studies
Modern Languages
» Chinese: Teacher Education, Traditional Language & Literature, Business Chinese
» French: Teacher Education, Traditional Language & Literature, Business French
» Spanish: Teacher Education, Traditional Language & Literature, Business Spanish
Music
» Composition
» Jazz & Studio Music, Instrumental
» Jazz & Studio Music, Vocal
» Performance, Instrumental
» Performance, Piano
» Performance, Vocal
» Piano Pedagogy
Music Education
» K-12 Instrumental Brass
» K-12 Instrumental Percussion
» K-12 Instrumental String
» K-12 Instrumental Woodwind
» Piano, Vocal
» Piano, Instrumental
» Vocal Nuclear Medicine Technology
Nursing
» Bridge2BSN
Nutrition Science
Philosophy
Physical Education (K-12)
Physics
» Biological
» Chemical
» Mathematical
» Physical Science
» Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Relations
Radiography
Religious Studies
» Religion & the Arts
» Religion & the Professions
» Religion in Self & Society
Social Studies (History)
Sociology
Special Education (K-12)
Theatre
Writing, Rhetoric, & Information Design
» Technical & Professional Writing
» Writing Studies
Pre-Cardio Respiratory Care
Pre-Dental Hygiene
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Accounting
Actuarial Studies
Addiction Studies
Africana Studies
Anthropology
Art
Art History
Asian Studies
Biology
Chemistry
Chinese (Mandarin)
Cognitive Neuroscience
Communication
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminology
Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Data Science
Economics
Education for Community Engagement
English
Family & Consumer Sciences
Film
Financial Services
French
Gender Studies
General Business
Geographic Information Science
Geography
Health Promotion
Health Psychology
History
Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Human Resource Management
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Insurance & Risk Management
International Studies
Journalism
Latin American & Latino Studies
Legal Studies
Linguistics
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Management
Marketing
Math Education
Mathematics
Military Science
Multicultural Psychology, Diversity & Inclusion
Music
Philosophy
Physical Science
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Relations
Religious Studies
Sociology
Southern & Arkansas Studies
Spanish
Special Education (non-licensure)
Sports Psychology
Statistics
Teaching & Learning
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)
Technical & Professional Writing
Theatre
Writing Studies
Computer Science Teaching & Learning
Data Analytics
Dyslexia
Geographic Information Systems
Gifted & Talented Education
Integrated Early Childhood Education (B-K)
Leadership & Technology in Instructional Design
Music
Online Teaching & Learning
Special Education K-12
Sport Marketing & Commerce
Accounting
» MAcc + GC in Data Analytics
Advanced Studies in Teacher Leadership
Applied Data Analytics
Applied Mathematics
Athletic Training
Biology
Business Administration
» Business Administration (General)
» Finance
» Health Care Administration
» Information Management
» International Business
» MBA + GC in Data Analytics
College Student Personnel Administration
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Computer Science
Creative Writing
English
Exercise Science
Family & Consumer Sciences
Film
Geographic Information Systems
Health Promotion
Instructional Technology
» Computer Science Teaching & Learning
» Leadership & Technology in Instructional Design
» Online Teaching & Learning
Library Media & Information Technology
» School Library Media Specialist
Literacy with Dyslexia Endorsement
Mathematics Education
Mental Health Counseling
Music
» Conducting, Choral
» Conducting, Instrumental
» Music Education
» Performance, Instrumental
» Performance, Piano
» Performance, Vocal
» Theory
Nursing
» Nurse Educator
Nutrition
School Counseling K-12
School Leadership, Management
& Administration
» Building Administration
» Curriculum/Program Administration
Special Education K-12
Sport Management
Teaching
» Elementary
» Middle
» Secondary
Educational Leadership
Digital Age Teaching & Learning
School Psychology
District-Level Administration
Nursing
» Family Nurse Practitioner
» Nurse Educator with Clinical Specialty
School-Based Leadership
» Building Administration
» Curriculum Administration
» GT Program Administration
» Special Education Program Administration
Leadership for Equity & Inclusion
» Community Leadership & Change
» Digital Age Curriculum & Instruction
» K-12
Educational Leadership
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Psychology
» Counseling Psychology
Embrace your future equipped with comprehensive knowledge, critical thinking and a deep sense of personal and social responsibility at UCA. Our focus is empowering you to make a meaningful impact in society, excel in your chosen paths and utilize the diverse skills and insights cultivated during your studies. This preparation ensures you're not just ready for today's career paths but adaptable for the challenges of tomorrow.
We’re committed to bringing professionals in performing arts, visual arts, writing and filmmaking to campus. They not only broaden the artistic awareness and appreciation but also provide in-depth master classes, workshops and discussions for our students, fostering enhanced understanding and professionalism.
› The Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts serves as a dynamic hub for students across all art disciplines, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge resources that elevate artistic endeavors
› Stand out with UCA’s unique offerings—the only Chinese, Religious Studies, and Film degree programs in Arkansas—designed to prepare you for diverse career paths with a broad and informed perspective
› UCA offers the only Insurance & Risk Management degree in Arkansas, providing a unique pathway to a thriving career in this vital industry
› Benefit from one of the most active internship and job placement programs in the state, ensuring you gain practical experience and secure employment opportunities in your field
As a thriving hub for over 1,400 undergraduate students, this is where academic excellence meets practical knowledge, blending coursework with real-world experience. Proudly accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—a distinction earned by just 5% of global business schools—we commit to an education that equips you with essential skills and values for the ever-evolving business landscape.
Our curriculum is a reflection of the modern business world, designed to ready you for its challenges. Emphasizing hands-on experience, we intertwine practical projects and internships with active participation in professional student organizations, ensuring you're not just learning theories but living them.
UCA.EDU/cose
Your journey is all about discovery and innovation. We dive into the mysteries of the universe, turning curiosity into knowledge and ideas into solutions. Our commitment is to shape critical thinkers and problem-solvers ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our graduates stand out, ready to excel in diverse careers and contribute positively to society.
This building marks a new era for UCA, offering top-tier facilities for biology, engineering, environmental science and physics. As a beacon of innovation, this center invites collaboration and exploration in a state-of-the-art setting.
› The UCA College of Science and Engineering boasts ABET-accredited programs in Engineering Physics, Computer Science and Cybersecurity, ensuring the highest standards of quality and innovation in education
› Home to the Arkansas Coding Academy (ArCA), we've trained over 400 students since its inception, making a significant impact on Arkansas’s technical industry
› UCA prepares more teachers than any other college or university in Arkansas, shaping the future of education with dedicated and highly trained professionals
› Our programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring the highest standards of excellence in teacher education
Born from the roots of the Arkansas State Teachers College, now UCA, our mission remains to forge dedicated educators ready to inspire and adapt within ever-evolving classrooms.
As Arkansas' premier educator preparation college, we're committed to hands-on learning and cutting-edge teaching strategies. Our graduates are highly sought after, with 76% of those who completed their studies in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 now employed in Arkansas public schools. Many step into their careers before even leaving our halls.
We're deeply committed to nurturing a strong passion for teaching. We believe in inspiring our students to fully embrace the role of professional educators, equipping them with the skills and enthusiasm to make a lasting impact in the world of education.
A culture of innovation and service, preparing you for a future in healthcare
We blend theory with action. Our students actively participate in service-learning and internships across fields from Exercise and Sport Science to Psychology, making a real impact in our community. This hands-on approach, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, prepares them to lead and adapt in the dynamic fields of healthcare and behavioral sciences, embodying our dedication to shaping responsible, versatile professionals ready for the challenges ahead.
This building, with its advanced classrooms, clinics, and the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation, is a cornerstone of our hands-on approach. Additionally, it houses the Interprofessional Teaching Center, ensuring students are not only knowledgeable but confident in their practical skills.
› UCA students complete an impressive 460,000 hours of clinical, internship or practicum experiences annually, several in our Interprofessional Teaching Center on campus, gaining invaluable real-world experience
› Over 90% of UCA health professional students pass their licensure exam on the first attempt
The victories of our students are critical, driving the commitment of our faculty and staff. Student Success Services houses a diverse array of programs, ranging from academic support, such as tutoring and success coaching, to engaging campus initiatives like FirstGen@UCA and BEAR Life, fostering peer engagement and student morale throughout the academic journey.
The Student Success & Veterans Resource Center is a central hub for our students to seek out the help they need. With this newly dedicated space, our faculty and staff are better equipped to assist students navigating college life. Students have access to learning spaces, coaching, study groups and communal workspaces all in one location. This center also offers specialized support for veterans and military-connected students. Visit uca.edu/veteranservices for more information.
Software Development Director
Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
The inspiring environment at UCA, especially in the math department, taught me how to critically analyze problems and find creative solutions. This foundation has been essential in my professional life.
Clinical Dietitian Assistant
Bachelor of Science, Nutrition
The most important lesson I learned at UCA was how to be independent. My time there helped me grow into a confident young woman, ready to tackle the challenges of my career and life.
Senior Immigration Paralegal
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy
UCA is big enough to matter and small enough to care. The university’s commitment to providing endless opportunities and resources made me feel more than just a number and prepared me for a successful career in immigration law.