The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced that it plans to offer two new degree programs in engineering and cybersecurity this fall.
The University of Arkansas System board of trustees in May gave its blessing for the programs. UAPB now awaits approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which is scheduled to meet July 28.
In a news release, UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander said the two degree programs represent “a significant advancement in our commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s rapidly evolving job market.”
The bachelor’s in engineering would have two tracks: construction project management and industrial manufacturing. It would become the second engineering program offered by the university. UAPB began offering a bachelor’s in agricultural engineering in fall 2020.
The bachelor’s in cybersecurity program would be the first of its kind offered to undergraduate students in Arkansas at a historically Black college or university, according to the release. The planned curriculum includes core courses in computer science, science, criminal justice and mathematics. It aims to prepare students to conduct research and prevent and detect cyber attacks across various systems.
“Current job market reports indicate a high employment demand coupled with a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals, and our program looks to bridge this gap by producing expertly skilled graduates to meet industry needs,” Grant Wangila, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, said in the release.
Sign up for Daily E-news
