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National Park College (NPC) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello announced a new bachelor’s degree partnership Friday. The institutions are now offering a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree in Hot Springs.

The announcement marks the fourth program in the partnership, which already includes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 elementary education degree and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

All four years of the new bachelor’s degree will be offered on the NPC campus. Students will complete the Associate of Science in STEM in Computer Information Systems degree with a concentration in cybersecurity while enrolled as NPC students and the remainder of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree with a concentration in programming and information security while enrolled as UAM students.

Dr. Wade Derden, president of NPC, emphasized the significance of the new program, stating, “This collaboration is more than just a convenience or an academic partnership — it is an investment in people. It expands opportunities for our students, strengthens our local workforce and ensures a brighter future for the communities we serve. By offering high-demand degrees like Computer Information Systems, we are helping to grow a pipeline of skilled professionals in key industries right here in Hot Springs.

While completing the associate degree coursework, students will be charged NPC tuition rates. UAM tuition rates will apply while students are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program. Participants will have access to the full range of services and resources provided by both NPC and UAM. Upon completion, students will receive an associate degree diploma from NPC and a bachelor's degree diploma from UAM.

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, highlighted the value of these types of collaborations between institutions of higher education, stating, “The introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program to our campus within a campus partnership with National Park College represents a significant advancement in meeting the demands of the Arkansas workforce. By offering these students an opportunity to gain expertise in CIS and cybersecurity, we are not only equipping them with the skills necessary for successful careers but also addressing critical industry needs. We are excited to collaborate with NPC, again, to showcase the power of partnership between our institutions. This initiative offers students a clear pathway to pursue an affordable four-year degree in a high-demand field, enhanced by the Nighthawk Transfer Scholarship.”

All NPC students who apply to UAM will automatically be considered for UAM’s Nighthawk Transfer Scholarship, which offers a $3,000 award per semester for a maximum of four academic terms of continuous enrollment. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program at NPC with 55 hours completed at NPC with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average will be eligible for the scholarship.

A press conference for media was held on the NPC campus Friday in the Student Commons. Speakers included Dr. Derden and Dr. Doss.