The Media Studies program is for students interested in becoming better communicators,
creators, and drivers of their own success in media-related fields. Our classes teach the
skills and discipline needed for students to concept, produce, and successfully find an
audience for their ideas. Our professors combine professional experience with intense
academic knowledge to encourage discussion and discovery. Our alumni produce and direct
multimillion-dollar television productions, run their own media production businesses, or
pursue further understanding of media and communication through graduate programs. The
mission of our program is to create more ethically-minded, entrepreneurial storytellers who
can adapt to the needs of both the current media industry, and the future version that is still
to be written.
Besides the in-classroom experience, students can take advantage of co-curricular
opportunities by joining KUOZ Productions, the broadcast and content creation arm of the
department for more than 25 years. From their first day on campus, students can learn to
livestream campus events, create their own shows or works, or become hosts on the new
department podcast, “The Levee.”
Degree Outcomes
Students will be able to describe the communication discipline and its central questions, as well as create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and
context.
Students will be able to critically analyze messages and demonstrate self-efficacy through their ability to accomplish communicative goals.
Students will learn to apply ethical communication principles and practices to their works and professional goals.
A Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science prepares students for a wide range of careers in fitness, health, and wellness. Graduates may pursue roles such as athletic trainers, working with athletes to prevent and treat injuries, or become exercise physiologists who assess and treat individuals with chronic diseases or disabilities through prescribed exercise for prevention and rehabilitation.
Career opportunities also include positions in corporate wellness, where professionals design and manage health programs to promote employee well-being. Some students may choose to work in sports medicine or rehabilitation, supporting individuals recovering from heart or lung conditions to improve fitness and overall health outcomes.
Additionally, this degree can serve as a foundation for becoming a physical or occupational therapist, helping individuals regain physical function, build strength and mobility, or improve their ability to perform everyday activities.
Degree Outcomes
Students will acquire an understanding of the scientific principles of exercise and physical activity as they relate to health, performance, and disease prevention.
Students can function in a variety of roles within the health, fitness, and wellness industries, depending on their area of interest and specialization.
Students have the foundational knowledge and practical skills to pursue advanced study or professional certification in exercise science and related fields.
The Health Education and Promotion major is intended for students seeking careers that promote wellness in the community and the workplace. The major prepares students to directly work with individuals and communities to improve health and quality of life. Students learn how to assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and oversee programs designed to improve health behaviors, create environments supportive of healthy lifestyles, and effectively communicate health issues to key stakeholders. The major prepares students to take the Certified Health Education Specialist exam from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. The mix of natural and social sciences in this major also provides a foundation for professional or graduate study in allied health, health management, or public health, including positions in Health Maintenance Organizations, Hospitals, Public and Private Clinics, Voluntary Health Agencies, Health Departments, and/or Health Education.
Degree Outcomes
Students can choose career options in the various healthcare sectors, including working in hospital management as healthcare administrators, in government agencies such as the Department of Health, and in roles such as Health Educators or Community Health Professionals.
Students will be prepared to test for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam, a globally recognized certification.
Students will be prepared to pursue further education in graduate school in areas such as Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Epidemiology, and Counseling.
The Computer Science program at Ozarks equips graduates with the tools to thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. With a curriculum that blends technical expertise and hands-on experience, this major prepares you to tackle real-world challenges and emerge as a leader in the IT field. Our graduates are prepared for diverse roles in IT, including Systems Analyst, Network Administrator, Cybersecurity Specialist, Database Manager, and IT Project Manager.
Degree Outcomes
Graduates will demonstrate a strong foundation in core IT principles, including programming, network security, data management, and systems analysis, and be able to apply these skills to effectively solve real-world problems.
Graduates will integrate liberal arts principles such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness to develop innovative and socially responsible IT solutions for complex challenges.
Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or a variety of careers in the IT field, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning.
The art curriculum at Ozarks blends an intense fine arts studio experience with creative problem-solving, abstract thinking, and critical analysis. Students are engaged in learning and responding to the content and complexity of the human experience. Students will find small class sizes that provide a challenging yet supportive atmosphere and a strong sense of community. On evenings and weekends, it is not unusual to find the art studios filled with students working on projects and sharing ideas. The art program is diverse and provides students with a foundation of technical knowledge while having the freedom to investigate a range of meaningful ideas to discover their own creative voice that will prepare students for careers in the graphic design industry.
Degree Outcomes
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to think critically, analyze complex problems, and generate innovative design solutions. They will be skilled in utilizing design principles and techniques to effectively communicate ideas visually.
Graduates will possess a strong foundation in industry-standard design software and tools. They will be proficient in creating high-quality visual materials across various media, including print, web, and digital. Additionally, they will have a comprehensive understanding of design trends, industry standards, and ethical practices.
Graduates will be able to effectively communicate design concepts and ideas to diverse audiences, both verbally and visually. They will possess strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to collaborate effectively with clients, team members, and other professionals in a creative environment.
Finance is at the core of business decision-making. Companies need cash flow to pay employees' salaries, distribute dividends, and reinvest in product innovation. Understanding how investments turn into revenue is an essential skill businesses need to succeed. Managers with finance skills can better understand their team's impact on the overall company and make well-informed decisions.
Finance career opportunities vary, with an array of specialties to choose from. Students can pursue careers in commercial banking, investment banking, financial planning, insurance, real estate, or venture capital.
With exposure to the foundations of accounting and economics, Bachelor of Science in Finance students apply the theoretical frameworks to engage in financial analysis and decision-making through financial planning, budgeting, investing, and problem-solving.
Degree Outcomes
Students will understand how an investment turns into revenue.
Students learn how to take quantitative data and use it to solve problems.
Students will develop financial literacy and learn how to apply it.
Pursuing a Marketing Major allows students to follow their creative or analytical side. Marketing communications such as marketing or website copy allow students to pursue their creative side. Marketing analytics, such as search engine optimization and data analytics, allow students to pursue their analytical side.
A marketing degree makes it easier to land an entry-level job in a wide variety of careers such as Marketing Manager, Advertising Manager, Public Relations Manager, Social Media Specialist, Advertising Sales Agent, Market Research Analysis, Product Developer, Brand Manager, or Merchandise Buyer.
A Bachelor of Science in Marketing prepares the student in foundational business concepts and current and relevant marketing topics that address the global and digital marketplace. Students apply theoretical frameworks to develop a holistic marketing strategy with an explicit focus on the 4 P's (product, price, place, and promotion).
Degree Outcomes
Students are prepared for a wide range of entry-level marketing positions in the corporate world.
Students are exposed to fundamental marketing concepts and learn how to apply them.
Students have opportunities to intern at local organizations or engage in specific marketing topics.
A Bachelor of Science in Management prepares students to find many job opportunities to succeed in a business setting. This degree focuses on becoming competent and competitive in student's specialty area while incorporating our LENS humanistic approach. Students are exposed to economic, accounting, legal, marketing, financial, and strategical management concepts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently stated that this field is constantly growing and is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future. Jobs available for this degree are available in public and corporate sectors as human resource managers, sales managers, training and development managers, medical and health services managers, industrial production managers, C-level executives (CEO, CFO, etc.), and small business consultants. With a student's unique combination of minors, they can start specializing in a specific business sector, which facilitates their career goals.
Degree Outcomes
Students are prepared for different business positions with distinctive capacities based on their expectations.
Students are well-prepared to pursue a superior educational enhancement for a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program, either nationally or internationally.
Students pair this major with other disciplines based on their preferences, allowing them to obtain a management position in a specific industry.
The Business Technology Education degree prepares students to become business teachers in public or private secondary schools. The degree program requires admission into the Pat Walker Teacher Education program where students will experience a year-long teaching internship where they apply the practical and theoretical skills of teaching and learning that is valued by business, government agencies, and other related fields.
Degree Outcomes
Licensed Secondary Teacher: A degree in Business Technology Education can lead to an initial Arkansas teaching license to teach Business in grades 4-12.
The majority of our students who complete the Business Education degree become practicing teachers in both public and private schools in the United States and abroad.
Students also pursue graduate school for advanced degrees to teach at the college level.
Teacher candidates that complete all of the required components of the Pat Walker Teacher Education Program will be eligible for an Arkansas teaching license at the end of their program of study. Our program will not align with the teacher certification licensure requirements of other states. Graduating from the University of the Ozarks Teacher Education Program will not automatically qualify program completers to receive a teaching license in another state. Teacher candidates and program completers will want to consult the Department of Education website of their preferred state in order to examine educator licensure and reciprocity requirements should they seek licensure in a state outside of Arkansas. Foundations of Reading Information
Studying the impact that humans have on the environment and the impact that the environment has on humans requires a wealth of knowledge in many fields.
In the Environmental Studies major you will be able to tailor your degree to fit your own area of interests. You will take classes in the natural sciences, the social sciences, and even literature during your quest to understand your place in the environment. Our students are actively engaged in environmental leadership. Whether it is planning Earth Day Celebrations, participating in stream clean-up projects, or working on habitat restoration projects Ozarks, Environmental Studies students make a difference.
Degree Outcomes
Student can work for the National Parks System, the U.S. Forest Service, and a variety of non-profits.
Student can also become environmental lawyers.
Student have the opportunity to do research projects from studying sea turtles to studying the Buffalo River.