The mission of the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is to prepare graduates who are intellectually enriched, technically competent, environmentally conscious, and ethically responsible. We honor the land-grant tradition and respect the many values of its fabric and heritage while having sensitivity toward change for the future. Our goal is for our graduates to be responsible leaders, possessing strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and having commitment to be self-directed, lifelong learners.

To accomplish this, the broad curricula include basic courses in the general sciences and liberal arts, as well as agriculture and human environmental sciences.

History and Organization

As the state’s land-grant university, the University of Arkansas has the responsibility for leadership in agricultural and human environmental sciences. This responsibility is shared with the Division of Agriculture, and it includes teaching, research, and service functions.

The Bumpers College is an integral component of the University of Arkansas and addresses the teaching responsibility of the land-grant university. Its roots lie in the First Morrill Act of 1862, which created the land-grant system by providing a grant of land to each state for the establishment of a college “where the leading objective shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanical arts in such manner as the legislatures of the state may prescribe to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life.” Agricultural sciences have been taught at the University of Arkansas almost from the beginning of the institution in 1872. The University conferred the first degrees in agriculture in 1904.

Early instruction and outreach efforts focused on improving rural life for men, women, and children. Farm wives were interested in beautifying the home, food preparation and safety, and gardening. Foods and nutrition, bacteriology, chemistry, and other related subjects held a common scientific interest for both agriculture and home economics, so it naturally evolved that studies in home economics should develop within the realm of agricultural education. Domestic science classes were offered as early as 1909, and a department of home economics was established in 1913. The department was elevated to school status in 1994, and its name was changed to the School of Human Environmental Sciences.

The passage of the Hatch Act in 1887 and subsequent legislation made possible the Agricultural Experiment Station, the research component of the Division of Agriculture. Most faculty who teach in the Bumpers College also hold appointments in the Experiment Station and are able to incorporate active research into their teaching.

The dissemination of University research in agriculture and human environmental sciences is carried out by personnel in the Cooperative Extension Service, created by the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Many Extension specialists also hold adjunct faculty status and bring their expertise to the teaching program.

It is this blending of teaching, research, and service functions that create a unique learning environment in the college. As students learn to relate basic areas of science to human needs, they study in laboratory-based classes and are taught in research facilities supported by the Division of Agriculture. Similarly, students are encouraged to intern with professionals in industry and governmental agencies, including the Cooperative Extension Service.

In recognition of the land-grant mission of the University and its commitment to serve the entire state, the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences has worked cooperatively with numerous community colleges to organize the Arkansas Consortium for Teaching Agriculture (ACTA). ACTA is designed to facilitate the “seamless” transfer of students from community colleges to the Bumpers College. Coordinated advising, recruiting, and curricula development are working goals of the consortium. Students interested in transferring while enrolled at an ACTA partner school should contact the dean’s office.

The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is composed of ten academic departments and the School of Human Environmental Sciences. The college offers both undergraduate and graduate level degrees.

The Agricultural Food and Life Sciences building houses the dean’s office and the department of Animal Science and serves as the headquarters for the college academic functions. There are six other buildings on campus operated by the college including the Agriculture Building, Home Economics Building, Rosen Center, Plant Science Building, Agricultural Annex, and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. Additionally, the Food Science building, Altheimer Laboratory, Abernathy Agri-Science laboratory, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Laboratory, Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena, and the Dorothy E. King Equine Science facilities are located at the Research and Extension Center north of the main campus. These serve as additional teaching laboratories or classroom facilities. Also, the Infant Development Center and the Nursery School are managed by the college to provide instructional training for the child development program.

Two distance-education classrooms are available for instructional use. A Teaching Resource Center, located in the Agriculture Building, provides support for faculty and graduate student instructors. Students can receive academic assistance through the Academic Enhancement Program (AEP) coordinated by the dean’s office. Trained counselors provide guidance to students seeking extra assistance. Students can also seek assistance through the Enhanced Learning Center, a campus-wide resource.

In addition to the scholarships awarded by the University, there are a number of scholarships available to students in agriculture and human environmental sciences made possible by generous gifts from many firms and individuals. To be considered for a college scholarship, students must first be admitted to the University. Most scholarships require students to be enrolled full-time, at least 12 credit hours per semester. A college scholarship application, which serves as an application to all available scholarships offered by the college, must be submitted by February 15 each year. A listing of various outside scholarships is available for review in the dean’s office, E-108, Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Building and on the college’s Web site. There are also miscellaneous outside scholarships for which applications are available in some departmental offices. For more information on scholarships, contact the dean’s office.

Agricultural Business Club is for students interested in agricultural business and economics.

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) is designed for students with an interest in agricultural communications.

Agricultural Mechanization Club is a student organization for those with an interest in agricultural technology.

American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Student Branch, (ASAE) is an organization for students interested in agricultural engineering.

Apparel Studies Student Association (ASSA) is an organization open to all students interested in the fashion industry.

National Block and Bridle Club is for students who are interested in any phase of animal science. Students with interests in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep or swine will find this club a good place to become involved.

Collegiate 4-H/FFA is for any student who has been active in 4-H or FFA or has a current interest in service to these youth-oriented organizations. This club is especially designed for students interested in teaching agricultural education or working for the Extension Service.

Collegiate Farm Bureau was formed in 2002 with support from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Its goals are to motivate students to become involved in shaping agricultural policy for the state and the nation.

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) offers student membership to all human environmental sciences majors. Monthly meetings highlight various phases of human environmental sciences and provide social contact with other majors. In addition, members become involved in local service projects and may attend statewide workshops and leadership training sessions.

Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science Club is a student organization for those interested in crops and soils through both an agricultural and environmental perspective.

Family and Child Organization is an organization for students who are interested in the welfare of young children. The organization, through programs, publications, and trips, offers students information about career opportunities in human development.

Food Science Club is an organization for those students interested in food science.

GroGreen: The student organic farm is for students to learn about and practice sustainable and organic farm and garden practices.

Horticulture Club is a student organization for those interested in horticulture including floriculture, ornamentals, turf, small fruits and vegetables.

Hospitality and Restaurant Management Club is for students who are interested in the food and beverage, hotel operations and tourism aspects of the hospitality industry.

Interior Design Organization (IDO) is a student organization dedicated to representing the entire profession and encouraging the highest possible standards for the practice of interior design.

Isely-Baerg Entomology Club is open to those who wish to stimulate interest in the field of entomology, perform outreach programs for the public and to promote and encourage professional exchange of ideas in the field ofentomology.

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources Related Sciences (MANRRS): The purpose of this organization is to promote and implement initiatives which foster inclusion and advancement of members of ethnic/cultural groups under-represented in the agricultural and natural sciences and related fields in all phases of career preparation and participation.

Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) is an organization open to graduate students interested in plant pathology or related fields.

Poultry Science Club is open to all students interested in any phase of the poultry industry or related fields.

Pre-Vet Science Club is for students interested in veterinary medicine and is especially designed for those students in the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum.

Student Dietetic Association (SDA) is an organization for students who are interested in the profession of dietetics. The goals are to promote growth in professional attitudes and to provide various programs of interest to the members.

Turf Management Club is a student organization open to all students interested in turfgrass management.

There are also numerous general organizations on the University campus, and students of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences participate in most of them. These include fraternities, sororities, honor and scholarship organizations, religious and music groups, sports organizations, and others.

Alpha Zeta is the professional honor fraternity for students of agriculture. To be invited to become a member, a student must rank in the upper two-fifths of the class and be recognized for leadership and character.

Phi Upsilon Omicron is the professional honor society for human environmental sciences students. To be eligible for invitation to membership, a student must rank in the upper 35 percent of the class and be recognized for character and leadership.

Gamma Sigma Delta is the honor fraternity for graduating seniors, graduate students, faculty, and alumni of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Seniors must rank in the upper 25 percent of their class to be eligible for membership, but not more than 15 percent of the class may be elected for membership. The highest-ranking sophomore and the highest-ranking senior are recognized annually by the society.

Alpha Tau Alpha is a national honorary professional fraternity for those preparing to become teachers of agricultural education. Its mission is to develop a true professional spirit in the teaching of agriculture, to help train teachers of agriculture who shall be leaders in their communities, and to foster a fraternal spirit among students in teacher training in agricultural education.

Bumpers College advising mission is to enhance the educational experience of and maximize opportunities for students. Therefore, we are committed to a strong, effective academic advising program. Advising plays a significant role in the total process of educating students for lifelong learning. The adviser assists students with the development and implementation of their educational plans.

Research demonstrates that the more contact students have with faculty, the more likely they are to persist and complete their educational goals in a timely manner. Therefore, the college has adopted a faculty advisement model. The faculty adviser serves as a facilitator to assist students in maximizing their education potential. The advising relationship is a partnership between the student and the faculty adviser. It is dependent on effective communication and regular contact.

Selection of a Major

A student who elects to major in some area of study in the college should plan the program with a faculty adviser. While undecided students are welcome, early selection of a major will permit better planning and proper sequencing of courses. The student and faculty adviser work closely to ensure that curriculum requirements are met in a timely fashion. A student uncertain about a major will be advised as an undeclared major through the dean’s office.

All entering students (including freshmen, international and transfer students) admitted to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, are eligible to pursue a degree program in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Degrees offered are as follows:

• The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences (B.S.A.)
• The Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences (B.S.H.E.S.)
• The Bachelor of Interior Design (B.I.D.)

Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences – B.S.A. Degree
Majors and Concentrations

• Agricultural Business (AGBS)
  • Agricultural Business Management and Marketing (ABMM)
  • Agricultural Economics (AGEC)
  • Pre-Law (PRLW)
• Agricultural Education, Communication and Technology (AECT)
  • Agricultural Communications (ACOM)
  • Agricultural Education (AGED)
  • Agricultural Systems Technology Management (ASTM)
• Animal Science (ANSC)
• Crop Management (CPMG)
• Environmental, Soil, and Water Science (ESWS)
• Food Science (FDSC)
  • Food Science (FDSC)
  • Food Technology (FDTN)
• Horticulture, Landscape, and Turf Sciences (HLTS)
• Poultry Science (POSC)

Minors Offered

• Agricultural Business (AGBS-M)
• Agricultural Education (AGED-M)
• Agricultural Systems Technology Management (ASTM-M)
• Animal Science (ANSC-M)
• Crop Biotechnology (CPBT-M)
• Crop Management (CPMG-M)
• Entomology (ENTO-M)
• Environmental, Soil, and Water Science (ESWS-M)
• Equine Science (EQSC-M)
• Food Science (FDSC-M)
• Global Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences (AFLS-M)
• Horticulture (HORT-M)
• Journalism (JOUR-M)
• Landscape Horticulture (LHRT-M)
• Pest Management (PMGT-M)
• Plant Pathology (PLPA-M)
• Poultry Science (POSC-M)
• Turf Management (TURF-M)
• Wildlife Habitat (WLHA-M)

Certificates Offered

• Food Safety Manager Certificate of Proficiency (FMGR-CP)
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Coordinator Certificate of Proficiency (HCCP-CP)

In both certificates, students take a concentrated core of Web-based courses focused on the application of scientifically based food-safety systems through the application of HAACP systems. Applicants must have a B.S. degree or seven years of relevant experience in the food industry to be admitted. See Requirements for Food Safety Certificates of Proficiency for the list of courses.

School of Human Environmental Sciences – B.S.H.E.S. or B.I.D. degree
Majors and Concentrations

• Apparel Studies (APST)
• Food, Human Nutrition and Hospitality (FHNH)
  • Dietetics (DIET)
  • General Foods and Nutrition (GFNU)
  • Hospitality and Restaurant Management (HRMN)
• General Human Environmental Sciences (HESC)
• Human Development, Family Sciences, and Rural Sociology (HDFS)
  • Child Development (CDEV)
  • Birth through Kindergarten (BRKD)
  • Lifespan (LSPN)
• Interior Design (IDES)

Minors Offered

• Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS-M)
• General Foods and Nutrition (GFNU-M)
• Global Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences (AFLS-M) – See Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness (AEAB).
• Journalism (JOUR-M) – See Agricultural and Extension Education (AEED).

Minors in other Colleges: Students in the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences may pursue an academic minor in the Sam M. Walton College of Business or in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. These minors usually consist of 15 to 20 hours of course work. For requirements regarding minors, check the catalog under the department offering the minor. Students must notify the dean’s office of their intention to pursue a minor.

Special (Non-Degree Seeking) Students

While most students enrolled in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences work toward a degree, students who desire additional education of a specific nature but who do not wish to fulfill all requirements for a degree may enroll as special students.

The Graduate School of the University, in cooperation with the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, offers the Master of Science degree in each of its ten departments and in the School. Six doctoral degrees are offered. More detailed information regarding individual programs may be obtained by contacting the administrative office of each department, or by consulting the Graduate School Catalog.

The Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences (B.S.H.E.S.) degree programs are accredited by the Council for Professional Development of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The degree program in dietetics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the American Dietetics Association. The Bachelor of Interior Design (B.I.D.) degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The Nursery School and the Infant Development Center in the School of Human Environmental Sciences are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences (B.S.A.) in food science is an approved program by the Institute of Food Technologists. Teacher education programs in agriculture and family and consumer sciences are coordinated with educational programs in the College of Education and Health Professions and are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Pre-veterinary Medicine

Because Arkansas does not have a college of veterinary medicine, the Arkansas General Assembly has authorized funds for education in veterinary medicine at out-of-state institutions. The State Board of Higher Education is the designated agent for the state of Arkansas, and the Student Loan Authority is authorized to administer the program. Terms and conditions prescribed by the Student Loan Authority are as follows: the grant will cover only out-of-state tuition, and the student will pay his or her own fees and expenses.

Contracts have been negotiated with the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education for education in veterinary medicine at Louisiana State Univer-sity and at Tuskegee University. Arrangements have also been made with the University of Missouri and Oklahoma State University. Under the provisions of the legislation, only citizens of Arkansas are eligible. They must enroll in and complete the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum to satisfy the admission requirements of these colleges of veterinary medicine.

The pre-veterinary medicine program at the University of Arkansas is administered in the departments of Animal Science and Poultry Science of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. There are faculty in these departments who help counsel and advise students regarding their pre-veterinary medicine program. There are also faculty veterinarians who provide some insight into the practice of veterinary medicine and are knowledgeable about many of the considerations encountered in establishing a practice upon graduation. Some of these veterinarians have been in private practice; others have been involved in full-time agricultural research since graduation from veterinary medicine and graduate school. Because there is a wide cross-section of experience among these faculty, students find their counsel valuable in planning a future in veterinary medicine.

While it is possible to complete requirements for admission to some colleges of veterinary medicine in two years, most students take three years or more to complete the requirements, and most complete a B.S. degree before being admitted. Students who carefully plan their work may complete a B.S. degree by transferring hours earned in the first two years at an accredited college of veterinary medicine back to the University of Arkansas, provided they complete certain degree requirements at the University prior to entering a school or college of veterinary medicine. These students must complete a minimum of 94 hours of a 124-hour program of prescribed courses. This will require three years and one or two 6-week summer terms for most students. Therefore, students should inform their advisers early in their program that they wish to be in a pre-vet degree program.

The Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is ready to assist students in fulfilling their pre-veterinary medicine requirements whether they desire to complete them in a two-year span or over three or four years. The supporting departments at the University, including chemistry, English, and biological sciences, all offer quality courses that give a student an excellent background for the pursuit of a degree in veterinary medicine.

To earn the professional degree, a student must complete the pre-veterinary medicine requirements and the four-year prescribed curriculum in one of the colleges of veterinary medicine.

Required Examinations: All required examinations are given on campus and administered by testing services (Hotz Hall 713, phone, 479-575-3948). Ex-ams must be taken by late fall of the year prior to entering vet school. Application forms for taking the exams can be picked up at testing services. Applications should be turned in at least 30 days prior to examination. Students seeking admission to University of Missouri may take the MCAT on one of the two national testing dates in the spring or early fall. All other contract schools accept the Graduate Records Exam (GRE), which is given frequently.

Students applying for admission to Oklahoma State University must take the general test and the biology test of the GRE., which is administered frequently on campus.

Applications: Students applying to Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State, and University of Missouri must fill out a Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) form, available at their online site (www.aavmc.org). Students must complete the application and have it postmarked by Oct. 1 of the year prior to beginning studies. Application forms for Tuskegee University may be obtained directly from Tuskegee University. Application forms are due by Dec. 5 of the year prior to entering school. Since requirements for the various veterinary schools periodically change, it is important that students check with their advisers about specific school requirements as they progress through the pre-veterinary requirements.

All students should contact the Coordinator of Veterinary Medicine, Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences, AFLS B114, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, phone 479-575-4351 in the spring prior to making fall application for admission to a veterinary school to verify that they can complete the requirements for the school they wish to attend. Pre-professional requirements and specific requirements for admission to colleges of veterinary medicine at Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University, University of Missouri, and Tuskegee University are listed with information on the Web for the department of Animal Science.

The Bumpers College Honors Program provides students with opportunities for intellectual enrichment beyond the traditional undergraduate experience. This is accomplished through special honors courses, completion of an undergraduate honors thesis, and other significant activities. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.25 to remain in the program.

Students in the AFLS Honors Program are required to complete 6 hours of honors courses with the majority from AFLS Honors courses chosen from the following:

• AFLS 1011H Honors Orientation
• AFLS 3131H Honors: Management and Leadership
• AFLS 3211H Honors Professional Development
• AFLS 3231H Intro to Scientific Thinking & Methods – Logic, Reasoning, & Sci. Argumentation
• AFLS 3313H Honors Global Issues in AFLS
• AFLS 3412H Honors Proposal Development
• AFLS 3512H Rotations in Agric. Lab Research
• AFLS 4431H Honors: Exploring Ethics
• AFLS 401VH Honors Special Topics – Topics include: Personal Excellence and Contemporary Readings.

Honors students are also required to complete 6 hours of thesis credit as AFLS 400VH Honors Thesis.

If Honors courses other than from the AFLS College are to be included as part of the 6 hours of honors coursework, the student must submit a written request to the AFLS Honors Faculty Committee for their consideration. This written request must be submitted to the AFLS Honors Program Director.

To support their research or creative projects, participants in the Honors Program are eligible to apply for undergraduate research grants from the AFLS college and the Honors College as well as Student Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) awarded by the state. The results of the student’s original research or creative project can be published in Discovery, the college undergraduate research journal. Honors students can also apply to the Honors College for Study Abroad and conference grants. The transcript and diploma of each honors graduate will designate the student as an honor graduate of the college who will be recognized as graduating with Honors Distinction. At the college commencement ceremony, each honors graduate will wear special
regalia and have the title of his or her honors thesis and mentor’s name listed in the graduation program.

An educational experience outside the U.S. has become an integral component for today’s student in higher education. The ability to compete and perform in the global arena requires an understanding of world cultures, economic systems, religions, trends, governments and politics. Students in the Bumpers College are encouraged to engage in study abroad that will lead to life-long partnerships, cultural awareness and understanding of the global dimensions of their majors. The college years provide the best opportunity for students to gain this understanding and experience through faculty-led group study tours; summer, semester or year-long study abroad; and international internships which closely relate to their career goals.

Bumpers College provides study abroad opportunities through its Global Studies Program, directed by Raymond W. Barclay Jr., who spends significant time abroad arranging individual programs of study. Although the Global Studies Program often uses standard “off-the-shelf” study abroad programs, its hallmark is customizing study abroad experiences to meet the specific interests and goals of each Bumpers student. More than 250 Bumpers students have had an international study experience since its inception in 1997, studying in 25 different countries, each earning academic credit relating to their major and global interests. The college anticipates a total of 40 to 50 Bumpers students participating in the Global Studies Program during each calendar year.

Study abroad can also lead to enrollment in AFLS 3313H Honors Global Issues in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; or the minor in Global Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences for undergraduate students. Graduate opportunities are available for study in agricultural economics, agribusiness and related subjects via the UA’s TransAtlantic Master of Science program at Ghent University, Belgium. Second language capability is helpful, but not required.

Bumpers students interested in a study abroad program or internships with full-time status usually can maintain their scholarships while abroad. Limited funding is available for travel grants through Bumpers and Honors colleges.

All students seeking admission to the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences must meet the general requirements for admission to the University. Students transferring from other colleges at the University of Arkansas or from other institutions are expected to meet the same entrance standard.

Residency

All students must have a minimum residence requirement of 36 weeks and 30 semester hours. The senior year must be completed in residence on campus unless a senior has already met the minimum residency requirement. This student will be permitted to earn not more than 12 of the last 30 hours in extension or correspondence courses or in residence at another accredited institution granting the baccalaureate degree. No more than six of these 12 hours may be correspondence courses.

All students must satisfy the following University Graduation requirements.

1. Complete a minimum of 124 semester hours.
2. Fulfill University Core Requirements of 35 hours. See University Core Courses for a list of courses that meet the requirements. Check requirements for each major as some majors require specific core courses.
3. Successfully complete ENGL 2003 Advanced Composition unless exemption is gained as detailed in the University catalog. See University Graduation Requirements.
4. Earn a grade-point average of 2.00 (“C” average) on all work attempted at the University of Arkansas.
5. Present no more than 68 semester hours of lower-division transfer course work (1000/2000 level) for degree credit.
6. Present no more than 25 percent in “D” grades earned at the University of Arkansas to meet degree requirements.

Bumpers College Graduation Requirements

1. For the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours within Bumpers College.
2. For the degree of Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences or Bachelor of Interior Design, students must complete a minimum of 30 hours within the School of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
3. A minimum of 9 hours of Broadening electives (Bumpers College courses taken outside of departmental code).
4. A minimum of 6 hours of Communications courses to include COMM 1313 (3 hours) and a Communication Intensive Elective (3 hours) from an approved course list.
5. Students who are exempt from ENGL 1013 or ENGL 1023 must enroll in 3-6 hours of English, Communications, Literature or Foreign Languages to fulfill the college requirements of English/ Communications.
6. A minimum of 39 hours of courses at the 3000-level or above.
7. In addition to university and college requirements students must meet other defined departmental requirements specific to each major and concentration. Bumpers College courses outside of the major may be included in departmental requirements.
8. General electives will vary by major. Electives may be selected to meet the requirements for a minor. Students are encouraged to meet with their adviser to discuss applying elective hours toward a minor.

Rules Applying to Course Work Used for Degree Credit

1. No credit will be given for duplicate coursework.
2. A maximum of six hours of internship and six hours of special problems may be counted for degree credit.
3. Elective courses used for degree credit may be chosen from any department in the University. These are subject to the approval of the academic adviser. Electives may be used to develop a minor.
4. Students are encouraged to join the University band, chorus, and judging teams, and to participate in debate, drama, athletics, etc. A total of six semester hours of elective credits in such activities may be counted toward a degree. The maximum elective credits in any one activity that may be counted toward a degree are as follows:
   

   Band and/or chorus	4 hours
   Drama and/or debate	4 hours
   Judging teams	4 hours
   Physical education activities	4 hours

5. Any course taken by correspondence, including Web-based courses, must be approved in advance in the dean’s office if the credits earned in the course are to be applied toward a degree. This rule applies regardless of the school from which the course is taken.
6. All transfer course work to be applied toward the degree must be an approved course listed in the transfer equivalency guide maintained by the Registrar’s office. For courses not listed in the guide, petitions can be submitted to the Dean’s office by the student’s academic adviser.
7. All study abroad courses must be approved in advance in the Dean’s office if the credits earned in the courses are to be applied toward a degree.

Requirements to Graduate with Honors

Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in baccalaureate degree programs will be recognized at graduation by the honors designation of Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude. To earn these distinctions, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. At least one-half of the degree course work must have been completed at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
2. Only the grade-point average on course work completed at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, will be considered.
3. For each of the three distinctive honors, the student must have the minimum grade-point average indicated.
   
   1. Cum Laude: 3.50 to 3.74
   2. Magna Cum Laude: 3.75 to 3.89
   3. Summa Cum Laude: 3.90 to 4.00
4. Students may graduate with honors distinction without participating in the Honors Program.

Additional Requirements

Former students of the college who are readmitted after an absence of one year may be expected to meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time
of their readmission. Students should consult their academic adviser for degree planning before registering for classes. Students interested in earning an additional bachelor’s degree should refer to the University requirements.

Grading System

The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences utilizes a plus/minus grading system that assigns numerical values to 12 different grades. These values are used for courses when grade-point averages are calculated. See Grades and Marks for the method of calculating grade-point averages. The 12-step grading system with assigned values is as follows: