Computer Science Degrees in Arkansas

computer science degrees in arkansas

Computer science degrees in Arkansas are growing in popularity as the world becomes more technology focused. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and mathematical occupations accounted for 19,100 of the jobs in the state in 2012. Computer network architects earned a median annual wage of $80,480, while software developers earned an average of $76,760. The lowest wages earned of all computer science specialist was for computer user support specialists who earned more than $40,000 per year.

University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas began as the Arkansas State Normal School, focusing on the education of teachers. In 1907, there was very little training for school teachers, and state legislators created normal schools in an effort to provide those who wanted to teach with the education and background necessary to train students. In 1925, the school became the Arkansas State Teachers College to better demonstrate the mission of the school. In 1967, although teacher training was still an important part of the university, curriculum was added in areas of liberal arts. In addition, the college began offering education in the growing field of healthcare. This prompted the school to change its name once again, this time to the State College of Arkansas. However, President Silas Snow, who spearheaded the name change in 1967, established curriculum along university lines as he knew the college would grow to offer even more degree options. In 1975, the school became the University of Central Arkansas. Today, there are over 11,500 students enrolled at the campus which offers 136 degrees at the graduate and undergraduate level.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Central Arkansas emphasizes problem solving related to algorithm development and the implementation of software. Students are prepared through experience on modern computer systems using the most up-to-date software. The program is 48 credit hours in computer science, 31 credit hours in math and science, as well as general education credits. The program is designed to prepare students for design, development and implementation of computer software and system positions, as well as to prepare students for entry into graduate studies for those who choose to continue their education. Objectives of the program include:

  • Develop an integrated understanding of computing systems, process and computer science as a whole.
  • Use professional judgment to select the proper tools, theories and techniques to apply concepts or practices.
  • Work both individually and in a team setting.
  • Maintain skills in an ever-changing field through continuing education

Students must complete 120 credit hours and the program does not require a minor.

Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission

Contact
Computer Science Department
University of Central Arkansas
Math and Technology Building
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
Telephone: 501-450-5000
Email: dianaw@uca.edu
Website

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock began in 1927, opening as Little Rock Junior College, developing the nickname “Jaycee” as students paid five dollars per semester for a two-year liberal arts program. Despite limited funding, founder John A. Larson focused on helping the school expand, and, in 1929, his dreams became reality when former Governor George W. Donaghey created a trust with LRJC as the sole beneficiary. The school was one of the first to offer vocational instruction to meet the needs of local employers, as well as offer adult education courses to non-traditional students. In 1957, the school began offering four-year degree programs, changing its name to Little Rock University. In 1949, businessman Raymond Rebsamen donated 80 acres of land on Hayes Street, and the university relocated to a campus of its own. In 1969, after significant study, the university merged with the University of Arkansas, creating a multi-campus system that now includes eight locations.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at UALR offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that includes programming, programming languages, data structures, assembly language, computer architecture, networking and more to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for graduates to gain entry-level positions in the computer science industry. The department has close ties with local computing industries, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through internships and cooperative opportunites. Program objectives include:

  • Success in the computer science industry
  • Apply fundamental principles and practices of computing
  • Serve as role models based on ethical and responsible behavior
  • Develop a pattern of continuing education in order to understand the latest practices and methods of the industry

Students develop problem solving skills, as well as the ability to solve complex problems using algorithmic solutions.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Students who choose to continue their education may enroll in the Master of Science in Computer Science at UALR. The program reflects current trends in the computer science industry, providing students with a solid theoretical foundation for computer science careers. The curriculum covers advanced materials in areas such as:

  • Software engineering operating systems
  • Operating systems
  • Computer architecture
  • Telecommunications and networking
  • Analysis of algorithms
  • Students are provided the flexibility to acquire necessary knowledge in specific concentrations through elective selection. Students may choose thesis, project, or comprehensive exam for satisfying the master’s degree requirements. Classes are offered both day and evening allowing for both full- and part-time study.

Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Computing

The Donaghey College of Engineeriing at UALR offers a doctorate program in computing using resources from three departments – Computer Science, Information Science and Systems Engineering. It is designed to create multidisciplinary collaborations using knowledge in each area to resolve problems. The program emphasizes:

  • Computer engineering – integration of hardware components and system software in order to provide optimization to organizational computer systems to support information requirements.
  • Net integrated computing – focus on the hardware and software used to interconnect networks.
  • Computer science – understanding integrated software systems necessary for application architecture.
  • Information science – Theory, principles, models and techniques necessary to classify, manipulate and store data.
  • Information quality – Theory, principles, models and techniques for delivering “fit for use” information.

Accreditation
North Central Association

Contact
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 South University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
Telephone: 501-569-3000
Email: Admissions@ualr.edu
Website – Bachelor of Science
Master of Science and Doctorate

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University began as an agricultural school in 1909, one of four Arkansas high schools created to teach agriculture, horticulture and textile manufacturing. The original campus was built on donated land, and while buildings were being constructed, classes met in the old Elks Lodge Hall above a jewelry store in downtown Jonesboro. There were only eight faculty members to teach the 189 students enrolled. In addition, there was a secretary, a farm superintendent and a residence hall superintendent. Work not performed by faculty or staff was performed by students in exchange for tuition. From the beginning, the school offered a thorough education with courses taught using college-level textbooks. During World War I, the Board of Trustees sought to implement a Student Army Training Corps unit, which required junior college status. Curriculum was expanded, although the SATC was quickly eliminated as the war ended just two months after it was assigned. In 1923, the unit was replaced by an Arkansas National Guard Unit – Battery C, 206th Coast Artillery.

In 1931, a fire consumed the Administration/Classroom Building on the first day of the spring semester, requiring the administration to relocate classes throughout the campus, including in the Dairy Barn. A new building was dedicated in 1931, named Wilson Hall after Trustee R.E. Lee Wilson who provided most of the men, equipment and mules for the construction. During World War II, so many men went off to war, enrollment at the college dropped to 114 students, mostly female. In order to keep the doors open, the school became a training school for military units. After the war, veterans caused enrollment to grow to the point that temporary housing had to be provided to students, including many with families. In 1967, the school gained university status, becoming Arkansas State University. Today, there are more than 13,000 students enrolled in 160 fields of study at Arkansas State.

Computer Science Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree at Arkansas State focuses on the basics of computer problem solving for businesses. Students develop a strong foundation in software development, programming, operating systems, networking and other areas of the computer industry. Students receive broad exposure to information technology related to the business world while gaining skills in several programming environments and software applications. Electives in artificial intelligence, distributed systems, graphics, compilers and advanced program provide students with additional training for entry-level positions in the computer science industry.

Computer Science Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Arkansas State focuses on computer problem-solving. It builds a strong foundation in similar areas as the Bachelor of Arts degree, but with more emphasis on mathematics and science to provide knowledge in problem-solving using scientific methods. Students learn several software applications and programming environments in both laboratory and classroom settings, and students may choose electives in a wide range of areas that add to their knowledge of the computer science industry.

Computer Science Master of Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science degree at Arkansas State helps create a stronger background in advanced computing concepts using computational problem solving and complex programming environments. Students learn algorithms, computation theory and advanced programming systems that allow students to construct complex software solutions for a variety of problems and systems. Students may choose electives toward concentrations in parallel and distributed systems and programming, as well as bioinformatics and graphics. Students must have a minimum of 18 undergraduate hours in Computer Science and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must also have the GRE combined verbal and quantitative score to gain admission to the program.

Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission North Central Association

Contact
Arkansas State College
PO Box 600
State Unviersity, AR 72467
Telephone: 870-972-2100
Email: recruitment@astate.edu
Website

Harding University

Harding University began in 1924 when two junior colleges, Arkansas Christian College and Harper College merged their facilities and assets, becoming Harding College. Harper College began in 1915 in Harper, Kansas while Arkansas Christian was chartered in 1919 in Morrilton, Arkansas. The new college took over the Arkansas Christian campus, named after James A. Harding, co-founder and the first president of the Nashville Bible School, now known as David Lipscomb University. His inspiration as a leader in Christian education prompted the founders to name the new college in his honor. In 1934, the college moved to its current location which was originally a former women’s institution, Galloway College. The college gained university status in 1978. Today, more than 6,900 students attend classes at the Searcy, Arkansas campus, which offers ten undergraduate, 14 pre-professional and 15 graduate degrees with a Christian focus. It is a four-year, private, residential co-educational facility that is associated with the Churches of Christ.

Computer Science Degree Programs

Harding University offers two computer science degree programs, including:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
  • The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science requires 42-44 hours of computer science coursework, as well as 19 hours of math. Courses include data structures, internet development database concepts and application as well as more in the computer field. The BS degree requires 61-63 hours in Computer Science, three specialty computer courses, ENGR 220, PHYS 350 and several math classes. A minor is not required. Math courses required include:
    • Analytics and Calculus I and II
    • Discrete Mathematical Structures
    • Linear Algebra
    • Probability
  • The Bachelor of Arts degree requires 42-44 hours of computer science coursework, as well as MATH 151. Students must also take two specialty computer courses, ENGR 220 and PHYS 350. A minor consisting of 18 credit hours is required and must be approved by the department chairman.

Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission North Central Association

Contact
Computer Science
Harding University
915 East Market Avenue
Searcy, AK 72149
Telephone: 501-279-4361
Email: comp@harding.edu
Website

Hendrix College

Established in 1867 as the Central Institute in Altus, Arkansas, Hendrix College was founded by the Reverend Isham L. Burrow who was serving as minister at the Methodist Episcopal Church South as a primary school with an initial enrollment of 20 students. The school added secondary and collegiate departments in 1881, becoming Central Collegiate Institute. In 1883, three students earned the “Mistress of English Literature” degree. The Altus campus did not offer residence or dining halls, but had a three-story brick building which contained classrooms, schoolrooms and a chapel. The school was purchased by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1884 and began offering four-year degrees in 1885. The primary department was discontinued in 1889 and the school was renamed Hendrix College in honor of Reverend Eugene Hendrix. Reverend Hendrix was the presiding bishop of the three Arkansas Methodist conferences. Despite the fact that Hendrix was classified as a male college for the Methodist Church, women were admitted. In 1889, the college moved to Conway, Arkansas, and by the 1930s, had established itself as a liberal arts, church-related institution. The school has had a long history of experiential education, and, in 2005, the Hendrix Odyssey Program in 2005, which requires three engaged learning experiences of every Hendrix graduate. Today, over 1,400 students attend Hendrix, studying more than 30 degree programs.

Computer Science

The Computer Science major at Hendrix provides education for students in computer science that combines many disciplines. Students gain an understanding of mathematical properties of computation, the application of computers to natural and social sciences, social impact of computing and how computers are engineered to perform efficiently and correctly. The program is broken down into three phases:

  • Phase I – Students become familiar with programming and mathematical foundations, as well as completing a calculus course in order to prepare for more advanced math classes.
  • Phase II – Students learn the fundamentals of software systems, hardware systems and algorithms while completing the discrete mathematics course to master mathematical concepts related to the theory of computation and algorithms.
  • Phase III – Students choose from specific subjects by selecting specialized electives, including computer architecture, artificial intelligence, database systems and more.
  • Phase IV – Students continue to focus on electives while completing a year-long senior research project.

Accreditation
North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
University Senate of the United Methodist Church

Contact
Hendrix College
1600 Washington Avenue
Conway, AR 72032
Telephone: 501-329-6811 or 800-277-9017
Email: adm@hendrix.edu
Website

Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University got its start as a district agricultural high school and was originally called the Third District Agricultural School. The school opened in 1911 with instruction only at the secondary school level. In 1925, the state added two years of college to the curriculum and renamed the school the Agricultural and Mechanical School, Third District. In 1937, high school courses were discontinued and the school became a four-year college in 1949, and the college name was changed to Southern State College in 1951. After being accredited to offer a Master of Education degree, the name of the school was changed to Southern Arkansas University. The school mascot, the Muleriders, pays homage to the school’s football team in the early 1900s. According to the legend, players had to ride mules approximately six miles to catch the closest train in order to attend away football games. Today, the school enrolls more than 3,400 students.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Southern Arkansas University adheres to the professional standards of the Association for Computer Machinery. The program has to concentration options, including Computer Game and Animation Design or Computer Technology. The Game and Animation Design option is designed for students interested in the highly competitive field of game design. Students learn necessary skills to succeed in game design and animation in coursework that also includes mobile applications, a growing field in the game industry. Students in the Computer Technology pathway develop skills in information technology, industrial technology and computer applications that include electronic systems and devices used in creating computer hardware and software.

Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission North Central Association

Contact
Angela Peeks, Administrative Secretary
College of Science and Engineering
Southern Arkansas University
Wilson Hall 218
100 East University
Magnolia, AR 71753-5000
Email: angelapeek@saumag.edu
Website

With technology growing at a rapid pace throughout the country, computer science degrees in Arkansas are designed to meet the demands of an industry that shows significant growth potential, not only in Arkansas but throughout the world.

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