UCA's provides an array of academic offerings – including 160 undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degree programs. The school gives students the opportunities they need to pursue their interests, and each academic program is grounded in a philosophy that emphasizes habits of mind and ways of relating to the world. Student involvement in campus life is ingrained in the culture at UCA.

There are more than 140 student organizations, 17 intramural sports activities, a large fitness and recreation center, Division I athletics, nationally-known comedians and recording artists, minority and international student programs, theater and art productions, and much more in UCA. 

Participants:

The Intensive English Program is an academic program in English as a second language for international students. It helps students acquire the skills needed to succeed in American colleges and universities. After completing of the IEP, most students begin academic studies at UCA or other universities and colleges in the United States. The Program is for non-native speakers of English who wish to improve their proficiency in the language. To achieve theirs goals, IEP students participate in classes and complete assignments in a variety of subject and skill areas. In the IEP, students are encouraged to participate actively in their education. 

The IEP offers three terms of instruction per year. Each term lasts 16 weeks. A special 9-week summer program is offered in June. IEP students take three core courses: Pronunciation, Conversation & Public Speaking (oral skills)-3 hours per week; Academic Writing & Grammar (writing skills)-6 hours per week; Academic Classroom Skills (listening, note-taking, reading, and discussion)-6 hours per week. Classes meet for 18 hours per week.

Several 3-hour elective courses are also offered, and new elective courses are developed based on student interest. Electives currently offered include: TOEFL Preparation; Vocabulary Building; Computer Literacy & Research Skills. 

All international students who will be attending UCA on an F-1 visa must provide documentation of financial support in the amount of $17000 USD for one academic year of study.