This document offers a summary report of degrees granted at Arkansas state and independent higher education institutions for 1988-89 and highlights trends over a 5 year period. A summary section notes that total degrees conferred numbered 11,769, an increase of 326 from the previous year. The increase was caused by a rise in baccalaureate degrees granted at public institutions. Education continued to account for the largest number of Masters degrees. Doctoral degrees have declined over the past 4 years with most doctoral degrees granted in education and life sciences. Of first professional degrees, 343 were conferred, a decrease of 7 percent from the previous year due in part to a decrease in law school graduates. A special analysis of education degrees finds that implementation of new state public school standards has created demand for teachers trained in mathematics, foreign languages, and the sciences. Despite this demand, a large portion of education degrees continue to be awarded in physical education and elementary education. Appendix A lists degrees granted by public and private institutions 1984-85 to 1988-89. Appendix B contains tables showing degrees and awards conferred in 1988-89 by two-year institutions, degrees granted by four-year state institutions, and degrees granted by independent institutions in 1988-89. Appendix C and D provide a glossary and list of institutional names and abbreviations. (JB)