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

Mostafa Mubarak 2026 UK Commencement Student Speaker

May 10, 2026

Four graduating students were selected by University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto to represent the Class of 2026 as speakers at UK’s May Commencement Ceremonies. These students reflect the breadth of the UK experience — leaders, scholars and innovators whose paths have been shaped by discovery, service and a strong sense of community. Mostafa Mubarak, a 2026 Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering graduate, delivered the first student address at the 9 a.m. Friday, May 8, ceremony.

UK honors 2026 Outstanding Teaching Award winners

Ryan Girves

May 1, 2026

The University of Kentucky celebrated exceptional faculty and graduate teaching assistants with Outstanding Teaching Awards during the 2026 UK Faculty Awards Ceremony, April 30 on campus.

UK leads national effort to expand AI access for undergrads

Mar 26, 2026

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes nearly every sector — from health and agriculture to journalism and the arts — demand for graduates who understand its foundations and implications is rapidly growing. Yet, traditional AI coursework often requires advanced programming skills or a computer science background.

UK researcher develops safety system to help self-driving vehicles and drones work together

Erin Wickey

Mar 26, 2026

As self-driving vehicles and drones become more common, a University of Kentucky researcher is working to ensure these technologies can communicate and coordinate reliably in real time. Yang Xiao, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science in the UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, received the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award with $534,264 over five years for his work.

21 Pigman College of Engineering researchers among top 2% of world’s most-cited

Mar 3, 2026

The University of Kentucky is well-represented on a list of the most-cited researchers in the world. In a database compiled by Stanford University in a partnership with Elsevier, 125 current UK scientists and scholars appear among the top 2% of the most-cited researchers across 22 disciplines. Of those 125 scientists and scholars, 21 are UK Pigman College of Engineering faculty.

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.

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Department Recognitions

JoAnna Lio

Hall of Distinction - Inducted in 2026

B.S. in computer science, 2001 JoAnna Lio has established a distinguished career at the forefront of digital interactive entertainment, where her leadership, technical acumen and creative vision have helped shape some of the world’s most beloved and culturally impactful video games. Bio submitted by Lio:

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.

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Undergraduate Students

Graduate Studies