UA to Offer Degrees for Biomedical Engineering
by February 20, 2012 7:57 am 80 views
Until now, college students in Arkansas interested in earning a degree in biomedical engineering had to leave the state to do so.
But a recent announcement by the University of Arkansas will change that, while at the same time benefit the state’s growing health care industry.
Beginning in fall 2012, students will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, as well as a doctorate in engineering with a concentration in biomedical engineering.
The degrees will be offered through the UA’s College of Engineering and the degree programs are the only ones of their kind in Arkansas.
The UA has previously offered a master’s degree in the subject, and undergrads and doctoral students could earn degrees in biological engineering with a biomedical focus.
Provost Sharon L. Gaber said the degrees would improve the UA’s mission of being a partner for the state, as well as a resource.
“Their creation broadens both the educational and economic opportunities that can be found — and launched — in Arkansas,” she said in a news release.
Four faculty members are currently teaching a biomedical curriculum, with a fifth instructor expected to join the group soon.
The college expects to award the first bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering as soon as the spring 2014 semester.