Graduate

Graduate Handbook, Catalog, and Other Information

Graduate Handbook

Graduate Catalog of Studies

Theses and Dissertations

Ph.D. in Computer Science or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science doctoral programs provide students with unique opportunities for independent study and research. Our faculty lead active, cutting-edge research programs in a variety of areas, both within the department and in conjunction with other University departments and laboratories. Students contribute to the success of these research programs as an integral part of their educational experience.

Applicants to our doctoral programs in many cases hold a M.S. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field in mathematics or the natural and physical sciences. However, we also welcome prospective students to apply directly to the Ph.D. program after an undergraduate degree. Successful applicants are able to demonstrate a clear potential to do original research.

M.S. in Computer Science or M.S. in Computer Engineering

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science master’s programs provide students with opportunity to broaden their academic background through advanced coursework and also become involved in research through a faculty-directed thesis or project.

Applicants to our master’s programs typically hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field in mathematics or the natural and physical sciences. Successful applicants are able to demonstrate a clear potential for advanced studies.

Accelerated M.S. Degree

High-achieving undergraduate students in either the Computer Engineering or Computer Science B.S. program at the University of Arkansas who choose to pursue graduate studies in our department may participate in the accelerated MS program. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5.

These students can take up to 6 credit hours of 5000-level EECS courses as EECS electives for their bachelor’s degree and count those hours towards their graduate degree, should they choose to pursue one in our department. The 6 hours must be taken within the final 12 months before receiving the undergraduate degree.

Student must get permission from instructor to take a graduate class. Contact the department at eecs@uark.edu for the form. If the student returns to the graduate program at University of Arkansas, then they can submit a form to retroactively count the coursework.

Entrance requirements for all graduate programs, including Ph.D. and M.S.

The EECS department requires at least a 3.0 GPA, as well as official minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper test) or 79 (internet-based test), official IELTS overall score of 6.5 for international applicants. Students pursuing a Master's degree in all EECS graduate programs are not required to take the GRE. Students pursuing a Ph.D. program must achieve these minimum GRE scores: 146 verbal, 157 quantitative, and 3.5 analytical writing.

Financial Assistance

There are many funding opportunities for the graduate degree program.  Students entering with a Bachelor's degree may be nominated by the department for a Distinguished Academy Fellowship (DAF) or a Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship (DDF).  The department also offers graduate research/teaching assistantships.

  • Fellowships
    • Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship:  $22,000 annual fellowship supplement, renewable for up to three years after the initial award year, for a maximum award of $88,000 over 4 years.  The fellowship award is paid in increments of 1/12 each month. A half-time 12-month graduate assistantship provided by the department includes a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver for degree-related courses, provided the student is properly enrolled, maintains good standing, and makes good progress toward completion of a degree.  The minimum GPA requirement is 3.5.
    • Doctoral Academy Fellowship:  $10,000 annual fellowship supplement renewable for up to three years after the initial reward, a 12-month graduate assistantship provided by the department, and payment of tuition for degree-related courses, provided the student is properly enrolled, maintains academic good standing, and makes good progress toward completion of a degree.  The minimum GPA requirement is 3.5.
    • Fellowship nomination deadline:  The nomination deadline in the graduate school is February 1.  The Computer Science and Computer Engineering Department encourages prospective applicants to complete their graduate applications for admission by December 15.
  • EECS Assistantships
    • There are two types of Departmental assistantships available:  Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs).  Each type includes a monthly stipend, along with a tuition waiver for all degree-related courses, provided the student is properly enrolled, maintains academic good standing, and makes good progress toward completion of a degree. 
    • GRAs are awarded by individual faculty with research funding. Potential RA's should contact faculty to pursue this avenue.
    • To apply for a departmental GTA, complete and submit the Application for GTA.  NOTE: All continuing graduate students must also re-apply each term. Decisions on GTAs for the academic year beginning in the fall semester are usually made in February.  Interested prospective students are encouraged to submit their GTA applications by February 15.  Late applications for GTAs will be considered as the need arises. 
    • Other assistantship opportunities are available on campus, and should be pursued by contacting those departments. 

Admission Application Deadlines

Fall semester admission:  August 1

Spring semester admission:  December 1

How to apply

Send completed the completed application to the Graduate School.