Combine computer science skills and knowledge with other subject areas to start a career in data science, machine learning, AI, robotics, education, biology, and many more.
The CSE Department has a new undergraduate degree program – Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BACS). This program is in response to the existing need for technical jobs throughout the local industry in Louisville and Kentucky. The structure of the program offers the students a chance not only to become well equipped computer scientists but to also excel in other areas of studies that will match the students’ interests. It will fulfill the demand in careers that rely on computer science and broad knowledge in application areas. The program is designed to be eight semesters long with two internships in between, while leveraging the rigorous computer science curriculum and existing resources in the CSE Department and the Speed School.
The BACS program has been approved by the CSE Department, the Speed School, and University Faculty Senate, and the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees and approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). The new degree program began accepting students in fall semester of 2021.
The BACS program focuses on the application of computer science in areas other than engineering, which provides more flexibility in terms of elective courses for students to learn both computer science and another area of study. While BACS students can still take computer hardware courses as electives, they are not required to do. This can broaden the opportunities for students who are primarily interested in learning software and its applications.
As a graduate of this program, you will have the ability to:
Academic Plan: Traditional classroom format
Two required internships.
Credit hours of computer science
Credit hours in another area of study
*These hours can earn you a minor in another field.
Total credit hours
In the greater Louisville region, in 2019, there were 3,650 jobs posted for software developers and other computing careers that required a bachelor’s degree for entry level jobs, for which BACS graduates would be qualified to apply for. In Kentucky, through 2026, it is predicted that there will be a 15.9 percent increase in all computer-related jobs. Nationally, through 2028, growth is expected to be 25.6 percent. These jobs pay quite well, with the average system software developer making $110,000 nationally. While BACS students will be poised to enter the workforce directly after graduation, students can also further their education at UofL by applying to graduate school in computer science, or getting other graduate certificates online in data science or cybersecurity at UofL.