The Engineering doctoral program leading to the Ph.D. degree is housed in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Faculty, curriculum, and resources for this program are contributed by five departments: Computer Science, Information Science, Engineering Technology, Earth Science, Construction Management, and Civil and Construction Engineering.
The program is designed to provide a collaborative, interdisciplinary framework of graduate studies and research in engineering with exposure to the systems approach that is increasingly the hallmark of current research and development in the global engineering community.
Program Tracks
Students enrolled Ph.D. program in Engineering can select one of two tracks:
Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Electrical and Computer Engineering track focuses on embedded systems, robotics, measurement techniques, design of analog and digital electronics and circuits, power systems, digital systems, coding, software systems, and operating systems.
Curriculum: Electrical and Computer Engineering Track
Mechanical Engineering
The Mechanical and Materials Engineering track focuses on advanced solid and fluid mechanics, MEMS and microsystems, vibration analysis, applied numerical and finite element methods, and smart materials.
Curriculum: Mechanical Engineering Track
Admission Requirements
In addition to the UA Little Rock Graduate School admission requirements, the applicants for the Ph.D. program must also meet the following criteria:
Education: Applicants must have at least one degree (bachelor’s or master’s) in engineering. Applicants with only a bachelor’s degree must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or 3.3 on the last 60 credit hours. Alternatively, applicants with a master’s degree in engineering should have a master’s GPA of 3.3 or better.
Standardized test scores: Applicants are required to take the GRE test. Please see the catalog for information on required scores.
English language requirement: International students must satisfy the Graduate School TOEFL or IELTS test requirements.
Statement of purpose: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement that should include their background and qualifications for doctoral studies, and emphasize the educational and research interests they intend to pursue at UA Little Rock.
Letters of recommendation: Applicants should have three letters of recommendation submitted to UA Little Rock, on their behalf, by individuals familiar with their academic background and educational interests.