PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — Leaders at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff want to address the challenges facing construction and cybersecurity.
UAPB President Dr. Lawrence Alexander wants to address these challenges by adding competitive degree programs for students.
Alexander said cybersecurity and engineering are two areas in high demand.
“We’re excited to offer it this fall,” Alexanders said. “With the approval of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Commission.”
The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees has already approved two degree programs, and the Arkansas Office of Higher Education Coordination is expected to make a decision on July 28.
If approved, the UAPB will add new industrial engineering and construction management degrees.
“Construction companies across Arkansas need qualified and competent construction management personnel to enter and manage projects,” Alexander said.
Additionally, Alexander said having cybersecurity as an option for computer science students is essential to combating cyberattacks and ransomware attacks.
“They have a comprehensive understanding of how to detect this kind of cybercrime,” Alexander said. “How do we monitor them and how do we analyze them?”
Students will work closely with the university’s criminal justice program, Good Precautions.
UAPB is the first HBCU in Arkansas to add the program, but other colleges across the country are doing the same, Alexander said.
“This is a career choice for students that will give them a big return on investment,” Alexander explained.
