Explore Our Programs

125 Graduate students

$93K Average starting salary

NACE Summer 2023

11 NSF Career Awardees

in department history

607 Undergraduates

In the Department of Computer Science, our international experts are recognized for their contributions in crucial research fields. Whether researching artificial intelligence (AI), data science, computer vision, cyber-physical systems, cloud computering, HPC, cybersecurity, or networking and computer systems, we engage students in compelling projects that affect how we live.

New Artificial Intelligence Certificate

OPEN TO ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: The AI certificate program is a 12-credit certificate offers mostly hands-on, in-person coursework and is open to students from all UK colleges.

The certificate program aims to arm students with the AI literacy necessary in today’s world. Despite popular belief, AI systems do not operate independently and require human participation to reach decisions.

Apply today!

Robotic UK Wildcat mascot sitting at a desk in a classroom. 'UK Wildcat in the classroom' image generated by OpenArt.ai. — "UK Wildcat in the classroom" image generated by OpenArt.ai.

OpenArt.ai

Molly Leppelmeier - Major in Computer Science

The resources and staff available to me has been so helpful. It really allowed me to accomplish everything in both the athletic world and the academic world.

CS Department News

UK, Microsoft to host campuswide ‘Cats AI in Action’ showcase

Tiana Thé

Feb 23, 2026

Computer Science faculty will participate in the 'Cats AI in Action', Thursday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Gatton Student Center.

NSF CAREER award supports faster, smarter use of massive scientific data

Erin Wickey and Ben Corwin

Feb 4, 2026

Today’s most powerful supercomputers can answer big scientific questions. However, managing large amounts of data presents a major obstacle. That challenge is the focus of the work by Xin Liang, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science. Liang recently received the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award with $500,000 over five years for his research.

Student sitting at desk typing on computer

‘AI is the future’: UK launches state’s 1st Bachelor of Science in AI

Jan 28, 2026

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky has launched the Commonwealth’s first Bachelor of Science in AI. The undergraduate degree program, housed in the Department of Computer Science, will welcome its first class in Fall 2026.

UK faculty awarded by Schmidt Sciences to bring AI to humanities research

Jenny Wells-Hosley

Dec 17, 2025

Schmidt Sciences has awarded $11 million for up to 23 teams of researchers around the world to develop and apply artificial intelligence to archaeology, history, literature and other humanities disciplines, seeking to unlock new understandings of human history and culture, the organization announced today.

2026 Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Scholars announced

Nov 3, 2025

Thanks to the generous support of Stanley and Karen Pigman and Kentucky’s Research Challenge Trust Fund (RCTF), engineering researchers are receiving additional annual funding to enhance the research priorities and programs of the Pigman College of Engineering. Established in 2024, the Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Endowment supports faculty, research, graduate students, facilities and research infrastructure in the Pigman College of Engineering. This year, the endowment made $235,000 in funds available for distribution.

UK Pigman Engineering researcher awarded NSF grant to harness AI aimed at detecting calf illness

Lindsey Piercy

Oct 30, 2025

Simone Silvestri, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Computer Science in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, is part of a research team that has been awarded a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to answer that very question.

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Department Recognitions

Brian Stewart

Hall of Distinction - Inducted in 2025

B.S. in computer engineering, 1996 Brian Stewart has cultivated a distinguished 26-year career in global payroll and human resources (HR) solutions. Stewart earned his Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1996. Following graduation, he founded a business in Lexington, utilizing a database he developed to facilitate the electronic transfer of insurance claims from medical offices to insurance companies.

Anna Workman, posing by leaning with one elbow on a green chair.

Anna C. Workman, BSCS 2004

Hall of Distinction - Inducted in 2024

Anna Workman has been a driving force in UPS's technological evolution, exhibiting leadership and innovation across various business domains within UPS Technology Group since the early 2000’s.

Jesus Caban, MSCS 2006

Hall of Distinction - Inducted in 2022

Jesus Caban met University of Kentucky professor Brent Seales in his home of Puerto Rico, and soon after, was interning for him in Lexington, Kentucky. Caban quickly taught himself English and enrolled in UK’s master’s program with Seales as his faculty advisor. He graduated with his master’s degree in computer science from UK in 2005.

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Undergraduate Students

Graduate Studies