Pigman College of Engineering

Computer Science

65K

average starting salary

102

graduate students

Highest in the College of Engineering

1

of the oldest CS depts

Established in 1966

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Neil Moore, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies

Department of Computer Science

Pigman College of Engineering

102 Davis Marksbury Building

Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0633

Program website

(859) 257-3202

  • BS

Computer scientists identify and solve computational problems in all areas of modern life. They use a combination of technical skills and creativity to design and build software, formulate solutions to computing problems and invent new and better ways of using computers. The discipline of computer science has many challenging, interesting and socially important careers that appeal to a diverse range of people. Computer scientists are not only employed by software companies but also by health care companies, government agencies and educational institutions. In short, the computer science profession is multifaceted and has wide-ranging applications. Computers are continually changing, so those who choose a career in computer science will become life-long learners and will always be on the cutting edge of new trends in technology.

Careers

Program Your Future

At the University of Kentucky, you will be taught by professors who are recognized leaders in their respective fields and are outstanding teachers. The Department of Computer Science was recently ranked 30th among U.S. Ph.D.-granting universities and 16th among public universities by Academic Analytics™. Department of Computer Science professors and instructors are readily available both inside and outside the classroom to discuss course material, emerging topics of research in computer science and the computing profession.

Industries Looking for You

  • Software development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Entertainment
  • Medicine
  • Telecommunications
  • Digital media
  • Gaming
“I want to be one of the people who redefines the Internet.”

Brian Luciano

2019 Computer Science Graduate; Network Consultant Engineer, Cisco Systems

Admission Requirements

The Pigman College of Engineering offers multiple pathways to undergraduate admission -- both as an incoming freshman or transfer student.

Admission requirements for incoming freshmen can be accessed here.

Admission requirements for transfer students can be accessed here.

Engineering Standing

All incoming freshmen and transfer students admitted to the Pigman College of Engineering have their major listed as "Pre-Aerospace Engineering", "Pre-Biomedical Engineering", etc. on their admission letter and in our academic system, myUK. Engineering Standing will be achieved, and the pre- designation will be dropped from the major name, once the student achieves a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum GPA in select courses. You may view the select courses in the University Bulletin.


First-Year Engineering Program 

The smartest, most talented engineers around the world are devoting themselves to tackling immense global challenges. As a student in the UK Pigman College of Engineering, you get to join them!

In 2008, the National Academy of Engineering identified 14 “Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century”—opportunities to greatly increase humanity’s sustainability, health, security and joy of living. Themes include making solar energy economical, enhancing virtual reality, reverse-engineering the brain, securing cyberspace, providing access to clean water and more.

These ambitious goals demand engineers roll up their sleeves and get to work, which is why we put them front and center during your first year as an engineering student. We have designed the First-Year Engineering (FYE) program to inspire you. We want you to discover your passion. We want you to explore where you might make your unique contribution. We want you to get your hands dirty and make stuff that might, one day, lead to a breakthrough.

Why wait until you’re taking upper-level classes to figure out what interests you? Through real engineering classes taught by top faculty and exposure to engineering’s greatest challenges, the FYE program gets you into the game from day one.


Degree Requirements 

The following curriculum meets the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, provided the student satisfies the graduation requirements of the Pigman College of Engineering.

2022-23 Major Sheet 2022-23 Curriculum 2021-22 Curriculum 2020-21 Curriculum 2018-19 Curriculum 2017-18 Curriculum 2016-17 Curriculum 2015-16 Curriculum 2014-15 Curriculum 2013-14 Curriculum 2012-13 Curriculum 2011-12 Curriculum 2010-11 Curriculum 2009-10 Curriculum 2008-09 Curriculum

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Student Involvement

Learning also happens in student organizations, on field trips, and on community service projects. Computer Science students often get involved with the Association for Computing Machinery, Association for Computing Machinery for Women, Dot Diva, CatHacks, Tau Beta Pi, Society of Women Engineers, and others.


Co-ops

The computer science program offers numerous opportunities to obtain hands-on experience through summer internships and co-operative education programs with many companies throughout the U.S. These experiences often lead to full-time engineering professional positions upon graduation. For those interested in research, the program offers numerous undergraduate research opportunities in each of the specialized areas of computer science. 

The Engineering Career and Co-op Center is a valuable resource for assisting you with developing job and co-op search skills; participating in education-abroad programs and participating in research endeavors and career network development so you can secure a rewarding career in your chosen field of study.


Imagine Your Future

Software Developers

Software developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$105,590

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

1.37m

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

284,100

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Many software developers work for firms that deal in computer systems design and related services, manufacturing, or for software publishers.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Similar Occupations

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers
  • Computer Hardware Engineers
  • Computer Network Architects
  • Computer Programmers
  • Computer Support Specialists
  • Computer Systems Analysts
  • Database Administrators
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Mathematicians and Statisticians
  • Postsecondary Teachers
  • Web Developers

Imagine Your Future

Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$93,000

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

174,400

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

-17,800

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Programmers usually work in office settings, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry. Most computer programmers work full time.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Read More

Imagine Your Future

Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$120,520

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

174,800

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

7,500

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Most computer network architects work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Read More

Contact

Neil Moore, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies

Department of Computer Science

Pigman College of Engineering

102 Davis Marksbury Building

Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0633

(859) 257-3202