The Computer Science program at UA Little Rock offers students opportunities to explore software development, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data science, and more.
You’ll work with faculty on research projects supported by government agencies, industry, and research organizations. You’ll also gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems. These research opportunities are available to undergraduate and graduate students and often lead to internships, publications, graduate school, and careers in high-demand computing fields.
Explore the emerging computing technologies you can pursue at UA Little Rock.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Machine learning is the branch of AI that powers technologies like self-driving cars, smart speakers, language translation, and more. Instead of following fixed instructions, AI learns from data to recognize patterns and solve complex problems.
At UA Little Rock, you’ll explore machine learning through hands-on projects in deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation while working with modern AI tools and computing resources.
Faculty-led research is supported by organizations including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and industry partners. Students can earn NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute certifications and gain hands-on experience through research and classroom projects. Graduates pursue careers in machine learning engineering, data science, computer vision, and AI software development
For more information, contact Dr. Mariofanna Milanova at [email protected].
Data Visualization
When a computer screen alone is not enough to represent data, special tools such as Virtual/Augmented Reality headsets or CAVEs (CAVE Automatic Virtual Environments) are necessary. At UA Little Rock, you’ll learn to transform data into interactive graphics that help people understand patterns, trends, and relationships.
Through hands-on projects, you’ll build skills in data visualization, analytics, and human-centered design while exploring visual analytics, big data, scientific visualization, and interactive decision-support systems. These experiences prepare graduates for careers in data analytics, business intelligence, healthcare, government, and scientific research.
The George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center (EAC) at UA Little Rock, in collaboration with the SEEDS Cybersecurity Center, is developing a virtual-reality enabled data visualization network to thwart attacks in the electric power distribution industry.
Job Opportunities in Data Visualization
Some data visualization-related positions and median salaries are:
- Computer Information Research Scientists: $118,370
- Computer Programmer: $84,280
- Computer Systems Analysts: $88,740
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality technologies create immersive digital experiences for education, healthcare, engineering, training, and entertainment. Students gain experience designing interactive environments and developing applications that combine visualization, simulation, and human-computer interaction.
Research opportunities are supported through the George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center (EAC), where students collaborate with faculty on immersive technologies, interactive visualization, and real-world software development projects.
Job Opportunities in Virtual and Augmented Reality
Some available career opportunities with media incomes include:
- AR/VR Engineer: Springboard.com – $165,000 median with top earners receiving $200,000
- VR Researcher: ZipRecruiter.com – $119,000
- AR Product Designer: Indeed.com – $105,000
- UX Researcher: Indeed.com – $131,000
Mobile, Smart Systems – Software for the Internet of Things
Modern computing increasingly connects mobile devices, sensors, cloud platforms, and intelligent systems. Students explore software development for smartphones, embedded systems, wearable devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that power smart homes, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and connected infrastructure.
Research emphasizes secure, scalable applications that combine mobile computing, cloud services, wireless communication, AI, and edge computing to solve real-world problems. Students graduate with experience developing intelligent connected systems used across many industries.
Job Opportunities in Mobile Systems
The average salaries for mobile application developers and related positions are:
- Mobile Application Developer: $107,000
- Javascript Jquery Developer: $124,000
- Lead Java Developer: $117,000
- iOS Application Developer: $113,000
- Android Application Developer: $117,000
- Senior Mobile App Developer: $119,000
For more information, contact Dr. Ivan Rodriguez-Conde at [email protected].
Why Study Emerging Computing Technologies at UA Little Rock?
You’ll benefit from:
- Faculty-led research with opportunities for undergraduate and graduate participation
- Industry-sponsored projects and government-funded research
- Hands-on experience with AI, immersive technologies, mobile computing, and data analytics
- Access to advanced research facilities, including the Emerging Analytics Center
- Preparation for high-demand careers in rapidly evolving technology fields