Engineering

 

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Department Head: Mr. John Hightower

Advising Coordinator: Kelly.Vongnarath@uafs.edu

Phone: 479-788-7129

College Website: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
 

Undergraduate Catalog

Degree Plans:

Majors

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) offers an Associate of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering through a unique partnership with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (UARK). Students can earn their BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering on the UAFS campus without having to commute to Fayetteville to attend classes. The Bachelor of Science degrees are ABET accredited and granted by the University of Arkansas.

 

Students attend the UAFS campus and take classes with UAFS faculty for all of their general education as well as their freshmen and sophomore engineering classes. After the sophomore year, students can receive their Associate of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from UAFS and proceed with a transfer to the University of Arkansas. Their degree continues with UARK faculty teaching the classes on the UAFS campus. This allows students to obtain the prestigious degree without having to leave the Fort Smith area.

 

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering provides a comprehensive engineering education with a focus on the design of electrical, electronic and computer systems. Examples of such systems include electric vehicle technology, wireless communication, microprocessors, and power. The curriculum combines a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of engineering with integrated analysis and design topics. Numerous hands-on lab and design experiences provide students the opportunity to use their knowledge, test their analysis, and work in a team environment.

 

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering provides a comprehensive engineering education with a focus on the design of mechanical and thermal systems. The curriculum combines a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of engineering with integrated analysis and design topics. Numerous hands-on lab and design experiences provide students the opportunity to use their knowledge, test their analysis, and work in a team environment.

 

What can you do with an Engineering degree?

Electrical Engineering:

  • Electrical test engineer
  • Electrical-design engineer
  • Electronics engineer
  • Electronics-design engineer
  • Power-distribution engineer
  • Power-transmission engineer

Mechanical Engineering:

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Automotive engineer
  • Tool designer
  • Stress analyst
  • Plant production management

Websites for Career Research

Why should you choose to major in Engineering?

Electrical Engineering:

  • Prepares students for engineering careers using innovative hands-on curriculum.
  • Provides opportunities to work with emerging technology such as electric vehicles and wireless systems.
  • Combines your knowledge of math and science to design things that help people.
  • Provides many internship opportunities with companies in the Fort Smith region.
  • Is a broad discipline that will enable you to work in many different fields such as Aerospace, Industrial, and Computer Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering:

  • Prepares students for engineering careers using innovative hands-on curriculum.
  • Provides opportunities to design, fabricate, test and implement with exciting projects such as go-kart design, mini-Baja racing, and biomechanical systems.
  • Combines your knowledge of math and science to design things that help people.
  • Provides many internship opportunities with companies in the Fort Smith region.
  • Is a broad discipline that will enable you to work in many different fields such as Aerospace, Industrial, and Computer Engineering.

Special Application Procedures

Prior to taking junior level engineering classes you must be admitted to the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville.

Internship Opportunities

  • Baldor
  • Rheem
  • SLW Automotive
  • HSA Engineering
  • Too many others to list!

Undergraduate Research Opportunities 

In Electrical Engineering:

  • Electric Vehicle Technology
  • Wireless Communication
  • Pulsed Power
  • Electromagnetics

In Mechanical Engineering:

  • Biomechanics
  • Vibration
  • Metamaterials
  • Robotics

Two specific Undergraduate Research projects students have participated in: 

Mars Rover Project

Funded by a grant from NASA, Dr. Kevin Lewelling is spearheading a group of students in the development of Mars rover. The rover must be light enough to be sent to Mars by Rocket and will be outfitted with a variety of sensors, instruments and experiments for astronauts to use on the red planet. Students designed and built the frame from aluminum, developed a new suspension system and are using 3D printed wheels to save weight.

Autonomous Robots

Dr. Kevin Lewelling is developing, alongside a group of students, a set of autonomous robots that can navigate on their own. These robots range in size from the size of a shoe box to approximately 3 ft. long. Using a set of optical scanners and a computer to track its motions, the robot can navigate complex situations.

Student Competition

Baja Automobile Competition
Every year the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith sends a group of students to compete in a worldwide competition called SAE BAJA. Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), this competition requires students to design, build and race an off-road vehicle through a variety of challenges against teams from all around the country and several other countries.

Academic Clubs and Organizations

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • Society of Women Engineers

Graduates/Careers

While most UAFS students work in the Fort Smith region, recent graduates have also found employment in Kansas City, Atlanta, Dallas, New York, and Baltimore.

Accreditation

The Electrical and Mechanical Engineering degrees are offered in cooperation with the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. The degrees are accredited by ABET.