BS Computer Science and Computer Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Arkansas

Program Overview

The BS in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at the University of Arkansas is a four-year, on-campus program that combines computer science theory with computer engineering principles, making it suitable for students interested in developing both software and computer hardware systems. Students build foundations in programming, mathematics, digital systems, computer architecture, algorithms, operating systems, and advanced computing while developing the technical and problem-solving skills needed for computing careers.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students begin with foundational mathematics, programming, and engineering concepts through courses such as CSCE 2004 – Programming Foundations I, CSCE 2014 – Programming Foundations II, and MATH 2554 – Calculus I. These courses establish core programming abilities and mathematical reasoning while introducing students to the computational thinking needed for more advanced study.

Year 2: Students develop deeper knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and computer systems through courses including CSCE 2114 – Programming Foundations III, CSCE 2214 – Computer Organization, and CSCE 3193 – Programming Paradigms. The curriculum progresses from programming fundamentals into computer organization and different approaches to software development.

Year 3: Students move into advanced computer science and engineering concepts through courses such as CSCE 3613 – Operating Systems, CSCE 3513 – Computer Networks, and CSCE 4523 – Introduction to Computer Architecture. These subjects develop understanding of operating systems, networking, and the architecture underlying modern computing systems.

Year 4: Students consolidate their technical knowledge through advanced electives and the CSCE 4023 – Senior Design experience, where they apply their knowledge to a substantial engineering or computing project. Upper-level coursework allows students to develop specialized expertise while the senior design experience emphasizes practical problem-solving, teamwork, design, and professional preparation.

Focus Areas: Computer science, computer engineering, programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks, software development, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity.

Learning Outcomes: Apply computing and engineering principles to solve complex problems, design and evaluate computing-based solutions, develop and test software and hardware systems, communicate effectively, work effectively in teams, apply professional and ethical responsibilities, and acquire new knowledge as computing technologies evolve.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Not stated as a single combined accreditation on the official program information reviewed. The University of Arkansas states that its computer science and computer engineering programs are accredited through the relevant ABET commissions.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Not stated on the official BS Computer Science and Computer Engineering program page. The University of Arkansas does provide career-development and employer engagement opportunities through its engineering career resources.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Computer Science at the University of Arkansas gives students substantial hands-on experience through a two-semester capstone in which teams propose, develop, implement, and present a comprehensive software project. Students can also pursue faculty-directed research, advanced digital design using state-of-the-art CAD tools, internships, and projects involving software, hardware, human factors, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and computer systems. The program provides access to specialized research laboratories and campus computing facilities, including remote virtual desktops and technology-equipped collaboration spaces, giving students practical environments to develop and test computing solutions:

Two-Semester Capstone Project: Students work in teams during CSCE 45601 Capstone I and CSCE 49603 Capstone II, progressing from project concept and formal proposal through implementation and final presentation. Projects can integrate software, hardware, and human factors and follow software-engineering methodologies.
Industry-Focused Capstone Projects: The department has used capstone projects to solve real-world problems for industry and community partners, including a project that redesigned the Fayetteville Public Television website.
Advanced Digital Design: CSCE 49104 – Advanced Digital Design provides practical experience designing and testing synchronous and asynchronous circuits using state-of-the-art CAD tools, with a dedicated laboratory component.
Research Laboratories: Students can engage with specialized facilities including the Applied Embedded Systems and IoT Research Lab (AESIR), Artificial Intelligence & Computer Vision Lab, Center for Information Security and Reliability, Causal AI Lab, Computer System Design Lab, Cybersecurity and Privacy Lab, Reconfigurable Computing Laboratory, RFID Laboratory, Social Awareness and Intelligent Learning Lab, and Trustable Logic Circuit Design Laboratory.
Faculty-Directed Research: CSCE 4900V – Individual Study allows students to work with faculty on current research topics, state-of-the-art developments, or advanced methodologies in computer science and computer engineering.
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics: Students can study practical AI concepts through CSCE 46103 – Artificial Intelligence, covering intelligent agents, search, natural language processing, machine vision, machine learning, and robotics.
Internships: The University’s undergraduate experiential-learning resources connect students with internship opportunities where they can apply classroom knowledge in real-world work settings, build professional skills, and expand their networks.
Computer Labs & Remote Computing: University computer labs provide software, printing, and technical support, while Remote Lab gives students access to virtual desktops and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.
Student Technology Center: Students can access team rooms with collaboration tools, digital equipment, a Digital Media Lab, and a Gaming Studio, supporting collaborative academic and project work.
Engineering EXPO: Senior students present industry-, academic-, and alumni-sponsored Capstone Design projects at the annual Engineering EXPO, providing a platform to demonstrate completed engineering work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at the University of Arkansas are prepared for careers spanning software, computing systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, hardware, robotics, and other technology fields. The department’s stated educational objectives emphasize competitive employment, contributions across computer and information-technology industries, graduate or professional study, lifelong learning, and future leadership.

Typical Job Roles: Software Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Data Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer.

Career Development & Industry Connections: Students have access to dedicated engineering career services, internships, employer recruitment, and industry relationships that connect their academic preparation with professional opportunities:

Career Coaching: Engineering Career Connections provides one-to-one career coaching, resume and cover-letter reviews, mock interviews, LinkedIn profile reviews, salary-negotiation guidance, and internship and job-search support.
Handshake: Students can use Handshake to search and apply for internships, co-ops, full-time jobs, employer events, and on-campus opportunities, with access to employer profiles and recruiting information.
Internships & Co-ops: The College of Engineering offers a Cooperative Education and Internship Course for undergraduate and graduate students completing internships or co-ops while enrolled at the University of Arkansas.
Employment & Salary: The University of Arkansas maintains a College of Engineering Salary and Career Outcomes database that can be filtered by major, degree, graduating class, industry, outcome, and salary. A specific current salary figure for the BS in Computer Science and Computer Engineering was not stated in the official page text reviewed, so no unsupported figure is provided.
Industry Partnerships: The department’s Industry Advisory Board includes professionals from Raytheon Technologies, AMD, Walmart Global Tech, Tyson Foods, CGI, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, SupplyPike, and Yelcot Communications. The board specifically advises the CSCE program and assists with recruitment for internships and permanent positions.
Employer Engagement: Engineering Career Connections works with employer partners including Honeywell, Eastman, ConocoPhillips, Delta, Garver, Conagra, ArcBest, and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, while employer-partnership programs provide opportunities for career fairs, campus visits, interviews, information sessions, and student professional-development activities.
Career Outcomes: The University identifies Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Cyber Security Specialist, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Data Analyst, Software Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Computer Systems Engineer/Architect, and Satellite Communications Specialist among potential career directions across Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The BS in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, while the BS in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. These separate ABET accreditations provide an established external quality framework for both the computing and engineering components of the department’s undergraduate offerings.
Graduation Outcomes: The department aims for graduates to enter competitive employment and make valuable contributions to computer and information-technology industries, continue into graduate or professional education, maintain lifelong professional development, and progress toward leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can enter the technology industry or continue to advanced study at the University of Arkansas. The department offers graduate pathways including Master of Science programs in Computer Science and Computer Engineering-related fields and doctoral study, allowing students to deepen expertise for advanced technical, research, academic, or leadership careers.