As used in this part:

1. (1) “Associate of applied science (AAS) degree”.

   1. (A) The AAS degree programs are primarily designed for the achievement of specific occupational objectives which are less in level or length than the baccalaureate degree and is the only degree subject to the approval by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board.
   2. (B) Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 6-61-301(a)(1)(C), any postsecondary education institution in the State of Arkansas desiring to offer programs leading to a degree which is customarily granted by colleges or universities shall be required to obtain certification to grant such degree from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board;

2. (2) “Technical education” means postsecondary programs designed to prepare technicians in specialized fields of technology in the physical, engineering, biological, and social sciences supportive to professional:

   1. (A) Scientists;
   2. (B) Physicians;
   3. (C) Engineers; or
   4. (D) Managers; and

3. (3)

   1. (A) “Technical institute or institutes” means a postsecondary educational institution which meets the criteria as established for a technical institute or institutes in Arkansas as approved by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board and which produces the following results:

      1. (i) Offers specific technical areas that will sufficiently draw qualified students;
      2. (ii) Emphasizes sound understandings and applications of the basic principles and established scientific facts related to the occupational field;
      3. (iii) Emphasizes the practical application of established mathematical, scientific, and technical principles rather than derivation or theoretical development;
      4. (iv) Provides courses in communications and other appropriate general education subjects that suit the occupational field;
      5. (v) Programs should only be offered where specific occupational need has been identified and established;
      6. (vi) Scope of content and technical rigor should be of the nature required by the occupational field; and
      7. (vii) Program organization should allow the students personal growth and advancement after graduation providing the continuing effort to broaden their field of knowledge and understanding.

   2. (B)

      1. (i) The technical institute curriculum is aimed principally at the development of intellectual capacity, supplemented by the development of directly related manual skills.
      2. (ii) A full range of appropriate laboratory experience constitutes an important part of the technical curriculum, closely integrated with classroom instruction for the development and solution of practical problems.
      3. (iii) Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 6-51-217 any postsecondary vocational technical school which satisfies the curriculum requirements established by the Career Education Workforce Development Board may seek approval from the Career Education Workforce Development Board to change its name to technical institute.
      4. (iv) Postsecondary vocational technical schools shall have six (6) years from date of application to meet the criteria established for technical institutes and to meet applicable state laws pertaining to the granting of associate of applied science (AAS) degrees.