Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty, affordability, and growing opportunity for aspiring engineers. From the Ozark Mountains to the Delta, the state is home to universities and industries that are driving innovation across multiple engineering fields.
Arkansas is an appealing destination for engineering students thanks to its mix of accessible education, hands-on research opportunities, and connections to emerging industries.
Highlights include:
Arkansas offers several highly regarded institutions for engineering education:
The College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas offers a comprehensive and flexible platform for engineering education, research, and workforce development. The college provides undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs, along with interdisciplinary and honors tracks to tailor each student’s academic experience.
Areas of study include:
The college supports hands-on learning through research centers and labs, student organizations, and a robust First-Year Engineering Program that helps students establish foundational knowledge and explore different majors. Engineering One-Stop and the Honors Program provide additional academic, mentoring, and financial support.
The University of Arkansas is a public research university located in Fayetteville. As a flagship institution with a land-grant mission, it supports educational advancement and economic development in Arkansas and beyond through innovation, outreach, and community service.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs aimed at preparing students for careers in engineering, computer science, and management. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary training, and research experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Undergraduate degree programs include:
Graduate degree programs include:
The college’s mission focuses on academic excellence, student mentorship, and practical experience. Students are encouraged to participate in innovative projects, including those supported by the A-State Innovation System. Notably, a team of students, including engineering majors, successfully competed to run an experiment aboard the International Space Station, showcasing the program's experiential learning emphasis.
Arkansas State University is a public research university located in Jonesboro. It serves as the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System and provides a comprehensive academic experience with a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and workforce readiness.
Arkansas Tech University offers a focused and accessible engineering education through its Departments of Engineering and Computing Sciences. These programs emphasize small class sizes, hands-on instruction, and teaching by experienced faculty or industry professionals. The university prioritizes student success in a supportive learning environment.
Degree offerings include:
Arkansas Tech University is a public institution located in Russellville, Arkansas. Known for its teaching-focused mission and accessible class sizes, ATU offers students a personalized academic experience within a comprehensive university setting.
The School of Engineering and Engineering Technology at UA Little Rock offers both engineering and engineering technology programs designed to prepare students for diverse roles in industry and research. The school includes the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET), and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET).
Engineering programs:
Engineering Technology programs:
All undergraduate programs are ABET-accredited, with the engineering programs focusing on the design and management of complex systems and the engineering technology programs emphasizing hands-on, lab-based learning. Faculty expertise and a metropolitan location support strong industry ties and practical student experiences.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public metropolitan research university. Located in the heart of Arkansas’s capital, UA Little Rock combines academic rigor with strong community engagement and flexible learning options, offering students access to valuable internship and professional development opportunities.
Arkansas offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help engineering students manage the cost of their education.
Key programs include:
To become a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Arkansas, you'll follow the standard path of earning an ABET-accredited degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and gaining relevant work experience. The state provides several resources to help you along the way.
Key organizations and resources:
What types of engineering degrees can I earn in Arkansas?
You can pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, electrical, computer, industrial, and biomedical engineering.
Are there online engineering programs available in Arkansas?
Yes, some schools offer online or hybrid engineering courses, particularly at the graduate level. Prospective students can explore options for an online bachelor’s degree in engineering or an online engineering master’s degree through flexible formats designed to accommodate working professionals and distance learners.
Do Arkansas schools offer internship or co-op opportunities?
Absolutely. Most engineering programs in the state have strong industry partnerships and career services that help students secure internships and cooperative education experiences with major employers.
How do I become a licensed engineer in Arkansas?
After earning an ABET-accredited engineering degree, you’ll need to pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, gain relevant work experience, and then pass the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam.
Are there engineering programs focused on sustainability or renewable energy?
Yes. Arkansas schools are increasingly offering courses and research opportunities in areas like sustainable infrastructure, energy systems, and environmental engineering.
The following list includes ABET-accredited engineering degree programs offered by Arkansas-based institutions.
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock | - Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology
- Civil and Construction Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Engineering Technology-Mechanical |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Little Rock | - Electronics Engineering Technology |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro | - Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville | - Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville | - Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Computer Science - Biological Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway | - Engineering Physics
- Computer Science - Cybersecurity |
| Harding University | Searcy | - Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Civil Engineering |
| Henderson State University | Arkadelphia | - Engineering |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs | - Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering |
| Southern Arkansas University | Magnolia | - Engineering |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Arkansas was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses can change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. You can also refer to other resources mentioned throughout this profile—such as the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers—for guidance on academic planning and licensure.
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