Beginning the upcoming fall semester, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) will offer two new degree programs. The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the programs at its July 28 meeting. 

In May, the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees voted to approve a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. These innovative and in-demand programs will expand the university’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education pathways. 

“The introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity programs at UAPB represents a significant advancement in our commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s rapidly evolving job market,” said Chancellor Laurence Alexander. “With our exceptional faculty and fortified industry partnerships, we are confident these programs will provide students with a solid foundation for the future.” 

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering program marks a significant milestone for UAPB, as it becomes the second engineering program offered by the university. The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering program, housed within the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, began in the Fall of 2020 and equipped students to address the agriculture industry’s need for improved production methods through a market-driven approach. 

The long-standing Industrial Technology Management and Applied Engineering (ITMAE) program, housed within the School of Arts & Sciences, has already demonstrated UAPB’s unyielding commitment to cultivating expertise in the engineering field. Whereas the ITMAE program emphasizes continuous system improvement and practical application, the Bachelor of Engineering program will consist of two tracks— Construction Project Management and Industrial Manufacturing. 

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is the first of its kind at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The program will: 

• Offer a comprehensive curriculum with core computer science, science, criminal justice, and mathematics courses. 

• Prepare students to conduct research. 

• Train students to prevent and detect cyberattacks across various systems. 

Graduates of the program will be ready to enter the workforce or pursue advanced degrees in cybersecurity, computer science, law, and related fields.