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.
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
“I want to be one of the people who redefines the Internet.”
2019 Computer Science Graduate; Network Consultant Engineer, Cisco Systems
Fall 2023 first-time freshmen: Automatic admission to the College of Engineering will be based on meeting the below requirements. However, if you cannot take or choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores with your admission application, a holistic review will be used to determine your admission to the engineering program.
Students may directly enroll as pre-engineering students; however, there are minimum admission requirements. Minimum freshman entry requirements are an ACT Math score of 25 or higher (or a SAT Math score of 590 or higher) and a 3.0 or higher unweighted high school GPA. Additionally, students must also meet the minimum Kentucky statewide academic readiness requirements for reading and writing. If you do not meet the initial admission requirements, please contact visit@engr.uky.edu for information about alternative routes to admission to the College of Engineering.
Admission requirements for transfer students can be accessed here.
The smartest, most talented engineers around the world are devoting themselves to tackling immense global challenges. As a First-Year Engineering (FYE) student, 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 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.
In addition to fulfilling UK Core and College of Engineering requirements, students must complete the Computer Science curriculum. The following curriculum meets the requirements for the B.S. degree.
2022-23 Major Sheet 2021-22 Major Sheet 2020-21 Major Sheet 2018-19 Major Sheet 2017-18 Major Sheet 2016-17 Major Sheet 2015-16 Major Sheet 2014-15 Major Sheet 2013-14 Major Sheet 2012-13 Major Sheet 2011-12 Major Sheet 2010-11 Major Sheet 2009-10 Major Sheet 2008-09 Major SheetGrowth and learning also happen outside the classroom. It happens in research labs working alongside professors and graduate students. It happens on student design teams in the capstone design courses. It happens on cooperative education rotations and internships with companies all over the country. There are also numerous education abroad programs. The Engineering Career and Co-op Center provides students valuable assistance in developing job, co-op and internship search skills, facilitates placement for education abroad programs and research opportunities and helps with career network development so you can secure a rewarding career in your chosen field of study
Learning also happens in student organizations, on field trips, and on community service projects. Computer Science students can get involved with the Association for Computing Machinery, Dot Diva, CatHacks, Tau Beta Pi, the Society of Women Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, and others.
While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
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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)
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
Read MoreSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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)
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 MoreComputer 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)
Most computer network architects work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read More
College of Engineering
102 Davis Marksbury Building
Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0633
(859) 257-3202
