Degree Requirements

Specific University Core Requirements for Engineering Students

The University of Arkansas has adopted a "State Minimum Core" of 35 semester-credit-hours of general education courses that are required of all baccalaureate degree candidates. This is in compliance with Arkansas Act 98 of 1989 and the subsequent action of the Arkansas State Board of Higher Education. Beginning in the fall semester of 1991, all state institutions of higher education in Arkansas have a 35-hour minimum core requirement with specified hours in each of six academic areas. The University and the College of Engineering have identified those courses that meet the minimum requirement, and they are listed in the chart below.

 

Note: A complete list of the Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences courses are available here

Please check with your department about specific core requirement for your major.

Minors in Other Colleges and Schools

Students in the College of Engineering may pursue an academic minor in other colleges. For example, a minor in business is popular among engineering students. For requirements regarding minors, check the catalog listing for the department offering the minor. Students must notify the College of Engineering dean's office of their intent to pursue a minor.

Requirements to Graduate with Honors

Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in baccalaureate degree programs will be recognized at graduation by the honors designation of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. To earn this designation, the student must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must have at least a 3.50 GPA on University of Arkansas course work, computed at graduation (students with grade-point averages lower than 3.50 do not receive honors designation at graduation);
  2. Must successfully complete the Engineering Honors Program, which includes a minimum of 12 hours of honors courses (at least 6 of these hours in engineering), an undergraduate research experience and thesis, and any additional departmental requirements;
  3. Research and thesis material shall be evaluated by each department;
  4. For cum laude, the student must achieve a GPA of 3.50 or higher and have good or better performance on the undergraduate research and thesis;
  5. For magna cum laude, the student must achieve a GPA of 3.75 or higher and have good or better performance on the undergraduate research and thesis;
  6. For summa cum laude, the student must achieve a GPA of 3.90 or higher and have outstanding performance on the undergraduate research and thesis.

The criteria may be evaluated and changed periodically by the College of Engineering.

Requirements to Graduate with Distinction

Students who have not completed the Engineering Honors Program but have demonstrated excellent academic performance in baccalaureate degree programs will be recognized at graduation by the designation of "with distinction," "with high distinction," or "with highest distinction." To earn these designations, the student must meet the following criteria on his or her University of Arkansas course work:

  1. Must have completed at least one-half of his or her degree work at the University of Arkansas;
  2. For "with distinction," the student must achieve a GPA of 3.60 or higher;
  3. For "with high distinction," the student must achieve a GPA of 3.75 or higher;
  4. For "with highest distinction," the student must achieve a GPA of 3.90 or higher.

The criteria may be evaluated and changed periodically by the College of Engineering.