Neil Moore, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Computer Science
neil.moore@uky.eduComputer 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™. 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. In Fall 2024, the Department launched an undergraduate Artificial Intelligence Certificate!
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
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.
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.
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.
2023-24 Curriculum Previous CurriculaLearning 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, CatHacks, competitive programming team, Tau Beta Pi, Society of Women Engineers, and others.
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.
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 2023
Number of Jobs
1.37m
in 2023
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
$99,700
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
147,400
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
-16,600
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 implement 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
$129,840
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
180,200
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
6,300
new jobs (average)
Most computer network architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Network architects work in a variety of industries, usually in an office setting.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreData scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$108,020
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
168,900
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
59,400
new jobs (average)
Data scientists spend much of their time in an office setting. Most work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read More
Neil Moore, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Computer Science
neil.moore@uky.eduPigman College of Engineering
102 Davis Marksbury Building
Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0633
(859) 257-3202
