2016-2017 Admission

Individuals who meet the admission requirements listed below may apply to Arkansas Tech University. The University reserves the right to reject the application of any individual. Every student must file an application for admission. Applications and additional information about Arkansas Tech are available from the Office of Admissions, Arkansas Tech University, 105 West O Street, Brown Building, Room 104, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

Students may apply on-line from the Tech website at www.atu.edu or e-mail for additional information via tech.enroll@atu.edu.

Tech will provide equal opportunity in admission to all persons. This applies to all phases of the admission process. Any demographic information collected through the admission application is on a voluntary basis and is to be used in a nondiscriminatory manner consistent with applicable civil rights laws for reporting and statistical purposes only and cannot affect eligibility for admission.

Tech is subject to and endorses both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Director of Disability Services serves as the coordinator for these federal programs. The Office of Disability Services is located in Doc Bryan and can be contacted by calling (479) 968-0302 or FAX (479) 964-0375.

All students at Arkansas Tech University will be assigned a permanent, randomly generated, student identification number.

All students must provide proof of two measles, one mumps and two rubella immunizations by way of an official record from another educational institution, certificate from a licensed medical doctor, or an authorized public health department representative. Proof of the appropriate immunizations must be presented to the Office of Admissions prior to admission to the university. Students may be exempted from the immunization requirements if there is a medical contraindication or if religious or philosophical belief prohibits immunizations. Exemptions must be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health by emailing immunization.section@arkansas.gov.

Students who are enrolled in online classes ONLY may request an immunization waiver. Students whose immunization requirements have been waived may not enroll in face to face classes.

 All students who hold resident alien status must provide a copy of their resident alien card documenting an unexpired status.

Entering freshmen must comply with the following admission requirements and freshman placement standards. This includes students who enter with college credit earned prior to high school graduation, during summer following high school graduation, or by advanced placement.

Residual college entrance exams, taken on other college campuses, will not be accepted for admission.


Entering Freshman/New Student

New students to Arkansas Tech University must submit an application for admission, college entrance exam scores, an official record documenting completion of secondary requirements, and proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations. If you have concurrent college credit, an official transcript from that institution is required. For Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit, original score reports or copies embossed by your high school will need to be submitted prior to credit being awarded. A minimum criterion for exam scores and grade point average for unconditional admission is listed below:

  1. Composite ACT score of 19, composite SAT score of 1330, or composite Accuplacer score of 67 or above. Note: The ACT Writing exam is not required for admission purposes.
  2. Completion of graduation requirements from an accredited public or private secondary school, a non-accredited private secondary school, or a home school program documenting a minimum 2.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average, and completion of the university’s secondary school core curriculum, OR minimum GED score of 600.

Freshmen who do not meet the above unconditional admission requirements but have a minimum composite ACT score of 15 or minimum composite SAT score of 1060, or minimum composite Accuplacer score of 57, and have completed college core with a 2.0/4.0 grade point average or minimum GED score of 600, will be admitted as conditional.


Secondary School Core Course Recommendation

A minimum of twenty-two earned core course credits is required, from grades nine through twelve, for admission purposes.  Two additional units of foreign language are recommended for college preparation. Asterisks indicate core courses required by Act 1290 for unconditional admission.

*English - 4 units, with emphasis on writing skills, but not to include oral communications, journalism, drama, or debate.

*Mathematics - 4 units, including algebra I and algebra II, geometry, and an advanced math course. The fourth unit may be college algebra or a higher level college math course, as long as three college credit hours are earned. It is strongly recommended that students take a math course during their senior year.

*Natural Science - 3 units with lab experience chosen from Physical Science, Biology or Applied Biology/Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics or Principles of Technology I & II or PIC Physics.

*Social Studies - 3 units, [one (1) unit of world history, one (1) unit of U.S. history, one half (1/2) unit of civics]. *see note beside economics

Oral Communications - ½ unit of oral communications.

Physical Education - ½ unit of physical education.

Health and Safety - ½ unit of health and safety.

Economics - ½ unit of economics. *may be counted toward Social Studies or Career Focus

Fine Arts - ½ unit of fine arts.

Electives - 6 units of career focus electives.


Freshman Placement Standards

In accordance with A.C.A. § 6-61-110, first-time entering undergraduate students who enroll in baccalaureate degree programs or associate-degree transfer programs must meet the following placement standards prior to enrollment in college-level mathematics reading, or English composition courses. Remedial courses do not provide credit toward a degree.

Mathematics – Students scoring 19 or above on the mathematics section of the ACT, 460 or above on the quantitative portion of SAT-1, or 42 or above on the college algebra portion of the Accuplacer exam may enroll in college-level mathematics courses. Students not meeting the standard must successfully complete a developmental (pre-college level) mathematics program, demonstrating achievement at least as sophisticated as intermediate algebra, in order to be placed in college-level mathematics courses.

English Composition – Students scoring 19 or above on the English section of the ACT or 450 or above on the writing section of SAT-1 or 83 or above on the sentence skills portion of the Accuplacer exam may enroll in college-level English courses. Students not meeting the standard must successfully complete a developmental program.

Reading – Students scoring 19 or above on the reading section of the ACT, 470 or above on the reading section of SAT-1,  or 78 or above on the sentence skills portion of the Accuplacer exam will be considered to have met minimal reading skill requirements. English composition may be taken concurrent with or subsequent to any required developmental reading program.

Students who are required to complete developmental program(s) in mathematics, English, and/or reading, must enroll in the appropriate course during their first semester at Tech and in each subsequent semester until the developmental program is completed successfully.


Former Students

Students who have interrupted their attendance at Arkansas Tech University for more than one year or who have attended another university in the interim must reapply for admission. Additional documents are required for readmission. Academic clemency may be granted in accordance with the clemency policy detailed in the Regulations and Procedures section.


Transfer Students

Transfer students making application for admission to Arkansas Tech University must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities where they have been officially registered. Students seeking transfer of credit from other institutions may be asked to provide a catalog or course description from the transfer institution.

Students with fewer than 24 semester hours of earned college-level credit must also submit an official final high school transcript and must request current transferable ACT or SAT scores be sent to the university. Exam scores will not be required if the English and mathematics general education requirements have been satisfied with grades of “C” or better. In the event that receipt of a student’s transcript is unavoidably delayed, as may frequently occur at midyear, a transfer student may be admitted provisionally pending receipt of the official transcript. However, the university reserves the right to require immediate withdrawal if the previous record does not meet admission requirements.

Applicants for transfer must have earned a GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on all courses attempted and be eligible to re-enroll at the last college or university attended.


Transfer Credit

ATU will recognize transfer credit from a U.S. institution provided that the institution is accredited by one of the six U.S. regional accreditation associations, and for courses that are approved for transfer by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) through the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS). Acceptance of course credit may depend on the date that the institution was accredited or the date that a course was approved for transfer by ADHE. Transfer credit for coursework from institutions outside the U.S. will be considered on an individual basis. Students seeking transfer of credit from a foreign college/university must complete a credential evaluation through a Credential Evaluation Service authorized by Arkansas Tech University (a list of approved service providers can be obtained in the IMSSO or in the Registrar’s Office). Transfer credit, although accepted by the university, is not guaranteed to be applicable toward meeting degree requirements for the particular program of study selected by the transfer student.

The most current available course transfer information on file with the university will be used at the time of advising and/or registration. The student is responsible for having all up-to-date official transcripts on file with the university for use at that time. The student, not the university, is responsible for advising and/or registration issues that may arise due to official transcripts being submitted and placed on file after advising or registration has taken place.


Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS)

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) is designed to assist in planning the academic progress of students from the high school level through the adult workforce. This system contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements. Students may complete specified General Education courses anywhere in the public system as well as many courses in the degree/major that have been pre-identified for transfer. Course transferability is not guaranteed for courses listed in ACTS as “No Comparable Course.” Transferability of courses taken prior to January 1, 2007, is at the discretion of the receiving institution. The Arkansas Course Transfer System can be accessed at http://acts.adhe.edu/.

Act 747 of 2011 establishes a statewide common course numbering system for postsecondary courses.  The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS)  meets this requirement.

The following table lists those courses found within ACTS and the equivalent Arkansas Tech University course as of April 1, 2016.  Please refer to the ACTS website (http://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx) for the most up-to-date course listings.

ACTS Course Index Number ACTS Course Index Name Arkansas Tech University Course Number Arkansas Tech University Course Name
ANTH1013 Introduction to Anthropology ANTH 1213 Introduction to Anthropology
ANTH2013 Cultural Anthropology ANTH 2003 Cultural Anthropology
ARTA1003 Art Appreciation ART 2123 Experiencing Art
ARTA2003 Art History Survey I ART 2103 Art History I
ARTA2103 Art History Survey II ART 2113 Art History II
BIOL1004 Biology for Non-Majors BIOL 1014 Introduction to Biological Sciences
BIOL1014 Biology for Majors BIOL 1114 Principles of Biology
BIOL1034 Botany for Majors BIOL 2134 Principles of Botany
BIOL1054 Zoology BIOL 2124 Principles of Zoology
BIOL 2004 Introductory Microbiology BIOL 2054 Microbiology for Health Sciences
BIOL2404 Human Anatomy and Physiology I * BIOL 2404 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL2414 Human Anatomy and Physiology II * BIOL 2414 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
CHEM1004 Chemistry I for General Education CHEM 1114 Survey of Chemistry
CHEM1214 Chemistry I for Health Related Professions CHEM 1113/CHEM 1111 Survey of Chemistry and Lab
CHEM1224 Chemistry II for Health Related Professions CHEM 2204 Organic Physiological Chemistry
CHEM1414 Chemistry I for Science Majors CHEM 2124 General Chemistry I
CHEM1424 Chemistry II for Science Majors CHEM 2134 General Chemistry II
CPSI1003 Introduction to Computers COMS 1003 Introduction to Computer Based Systems
CRJU1023 Introduction to Criminal Justice CJ 2003 Introduction to Criminal Justice
DRAM1003 Theatre Appreciation TH 2273 Introduction to Theatre
ECON2103 Principles of Macroeconomics ECON 2003 Principles of Economics I
ECON2203 Principles of Microeconomics ECON 2013 Principles of Economics II
ENGL1013 Composition I ENGL 1013 Composition I
ENGL1023 Composition II ENGL 1023 Composition II
ENGL2013 Introduction to Creative Writing ENGL 2043 Introduction to Creative Writing
ENGL2023 Introduction to Technical Writing ENGL 2053 Technical Writing
ENGL2113 World Literature I ENGL 2003 Introduction to World Literature
ENGL2653 American Literature I ENGL 2013 Introduction to American Literature
FREN1013 French I FR 1013 Beginning French I
FREN1023 French II FR 1023 Beginning French II
FREN2013 French III FR 2013 Intermediate French I
FREN2023 French IV FR 2023 Intermediate French II
GEOG1113 Human Geography GEOG 2023 Human Geography
GEOG2103 World Regional Geography GEOG 2013 Regional Geography of the World
GEOG2223 Physical Geography No Comparable Course No Comparable Course
GEOL1114 Physical Geology GEOL 1014 Physical Geology
GEOL1124 Environmental Geology No Comparable Course No Comparable Course
GEOL1134 Historical Geology GEOL 2024 Historical Geology
GERM1013 German I GER 1013 Beginning German I
GERM1023 German II GER 1023 Beginning German II
GERM2013 German III GER 2013 Intermediate German I
GERM2023 German IV GER 2023 Intermediate German II
HEAL1003 Personal Health HLED 1513 Personal Health and Wellness
HIST1113 World Civilizations I HIST 1503 World History to 1500
HIST1123 World Civilizations II HIST 1513 World History since 1500
HIST2113 United States History I HIST 2003 United States History to 1877
HIST2123 United States History II HIST 2013 United States History since 1877
MATH1103 College Algebra MATH 1113 College Algebra
MATH1113 Quantitative Literacy/Mathematical Reasoning MATH 1003 College Mathematics
MATH1203 Plane Trigonometry MATH 1203 Plane Trigonometry
MATH1305 Pre-Calculus MATH 1914 Precalculus
MATH2103 Introduction to Statistics MATH 2163 Introduction to Statistical Methods
MATH2203 Survey of Calculus MATH 2243 Calculus for Business and Economics
MATH2405 Calculus I MATH 2914 Calculus I
MATH2505 Calculus II MATH 2924 Calculus II
MATH2603 Calculus III MATH 2934 Calculus III
MUSC1003 Music Appreciation MUS 2003 Introduction to Music
PHIL1103 Philosophy PHIL 2003 Introduction to Philosophy
PHSC1004 Physical Science PHSC 1013/PHSC 1021 Introduction to Physical Science and Physical Science Lab
PHSC1104 Earth Science GEOL 1004 Essentials of Earth Science
PHSC1204 Introduction to Astronomy PHSC 1053/PHSC 1051 Astronomy and Observational Astronomy Lab
PHYS2014 Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics I PHYS 2014 Physical Principles I
PHYS2024 Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics II PHYS 2024 Physical Principles II
PHYS2034 Calculus-Based Physics I PHYS 2114 General Physics I
PHYS2044 Calculus-Based Physics II PHYS 2124 General Physics II
PLSC2003 American National Government POLS 2003 American Government
PLSC2103 State and Local Government No Comparable Course No Comparable Course
PSYC1103 General Psychology PSY 2003 General Psychology
PSYC2103 Developmental Psychology No Comparable Course No Comparable Course
SOCI1013 Introduction to Sociology SOC 1003 Introductory Sociology
SOCI2013 Social Problems CJ/SOC 2033 Social Problems
SPAN1013 Spanish I SPAN 1013 Beginning Spanish I
SPAN1023 Spanish II SPAN 1023 Beginning Spanish II
SPAN2013 Spanish III SPAN 2013 Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN2023 Spanish IV SPAN 2023 Intermediate Spanish II
ACCT2003 Principles of Accounting I ACCT 2003 ** Principles of Accounting I
ACCT2013 Principles of Accounting II ACCT 2013 ** Principles of Accounting II
BLAW2003 Legal Environment of Business BLAW 2033** Legal Environment of Business
BUSI2103 Business Statistics BUAD 2053 ** Business Statistics

* Note - Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II must be taken at the same institution to be transferable. 
** Note - Accounting and business courses are not general education core courses.
***Note - Applied Technical Math courses not guaranteed for transfer.


International Student Admissions

The International and Multicultural Student Services Office (IMSSO) is pleased to serve as the admissions office for international students studying at Arkansas Tech University (Tech). Any student who is not a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered an international student. International students are subject to out-of-state tuition rates and an international student services fee as well as additional admission requirements. International students interested in applying for admission to Tech must submit the following documents:

  1. Application – An application for international admission, properly completed
  2. Application Fee – A nonrefundable application fee of $50 USD
  3. Academic Records – All transcripts must be originals or school-certified copies of originals with official English translations. Notarized copies are not accepted.
    1. Entering Freshmen: All applicants must submit appropriate academic records verifying previous educational attainment and the completion of secondary education requirements or the equivalency of US high school. This documentation should include grade/mark sheets as well as certificate/diplomas showing completion of secondary education equivalent to 12 years of US high school.
    2. Transfer Students: Students who have previously attended college either in the US or abroad must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities where they have been officially registered. Students seeking transfer of credit from a foreign college/university must complete a credential evaluation through a company authorized by Arkansas Tech University (a list of approved service providers can be obtained in the IMSSO or in the Registrar’s Office) and submit catalog or course descriptions from the transfer institution. Students with fewer than 24 semester hours of earned college-level credit must also submit a high school transcript or the equivalency of a US high school transcript and diploma as well as complete an entrance exam such as the ACT, SAT or COMPASS.
  4. Entrance Exam – All applicants must complete the ACT, SAT or COMPASS exam. Students who have not completed the ACT or SAT may take the COMPASS exam on campus upon arrival and after admission to assist in advisement and course placement. However, if ACT or SAT scores are available, please provide this documentation along with the application for admission. Students with more than 24 semester hours of earned college-level credit and have successfully completed college-level English and mathematics courses are not required to take an entrance exam.
  5. English Proficiency – Students who wish to apply for admission to the English Language Institute (ELI) are not required to demonstrate English proficiency. All other applicants should submit official documentation of meeting one of the following standards:
    1. A minimum score of 500 on the written TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), 173 on the computerized TOEFL or 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL. Scores must be received directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). The school code for Arkansas Tech University is 6010.
    2. A minimum score of 5.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). An official score card must be sent directly to Arkansas Tech University.
    3. An EIKEN score of Grade 2A. Scores must be sent directly from STEP, Inc. (Society for Testing English Proficiency).
    4. For transfer students from US colleges/universities, one of the above mentioned documents can be provided or an official college/university transcript showing successful completion of college-level English Composition I and English Composition II with a grade of C or better.
    NOTE: Test scores are only valid for 2 years. Please submit only those scores taken within two years from the time of application.
  6. Evidence of Sufficient Financial Support – Undergraduate costs are estimated at $20,912.64 USD for 9 months of study including tuition and fees, housing, meals, books and other living expenses. Applicants must provide certified evidence of the source and amount of funding that will be utilized to support educational expenses. Documents must be official and issued within the 6 months previous to the time of application. No copies are accepted.
  7. Passport – Please provide a photocopy of your current passport as well as any previous visas to the US, I-20’s and an I-94 card if available.

The application for international admission and all supporting documents should be submitted by May 1 for the fall semester, October 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for both summer sessions for priority consideration. Applications are still accepted after the priority dates. Admission will not be granted until all supporting documentation as listed above has been received and evaluated. Upon acceptance, notification will be sent to the student along with an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility).

Any deferral of admission requires updated evidence of financial support. The application fee may be applied to defer an application for admission in the same program for up to one (1) calendar year from the original application date. However, the applicant is responsible for paying a $25 USD fee for each deferral within the calendar year. If an applicant does not complete the admission process within one (1) calendar year from the original application date, the applicant is responsible for submitting new application fees. Please send a written request for deferral to IMSSO along with the fee and updated financial support documentation within 60 days of the start date of your last admission.

Full payment of tuition and fees must be paid at registration each semester.  International students are required to purchase a health insurance policy provided by the university. Tech receives no remuneration as a result of international student enrollment in the health insurance plan.

More detailed information regarding international student admissions may be obtained by contacting the International and Multicultural Student Services Office, Tomlinson 29, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas, 72801-2222, USA; telephone 479-964-0832; fax 479-880-2039; web http://www.atu.edu/imsso.


Conditional Admission

First-time entering freshmen and transfer students who have been denied admission may file a written appeal addressed to the Director of Admissions seeking conditional admission. The appeal must be made within ten calendar days from the date admission was denied and should state applicant’s grounds for appeal. Students granted conditional admission will be admitted on academic probation.


Non-Degree Admission

Arkansas Tech University serves the general public by allowing individuals to enroll in classes for professional development and self-fulfillment without meeting regular admission requirements. The student admitted under this policy, who later chooses to pursue a degree, must reapply for admission as a degree seeking student and meet standard admission policies. A maximum of 27 credit hours earned as a non-degree seeking student may be applied to a degree program. Financial aid benefits may not be granted to students admitted as non-degree seeking. For more information, call the Office of Admissions at (479) 968-0343.


High School – University Admissions

Arkansas Tech University welcomes the opportunity to serve area schools by complementing their programs with special opportunities for students to enroll for college courses and earn college credit by attending Tech during summer sessions or by attending on a part-time basis during the regular academic year, concurrent with enrollment in secondary school. In accordance with the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, paragraph 6-18-223 makes provisions whereby a student who is enrolled in a public school in Arkansas and who has completed the eighth grade is eligible to enroll at Arkansas Tech University upon approval of the appropriate public school official, provided the student does not need developmental courses in mathematics, English or reading and has a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.00 or greater on a 4.0 scale.

Once admitted and enrolled, concurrent students do not need to reapply for the concurrent program unless there is a break in fall/spring enrollment. Concurrent students must reapply when changing admission status, for example, from concurrent to entering freshmen. The course(s) agreed upon by the student and their high school must also be approved each term by a university official. The application for concurrent enrollment can be found at http://www.atu.edu/admissions. 


Non-Academic Rejection

Please note that academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate a person's behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university. An evaluation may take into consideration current behavior and performance as well as past experiences and actions. Simply qualifying for admission does not guarantee admission.


ACT (American College Testing) Program

Entering freshmen are required to provide Arkansas Tech University with American College Testing (ACT) Assessment scores for purposes of admission, academic placement, and the awarding of academic scholarships. The ACT, which covers English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning, is administered six times per year at test centers, such as high schools, colleges and universities, across the nation. ACT information and registration forms may be obtained from local high schools, colleges, or universities.

You may also contact the Arkansas Tech University Testing Center for ACT information. In addition, you may correspond directly with ACT at American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, Iowa 52243.

The 2016-2017 ACT national test schedule is as follows:
Test Date  
September 10, 2016  
October 22, 2016  
December 10, 2016  
February 11, 2017  
April 8, 2017  
June 10, 2017  
Please check the ACT website for registration deadlines for 2016-2017 tests and for the 2017-2018 test schedule at www.actstudent.org.


Student Retention and Graduation Rates

For information about retention and graduation rates at Tech, go to http://ir.atu.edu or contact the Office of Institutional Research at 479-964-3219.


Selecting a Major Field

Arkansas Tech University encourages students to give serious thought to the selection of a major field of study. They should determine the academic pursuits that lead to the vocations most attractive, not only in financial gain, but in interest as well. They should then examine the program of study most closely related to their interest areas. Arkansas Tech provides students with an online career and education planning tool called FOCUS 2 to help with choosing a major. For access to FOCUS 2 and other helpful information on choosing a major, visit the Career Services page at http://www.atu.edu/career/choosingamajor.php


Undecided Study

Many students entering the University have not chosen a major. The individual who has not decided on a major may enroll in general education courses which are required of all candidates for the baccalaureate degree (see General Education Requirements. All undergraduate students, who have earned less than 60 credit hours, will be assigned to the Academic Advising Center. The Academic Advising Center is located in Rothwell Hall, room 107, and can be contacted by calling (479) 964-0843. Students enrolled as “undecided” may select a major at any time; however, a student must select a major during the semester in which the student earns 45 credit hours.


Procedure for Scheduling Courses

Detailed procedures for registration/early registration are available each semester online at www.atu.edu. Prior to enrollment, students, in consultation with an academic advisor in their major field of study, prepare a class schedule and officially register for classes, pay fees and, if living on campus, pay room rent and board.


Course Information

All courses taught at Arkansas Tech University are listed alphabetically by subject area in the Course Descriptions section. Course symbols, the four-digit numbers used to identify courses within a department, have the following significance: the first digit of the number denotes the year level at which the course is given; the second and third digits differentiate the course from others in the department; the fourth digit shows the number of credit hours given. Typically an “hour of credit” requires one hour of classroom work per week for the duration of a semester.


Graduate Program

The requirements for the degree of master of education, master of science, master of liberal arts, master of arts, master of science in nursing, master of engineering, and educational specialist degree are set forth in the publication entitled “Graduate Catalog”. Information may be obtained by contacting the Dean of the Graduate College, telephone (479) 968-0398.