Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Mission and Vision

The vision of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is to lead Arkansas and the world by delivering pre-eminent programs in agricultural, food and life sciences that produce leaders through education, research and outreach.

The mission of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is to improve the quality of life for Arkansans by preparing students for successful careers, conducting impactful research, and sharing knowledge to promote viable food and agricultural systems, sustainable environments, healthy families and vibrant communities.

History and Organization

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

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 facilitate the “seamless” transfer of students to the Bumpers College. Coordinated advising, recruiting, and curricula development are working goals of the Bumpers College and students interested in transferring while enrolled at a community college should contact a member of the student services team in the Waldrip Student Center at 479-575-2252 or aflsdean@uark.edu.

Facilities and Resources

The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is composed of nine 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, the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology, 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, Human Environmental Sciences Building, Rosen Center, Plant Science Building, Agricultural Annex, and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. Additionally, the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, the Food Science Building, Altheimer Laboratory, Abernathy Agriscience and Technology Center, the Crop Science Research Center, the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena, and the Dorothy E. King Equine Science, and the BioMass Building are located at the Research and Extension Center north of the main campus. These serve as additional teaching laboratories or classroom facilities. Also, the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center is managed by the college to provide instructional training for the Birth to Kindergarten major and child life concentration.

Most classrooms are equipped with technology to allow students to view lectures online and to aid distance education courses. Students can receive academic assistance through resources provided by the Waldrip Student Center located in the Agriculture Building in room 205. Students can also seek assistance through the campus-wide Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence.

College Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships awarded by the university, there are a number of scholarships available to students in agricultural 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 and/or individual departments, must be submitted each year. For additional information, please see the Bumpers College Scholarship website. Students may also explore outside scholarship options and should reference the University of Arkansas' Guide to Outside Scholarships for guidance. In addition, outside scholarship opportunities are shared with students by the college and some departments periodically through email and newsletter communications. For more information on scholarships, send questions to bumpschl@uark.edu.

Student Organizations

Agricultural Business Club provides opportunities to socialize and fosters academic achievements. Students of all majors are welcome to join.

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) allows members to gain professional and personal experiences in the agricultural communications industry. Members will have the opportunity to showcase their work within the chapter and at national conferences, create relationships with leaders in the profession, and work with college faculty to strengthen their skill set in communications. Members will also have the chance to participate in fundraisers, chapter functions, and monthly meetings. Students from all majors are welcome to join.

Agricultural Systems and Technology Club is primarily for Ag Systems students, although it's open to all students who have an interest in technical types of things. The purpose of the club is to learn about opportunities for careers and internships, assist in Ag Systems activities, and have fun while doing so. 

Association for American Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is an organization open to all students interested in the fashion industry.

Cattlemen's Association at the University of Arkansas is a professional and social club that focuses on the promotion, education, and advocacy of the cattle industry in Arkansas. All majors are welcome.

Collegiate 4-H provides leadership and service through the 4-H organization. Members will develop leadership and personal qualities while giving volunteer assistance to the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) in Arkansas, local 4-H clubs, the surrounding communities and within schools. This organization promotes positive learning while serving others, providing opportunities for educational fellowship and assisting with departmental community involvement. No previous 4-H experience is required to be a part of this organization. All majors welcome.

Collegiate FFA prepares members for leadership and cooperative roles in their professional careers; open to all majors.

Collegiate Farm Bureau is an opportunity for students to serve as ambassadors for agriculture. The U of A chapter members serve as the voice of agriculture on campus and in surrounding Fayetteville by promoting agriculture through professional networking, civic engagement, and community service. Students of all majors are welcome to join.

Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Club promotes stewardship of soil, water, and vegetation and sponsors projects and hands-on activities in a "living laboratory" setting to strengthen academic learning.

Food Science Club is comprised primarily of food science undergraduate and graduate students, but it is open to all students across campus.

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

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 of entomology.

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources Related Sciences (MANRRS) promotes and implements initiatives that 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.

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

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.

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

Poultry Science Club is open to all students interested in poultry science, the poultry industry, and any related field. The club offers members opportunities to connect with the poultry industry as well as professional development, community service, and social activities.

Poultry Science Graduate Student Association is open to all graduate students interested in any phase of the poultry industry or related fields.

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

Professional Convention Managers Association provides students an opportunity to network with fellow event-passionate students, gain valuable education and experience, and participate in the planning, coordination and execution of events.

Student Dietetic Association (SDA) is open to any student interested in the field of dietetics. Activities are designed to inform members of the field of dietetics and to spread information to the public. Membership provides an excellent opportunity to interact with dietetics professionals and a change to work with the community.

Turf  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 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.

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.

Academic Advising

Bumpers College advising mission is to enhance the educational experience and maximize opportunities for students. Therefore, we are committed to a strong, effective academic advising program. Advising plays a significant role in the developmental process of educating students for lifelong learning. The advising relationship is a partnership between student and advisor and is dependent on effective communication and regular contact. This partnership has shared responsibilities which culminate in student success.

Selection of a Major

A student who elects to major in an area of study within Bumpers College should plan the program with a Bumpers College adviser. While exploring students are welcome, early selection of a major will permit better planning and proper sequencing of courses. The student and Bumpers College adviser work closely to ensure curriculum requirements are met in a timely fashion. A student uncertain about a major will be advised as an exploring major (EXPL) through the Bumpers College Student Services Office located in the Waldrip Student Center (AGRI 205).

Degrees Offered

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. Undergraduate 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.)

Graduate Studies

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 nine departments and in the School of Human Environmental Sciences, and an interdisciplinary Master of Science degree across three departments. Five doctoral degrees across the College and in addition, two interdisciplinary doctoral degrees. More detailed information regarding individual programs may be obtained by contacting the administrative office of each department, or by consulting the Graduate School Catalog.

Accreditations

The degree program in nutrition is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center is 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 accredited 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).

Study Abroad

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 study tours; summer, semester or year-long study abroad; and international internships or research experiences which closely relate to their career goals.

The mission of the International Programs Office is to provide structured international experiences that enhance the marketability of students for career and academic opportunities through faculty driven, sustainable initiatives. The office serves to support faculty, students, international partners, and university leadership to increase opportunities for students to engage in faculty-led programs, internships, exchange programs, and study abroad activities that include research. The International Programs Office works closely with the UA Study Abroad Office and seeks opportunities for students to engage in international career preparation and workforce ready development. In 2023-2024, the International Programs Office provided $36,000 to support students and faculty, and 120 Bumpers College students are scheduled to study abroad. For more information, visit our website at bumpersinternational.uark.edu. 

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 College 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.

College Admission Requirements

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.

College Academic Requirements

All students must satisfy the following university graduation requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours.
2. Fulfill State Minimum Core of 35 hours. Go to the State Minimum Core page for a list of courses that meet the requirements. Check requirements for each major as some majors require specific core courses as prerequisites to upper level courses.
3. Earn a grade-point average of 2.00 (“C” average) on all work attempted at the University of Arkansas.
4. All students must meet the university enrollment requirements found on the Academic Regulations page.

Specific Degree Requirements

1. To fulfill the residency requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of courses at the 3000-level or above. In addition, a minimum of 9 hours of broadening electives (Bumpers College courses taken outside the departmental code) must be completed.
2. To fulfill the residency requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours within the School of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
3. In addition to university requirements students must meet other defined degree requirements specific to each major and concentration. Bumpers College courses outside of the major may be included in degree requirements.
4. General electives will vary by major. Electives may be selected to meet the requirements for a minor; however, all elective credits are subject to approval of the academic adviser.

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. A total of six semester hours of elective credits in university band, chorus, judging teams, drama, debate, physical education, etc., may be counted toward a degree.
4. 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 Registrar's office by the student and his or her academic adviser.
5. All study abroad courses must be approved in advance in the student's academic department and by the Study Abroad Office if the credits earned in the courses are to be applied toward a degree.
6. 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.
7. Students interested in earning an additional bachelor’s degree should refer to the university requirements.

Honors and Scholars

After the end of each semester, all colleges and schools in the university publish an honor roll of the names of the undergraduate students who achieve a 3.75 to 4.00 grade-point average. Students are eligible for the honor roll if they are carrying at least 12 semester hours normally required for graduation by their college for their respective year. This honor roll is the Dean’s List.

In addition, a Chancellor’s List is published each semester to recognize those undergraduate students who achieve a 4.00 grade-point average. Students must also be carrying at least 12 semester hours normally required for graduation to be eligible for the chancellor’s list.

Requirements to Graduate with Honors

Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in baccalaureate degree while completing the Honors Program in the Bumpers College will be recognized at graduation by the honors designations of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. To earn such designation, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Must have completed at least one-half of his or her degree work at the University of Arkansas.
2. Must have at least a 3.5 GPA on University of Arkansas course work, computed at graduation.
3. Must successfully complete the Bumpers College Honors Program, which includes a minimum of 9 hours of honors course work, 6 hours of honors thesis, and a completed honors capstone research or creative project culminating in a written thesis documenting the project.
4. For cum laude, the student must achieve a cumulative U of A GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.
5. For magna cum laude, the student must achieve a cumulative U of A GPA of 3.75 to 3.89.
6. For summa cum laude, the student must achieve a cumulative U of A GPA of 3.9 to 4.00.

These criteria may be evaluated and changed periodically by the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Requirements to Graduate with Distinction

Students who have not completed the Bumpers College Honors Program, but have demonstrated excellent academic performance in baccalaureate degree programs in the Bumpers College will be recognized at graduation by the designation of “with distinction,” “with high distinction,” and “with highest distinction.” To earn this designation, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Must have completed at least one-half of his or her degree work at the University of Arkansas.
2. Must have at least a 3.5 GPA on University of Arkansas course work, computed at graduation.
3. For “with distinction,” the student must achieve a cumulative U of A GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.
4. For “with high distinction,” the student must achieve a cumulative U of A GPA of 3.75 to 3.89.
5. For “with highest distinction,” the student must achieve a cumulative U of A GPA of 3.9 to 4.00.

These criteria may be evaluated and changed periodically by the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Grading System

The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences assigns numerical values to the different grades. These values are used for courses when grade-point averages are calculated.

The grading system assigns values as follows:

Grading System

Grade	Value
A	4.00
B	3.00
C	2.00
D	1.00
F	0.00

Office of the Dean of the College
E-219 Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Building, 479-575-2252

Dean
Jeff Edwards 

Associate Dean
Lona Robertson

Assistant Dean of Student Success
Lisa Wood

Assistant Dean
Jacquelyn Dee Mosley

Director of Student Records
Kaaron "Jody" Davis

Director of Curriculum Management and International Programs
Vicky Watkins

Director of Career Initiatives
Janet Collins

Director of Advising and Retention Specialist
Lucas Simmons

Coordinator of Undergraduate Student Recruitment
Laykyn Rainbolt

Project Specialist for Scholarships, Development and External Relations
Becky Alverson

World Wide Web: bumperscollege.uark.edu

Email: aflsdean@uark.edu

Majors, Concentrations and Minors

Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences B.S.A. Degree

Majors and Concentrations

• Agricultural Business (AGBS)
  • Agribusiness Risk Management (
  • 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 Leadership (AGLE)
  • Agricultural Systems Technology Management (ASTM)
• Animal Science (ANSC)
  • Animal Enterprise  (ANET)
  • Equine Systems (EQSC)
  • Pre-Professional Science (PPRF)
• Crop Science (CPSC)
• Environmental, Soil, and Water Science (ESWS)
• Food Science (FDSC)
  • Food Science (FDSC)
  • Food Technology (FDTN)
  • Food and Culinary Sciences (FDCU)
• Horticulture, Landscape and Turf Sciences (HLTS)
• Poultry Science (POSC)
  • Poultry Science Industry (PSID)
  • Pre-Professional Science (PSPP)

Minors Offered

• Agricultural Business (AGBS-M)
• Agricultural Communications (ACOM-M)
• Agricultural Education (AGED-M)
• Agricultural Leadership (AGLE-M)
• Agricultural Systems Technology Management (ASTM-M)
• Animal Science (ANSC-M)
• Crop Biotechnology (CPBT-M)
• Crop Science (CPSC-M)
• Entomology (ENTO-M)
• Equine Science (EQSC-M)
• Food Science (FDSC-M)
• Horticulture (HORT-M)
• International Economic Development (INDV-M)
• Landscape Horticulture (LHRT-M)
• Natural Resources Management (NRMT-M)
• Pest Management (PMGT-M)
• Plant Pathology (PLPA-M)
• Poultry Science (POSC-M)
• Soil Science (SOIL-M)
• Turf Management (TURF-M)

Undergraduate Certificates and Microcertificates

• Brewing Science (BREWCP)
• Equine Management (EQMGUM)
• Excellence in Poultry Science (POSCAC)

School of Human Environmental Sciences B.S.H.E.S. Degree

Majors and Concentrations

• Apparel Merchandising and Product Development (AMPD)
• Birth Through Kindergarten (BRKD)
• Food, Nutrition and Health (FNAH)
• Hospitality Management (HOSP)
• Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)
  • Child Life (CHLF)
  • Lifespan Development in Diverse Contexts (LFSP)
• Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HNAD)

Minors Offered

• Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Global Experience (AMPD)
• Child Services (CDSV-M)
• Event Management (EVMG-M)
• Hospitality Management (HOSP-M)
• Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS-M)
• Human Nutrition (NUTR-M)

Minors in Other Colleges

Students in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences may pursue an academic minor in any other college at the University of Arkansas. 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 Bumpers College Dean’s Office (AFLS E202) 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. It is recommended that students declare a minor by the end of their sophomore year.

Other Programs

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. Additional information regarding this program can be found at: www.adhe.edu 

Contracts have been negotiated with the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education for education in veterinary medicine at Louisiana State University 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.

Arkansas Act 881, passed in 2011, established a loan repayment program for Arkansas residents who attend Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The loan repayment program will assist Arkansas residents with the repayment of federally funded student loans incurred while attending veterinary school at Mississippi State University. Beginning in April 2012, participants in the program will be required to practice in the state of Arkansas for up to five consecutive years with a minimum of 30 percent of their practice devoted to food or mixed animal medicine in rural areas of Arkansas. This may include corporate or private veterinary practice.

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 120-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 (97 N. Razorback Road, phone: 479-575-3948, email: testing@uark.edu). Exams must be taken by late summer of the year prior to entering vet school. Students interested in taking examinations should contact testing services to schedule an examination date. All contract schools accept the Graduate Records Exam (GRE), which is given frequently.

Applications

Students applying to Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University, Tuskegee University, Mississippi State University 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 submitted by September 15th of the year prior to beginning studies. 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, Mississippi State University and Tuskegee University are listed with information on the Web at www.aavmc.org.

Bumpers College Honors Program

The mission of Bumpers College Honors Program is to provide students with opportunities to participate in academic, research and creative activities beyond the traditional undergraduate experience. This is accomplished through honors courses, completion of an undergraduate honors thesis, and other significant activities. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.50 and subscribe to the Statement of Ethical Standards to remain in the program.

Statement of Ethical Standards:

“As a member of the Bumpers College Honors Program, I pledge to uphold the ethical standards of honesty and trustworthiness in all academic and research/creative activities. I recognize that it is a privilege to be a member of the University of Arkansas Honors College and will dedicate my efforts to ensure that the highest levels of ethical standards are maintained.”

Student Eligibility Requirements

There are several avenues by which qualified candidates can become eligible to participate in the Bumpers College Honors Program. Students will receive an invitation to participate in the Honors Program if they are incoming freshmen with an ACT of at least 28 or a high school GPA of at least 3.50. Transfer students will be invited if they transfer no more than 62 hours with a college GPA of at least 3.50. Currently enrolled freshman and sophomore students who have completed less than 62 hours with a college GPA of 3.50 or greater may apply for admission to the Honors Program through the Honors College website. Students wishing to join the Honors Program after completing 62 hours of college credit may petition for admission by submitting a plan of study to the Bumpers College Honors Program Director documenting how they propose to incorporate the Honors Program requirements into their remaining degree requirements.

To be eligible for continued participation in the Honors Program, students must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and actively work toward earning an Honors degree designation. Students will be considered academically ineligible when:

• A student’s cumulative GPA is below 3.5 for two consecutive terms or
• A student’s cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for one term.

Students are required to prepare a proposal for study and identify an honors mentor who mutually agrees to the topic proposed by the end of 90 hours of course credit completion.

Honors Orientation

All entering freshman honors students are required to complete AFLS 102H3. This course will cover the requirements of UNIV 10051 and provides an overview of the Bumpers College Honors Program, program requirements, research and creative project requirements, and to introduce all honors students to potential undergraduate student mentors as a part of the Honors Mentor/Mentee program.

Honors Curriculum

Graduation with Honors Distinction from the College requires that each student must complete 15 credit hours. Each student must complete at least 9 credit hours of Honors courses , three of which must include AFLS 341H3. In addition, each student must complete at least 3 credit hours of thesis hours with a faculty mentor on the student’s honors committee and thesis culminating their program. In addition to honors courses taken within Bumpers College, students are also encouraged to take Honors courses in other colleges as well.

Students are encouraged to complete 6 credit hours of Honors courses during their freshman year. This will qualify students for research and international program funding from the Honors College.

Honors Project

All honor students are required to develop and complete an honors thesis or creative project appropriate for their degree and interests to graduate from the Honors Program. Traditional research projects, such as laboratory and field studies and surveys are encouraged and welcomed in addition to novel methods of research that may be accomplished at sites other than on campus or on research stations. Creative projects are also allowed with the approval of the student’s Honors Committee and a final written document is required. The thesis or creative project should consist of at least one semester of proposal preparation, one semester of data collection or creative design, and one semester of thesis preparation. Honors students are encouraged to develop proposals for funding of their projects, as well as to conduct and present their results.

The student’s Honors Mentor and Honors Committee prior to graduation from the Honors Program will approve the honors thesis or creative project. Upon approval and graduation, an original copy of the honors document will be submitted to the University Library. Publication of the thesis in an appropriate venue is encouraged. Creative and research thesis project guidelines are available on the Bumpers College Honors Program website.

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

Honors Graduation

Honors students enrolled in the Honors Program will be expected to perform at very high levels of achievement, earning credentials beyond the classroom experiences. Therefore, they will be eligible for several privileges during commencement not accorded to other students in the College.

Bumpers College honors students will graduate as members of the Honors Program at the College Commencement each spring. Separate regalia consisting of appropriate honors hood, stole, braid, tassel, and/or mortarboard will distinguish all students in the Honors Program. Students graduating from the Honors Program will be further distinguished from students receiving traditional College and University recognition of scholastic achievement (distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction) by graduating cum Laude with Honors Distinction, Magna cum Laude with Honors Distinction, or Summa cum Laude with Honors Distinction if cumulative grade point averages of 3.5 to 3.74, 3.75 to 3.89, or above 3.9 are maintained, respectively.

Incentives for student participation in the Honors Program include:

• Transcripts of honors students will specify that they are graduates of the College Honors Program.
• Honors students may request project support by applying for a grant from Bumpers College Undergraduate Research and Creative Project Grant Program.
• Honors students have the benefit of working one-on-one with faculty members on research or creative projects.
• Honors students will be eligible to apply for competitive scholarships supporting undergraduate honors studies or research (i.e., SURF grants).
• Honors students will receive all other rights and privileges as outlined in the Honors College benefits.