New Program: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

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:

1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify computational solutions in a variety of different fields.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in varied subject areas.
3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts about computational ways to solve problems.
4. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
5. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
6. Apply computer science techniques and tools to solve problems in a chosen area of concentration.
7. Master techniques in programming, data structures, algorithm design, software systems, computer applications, database design, and others.

Program Highlights

• Solid foundation in computer science.
• Develop additional skills in areas such as liberal arts, humanities, education, science, or business.
• Flexible schedule compared with engineering program.
• Highly customizable academic path.

Want to Know What Courses are Required to Earn a BACS?

Program Outcomes

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.