Graduate Studies
Questions? Contact Us.
Office of Graduate Studies
- Graduate-Studies@uafs.edu
- 479-788-7518
- Mon. - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Fullerton Administration 132
Welcome
Welcome to Graduate Studies at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Graduate programming
at UAFS is designed to complement the educational offerings at the undergraduate level
and provide needed graduate programs to constituents in the River Valley region and
beyond. We currently offer two graduate programs: Master of Science in Healthcare
Administration and the Master of Education. Over time the university plans to add
more programs that are consistent with our mission of preparing students to succeed
in an ever-changing global world while advancing economic development and quality
of place.
UAFS has gained a reputation for connecting education with careers by providing students
with skills and abilities to apply in their chosen fields. Graduate programming at
UAFS is no different. Our intent is to develop career-ready professionals to serve
Fort Smith and other area communities. We are committed to our students and their
pursuit of graduate education in high-demand fields. Graduate programming at UAFS
is supported by highly qualified faculty and staff to assist you in achieving your
goals.
In the fall of 2014, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board granted approval
for UAFS to change its role and scope to offer its first graduate degree program:
a Master of Science in healthcare administration. This online degree program provides
the knowledge and skills needed to prepare leaders to deal specifically with the U.S.
healthcare marketplace. Healthcare administrators are responsible for the business
and financial aspects of hospitals, clinics, and other health services organizations.
They are partners with other healthcare providers in providing care and serving the
needs of patients, their families, and communities. Healthcare administrators are
needed to organize and manage medical information and healthcare staff in all areas
of the industry. As managers they must understand science, medicine, information technology,
economics, and finance of healthcare systems.
The MHCA program was approved by the Higher Learning Commission in July 2015, and
as a result, classes began in fall 2015.
In September 2019 UAFS received final approval from the Higher Learning Commission
to offer the Master in Education as our second graduate program. The M.Ed. allows
licensed teachers (or those eligible for licensure) to further their education. They
can choose between concentrations in curriculum and instruction (MECI) or English
(MELA). Classes began in spring 2020.
The M.Ed. program provides candidates with a deep understanding of the expectations
of a master teacher and the knowledge and skills needed to become master teachers
in the classroom. The program focuses on the development of research-based knowledge
in the areas of theory, teaching strategies, research, and a broad base of various
curricula. Our mission is to unite professionals to ensure continuous learning and
success.