Raise the Stakes: 6 Notable Graduate Schools & Programs in Arkansas
By Arkansas NEXT on Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Graduate degrees take more time and money, but they pay off in a big way when it comes to job availability, salaries and job satisfaction. Below, you'll find six notable graduate schools and programs found in the state of Arkansas.
Sam M. Walton College of Business at U of A
Walton graduate programs benefit from the dynamic and diverse business environment of Northwest Arkansas. These connections enhance faculty research, curriculum development, student employment opportunities and networking.
UAMS Graduate Program
UAMS is the state’s only academic medical center; the main branch is in Little Rock, but there are branches also located in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Magnolia, Pine Bluff, Springdale and Texarkana. In addition to the hospital and clinics, UAMS includes five colleges and a graduate school, eight Regional Centers, and seven institutes of excellence.
Clinton School of Public Service
The first school in the nation to offer a Master’s of Public Service degree, the Clinton School of Public Service furthers careers in the areas of nonprofit, governmental, volunteer or private-sector service and gives students experience in everything, from local work to international projects.
William H. Bowen School of Law at UALR
With one of the lowest student/faculty ratios in the nation, the UALR Bowen School of Law allows students to interact with their peers and faculty members to a degree not possible at many schools. This program also offers lower tuition rates. In fact, it is the 19th most affordable law school in the country according to StudentLoanHero.com.
UCA’s Nursing and Occupational Therapy doctoral programs
The master’s nursing program has been around since 1967 and has recently been ranked the eighth best graduate nursing program in the nation by Top Master's in Healthcare Administration. The occupational therapy program has been offering students the path to a master’s degree since 1974 when it emerged as the only OT program in Arkansas, but now, as of fall 2017, students can receive a doctoral degree (OTD).
Harding’s Physical Therapy program
This relatively new program offers a small class size of around 35 and features a 2-week mission experience in Zambia, Africa.
Did You Know?
| Arkansas State University (ASU) produces more master’s degree graduates than any other university in the state. |  |
$30,000
The Average Cost of Grad School
The cost of graduate degree programs varies greatly depending on the type of school and academic program. On average, annual tuition at public colleges and universities totals nearly $30,000 and at private schools nearly $40,000. Other costs include books, supplies and transportation (unless you live on campus). — Petersons.com
Popular U.S. Jobs that Require a Graduate Degree
Here are a few of the highest paying jobs you can obtain with postsecondary education experience (after obtaining a bachelor’s degree) according to Business Insider. See what salary you might earn on the Arkansas Jobs & Salaries Report.
• Accountants (+1-2 years)
• Economists (+1-2 years)
• Education administrators (+1-2 years)
• Statisticians (+1-3 years)
• Speech pathologists, Occupational therapists & Physician Assistants (+2 years)
• Political scientists (+2-3 years)
• Nurse Practitioners (+2-4 years)
• Lawyers (+3 years)
• Veterinarians (+4 years)
• Pharmacists (+8 years)
If You’re Thinking About Being a Doctor…
While medical school teaches students a broad range of medical knowledge and clinical skills, medical residency gives in-depth training within a specific branch after medical school is complete. The length of residency depends on the program, but here are a few of the popular routes:
• Optometry +1 year
• Pharmacy +2 years
• Family practice and pediatrics +3 years
• Oral surgery +3-4 years
• General surgery +5 years
• Brain surgery +6-8 years
15 Companies in Arkansas That Will Help Pay for Grad School
1. UPS
2. Tyson
3. AT&T
4. NWA Regional Airport
5. Source Gas Arkansas
6. Washington Regional Medical Center
7. J.B. Hunt
8. Sager Creek Vegetable Company
9. Blue Cross Blue Shield
10. Deloitte
11. Lockheed Martin
12. Apple
13. Home Depot
14. Best Buy
15. Comcast
