Thinking About Applying to the University of Arkansas ONLINE? Here’s what to do next

March 30, 2023 | by Casey Kraichoke, Global Campus

Get to know if we are the right fit for you. Learn about the online degree programs we offer. Take our online course readiness quiz. Read what current students have to say about their experiences. Reach out to us to get your questions answered and discover why you should study online at the University of Arkansas.

Once you decide that you are ready to apply, it’s time to learn about the application process.

Our Application Guide will explain step by step what to expect throughout the application process. After you start an application for an online program, our Online Student Liaison Office will be notified and start looking out for you. They will reach out periodically to see if you have any questions and see how they can help.

“I didn’t want to cut my early career off at the knees and couldn’t financially or personally afford to go back to school full time. I wanted to go somewhere that had some weight in the world, somewhere that had a lot of respect behind the degree name.”

Stormy Speaks, Nashville, TN, Ed.D. in HRWD

It’s important to be aware applying is a two-fold process. The initial step of the application gathers the applicant’s information, such as academic history and university information. That way, the system knows which items to populate on your checklist — this includes transcripts from each institution in your academic record, any documentation necessary for your personal info (disciplinary information or visa status, for example), or items related to a program, like the nursing experience form. Once the application form is submitted, applicants will need to continue and complete the application by supplying all the necessary items on their checklist. Applicants can come back and view their Application Center for updates.

Ray Murphy and Karagin Miller, both online student liaisons, provide some helpful tips for applicants.

“We often find that students complete the first part, but then end up with little time to complete the second part once they believe the application is submitted,” said Murphy. “It is submitted, it’s just not completed. That’s why our work is so important, because these nuances may not be intuitive to everyone, and just because they may not understand the process doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a chance to continue their education.”

“If students have an issue or concern, we encourage them to reach out,” said Miller. “We are always happy to be a second pair of eyes and to advocate for them. We often work as a go-between for students and application specialists. So, if students think there may be an issue or have something they need corrected, reach out.”

If you have taken courses from a previous institution and wish to transfer credits to the U of A, we encourage you to read Are You Preparing to Transfer to the U of A and Want to Study Online? Let our Transfer Planning Guide and Online Student Liaisons Help!

“I was looking for an online program, but I didn’t want to sacrifice quality. I looked for online programs that would have face-to-face components. I went from a wide variety of programs, over 100 programs, whittled it down, looking for factors that were cost-effective, time saving, and high quality. In every metric, the University of Arkansas was by far the best program, like, it’s not even close.” ”

John Emett, Saratoga Springs, Utah, Ed.D in Education Leadership

Why Students Chose the U of A ONLINE

With in-person options being less than ideal, John Emett searched for an online program that would provide a flexible schedule, yet deliver high-quality instruction, mentoring, and affordability.

“I was looking for an online program, but I didn’t want to sacrifice quality,” Emett said. “I looked for online programs that would have face-to-face components. I went from a wide variety of programs, over 100 programs, whittled it down, looking for factors that were cost-effective, time-saving, and high quality. I didn’t want a program that would leave me with a large amount of debt, but I also did not want to sacrifice quality of research. I wanted access to a Tier 1 research institution with high-quality professors who are published in the field. I wanted to have good ratios and relationships with my cohort and faculty members. In every metric, the University of Arkansas was by far the best program, like, it’s not even close. Their Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program is the cream of the crop, the very best program in the world.”

“The reputation of the university was a key factor in my decision to attend the U of A; the university has very strong credentials,” Cedric Haulcy said. “I made the decision that it was something that I was going to do, and the timing was right. The hybrid Executive MBA program makes it all possible. It is an excellent program.”

Priya Arni chose to attend the U of A based on recommendations from acquaintances and the value of the degree. She believes when you invest in something, the first thing you think about is the value of your money. This also applies to the value of a degree, and she believes both the quality of education and the quality of the degree at the U of A are well worth the investment.

“I have heard good things about the University of Arkansas,” said Arni, who is enrolled in the Master of Science in Operations Management. “People back in India, some of my friends, they all have very good feedback about the U of A. It is a good university.”

“I didn’t want to cut my early career off at the knees and couldn’t financially or personally afford to go back to school full time,” Stormy Speaks said. “I found the University of Arkansas ONLINE during a Google search for a doctorate in human resources. I wanted to go somewhere that had some weight in the world, somewhere that had a lot of respect behind the degree name.”

“The reputation of the university was a key factor in my decision to attend the U of A; the university has very strong credentials.”

Cedric Haulcy, Bentonville, AR, Executive MBA

APPLICATION TIPS

From Online Student Liaisons

Ray Murphy and Karagin Miller, both online student liaisons, have the same advice for prospective students: apply early.

“My biggest tip for incoming students and applicants is to not wait until the deadline to finish your application or try to meet with an advisor,” said Miller. “That is when the highest volume of applications are being processed, so it often means a lot of people are receiving the admission decisions. Advisor availability is very low during this time, and students experience a lot of frustration getting help with their schedules and the advising holds on their accounts.”

“My advice would be to complete the application carefully and with time to spare,” said Murphy. “We don’t want to stress applicants out just as much as applicants don’t want to BE stressed out! We will, of course, be there for them if they need any support.”

Photo of Casey Kraichoke

Casey Kraichoke

Blog writer

Casey Kraichoke is a graduate assistant for the Global Campus at the University of Arkansas and a current Ph.D. student in the College of Education and Health Professions Curriculum and Instruction Department. She is a Fayetteville native, an avid Razorback fan, and has received two degrees from the U of A: a master’s in 2017 and bachelor’s in 2014.

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