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The University of Georgia offers a dynamic computer science program that balances theory with hands-on learning. With a focus on undergraduate research, students gain real-world experience through faculty collaborations and industry partnerships.
Class sizes remain manageable, fostering personalized attention despite the university’s large size. The program’s 82% employment rate and $79,546 median graduate salary highlight its strong career outcomes.
Ranked #49 nationally, the school stands out for its growing enrollment and connections to local tech companies. Whether exploring algorithms or software development, learners find a supportive environment tailored to success.
How Good Is Computer Science at UGA? Rankings and Reputation
Rankings reveal the strength of UGA’s computer science program. The University of Georgia consistently earns top marks for its curriculum, faculty, and career outcomes. Let’s explore its standing nationally and within the state.
National and State Rankings
UGA ranks #49 nationally (College Factual, 2022), placing it in the top 15% of programs nationwide. In Georgia, it holds the second-best position, trailing only Georgia Tech. This dual recognition underscores its balanced focus on theory and practical skills.
“The University of Georgia’s computer science department combines rigorous academics with real-world relevance, making it a standout choice.”
Below is a comparison with peer institutions:
| School | National Rank | Georgia Rank |
|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | #49 | #2 |
| Georgia Tech | #8 | #1 |
| Georgia State | #148 | #4 |
Popularity and Enrollment Trends
The program awarded 292 bachelor’s degrees in 2021–2022, a 14% annual increase. Master’s degrees also grew, with 60 conferred in 2022. International students contribute to this diversity—30 non-resident aliens joined the graduate cohort that year.
Key factors driving enrollment:
- Strong job placement rates (82%)
- Affordable tuition compared to top-tier rivals
- Research opportunities with industry partners
UGA’s Computer Science Curriculum: What You’ll Learn
UGA’s ABET-accredited curriculum blends technical depth with ethical considerations. The 121-credit program equips students with foundational skills and specialized knowledge, ensuring readiness for diverse tech careers.
Core Requirements and Foundational Courses
All majors complete rigorous coursework in software development, algorithms, and systems design. Key classes include:
- Data Structures: Master efficient storage and retrieval methods.
- Theory of Computation: Explore computational limits and models.
- Calculus I & Statistics: Build quantitative analysis skills.
A capstone project in Software Engineering (CSCI 4050) synthesizes these concepts through team-based development.
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Electives and Specializations
Students tailor their degree with cutting-edge electives:
- Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning and neural networks.
- Database Management: Data modeling and SQL optimization.
- Computer Graphics: Rendering techniques and 3D modeling.
“Specializing in artificial intelligence at UGA opened doors to robotics research and industry internships.”
Teamwork and Ethics Components
The program emphasizes collaboration and societal impact. CSCI 3030: Computing, Ethics, and Society tackles privacy, bias, and tech’s role in global challenges. Group projects in courses like Computer Networks mirror real-world teamwork dynamics.
Student Experience and Opportunities
Beyond the classroom, UGA fosters innovation through research and student-led events. Learners gain real-world skills while building connections with peers and mentors.
Undergraduate Research and Faculty Collaboration
With $3M+ in annual research funding, undergraduates contribute to AI, cybersecurity, and data science projects. Faculty actively mentor students, publishing joint papers and presenting at conferences.
“Working with Dr. Chen on neural networks gave me the confidence to pursue a PhD at Stanford.”
Clubs, Competitions, and Extracurriculars
The ACM chapter hosts hackathons and coding sprints, drawing 200+ participants yearly. Key organizations include:
- Women in Computer Science: Promotes gender diversity through mentorship.
- Data Science Club: Workshops on Python and machine learning.
| Organization | Focus Area | Membership (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| ACM | Coding competitions | 180 |
| WiCS | Professional development | 65 |
Class Sizes and Advising Support
Upper-division courses maintain an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention. Franklin College advisors help tailor degree paths to career goals, from internships to graduate school.
Demographics reflect growing diversity, with a 76% male and 24% female undergraduate split. Dedicated lab spaces for project-based learning further enhance the experience.
Career Outcomes for UGA Computer Science Graduates
Graduates from UGA’s program enter the workforce with competitive salaries and strong industry connections. The median starting salary for bachelor’s degree holders is $79,546—13% above the national average. An 82% employment rate within six months underscores the program’s alignment with employer needs.
Salary Trends and Employment Data
UGA alumni outpace peers, earning $9,146 more annually than the typical U.S. computer science graduate ($70,400). Over 60% secure roles in software development, while 18% pursue advanced degrees. Debt burdens remain low, with an average of $26,952—well below the $37,000 national student loan average.
| Metric | UGA Graduates | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,546 | $70,400 |
| Employment Rate (6 Months) | 82% | 75% |
| Student Debt | $26,952 | $37,000 |
Industry Partnerships and Alumni Success
Corporate giants like Microsoft and Google recruit directly from UGA, leveraging the co-op program to train future hires. Students gain experience through paid internships, often converting to full-time roles. Alumni dominate Southeastern tech hubs, with 40% in Atlanta’s booming startup scene.
“My internship at NCR Voyix through UGA’s co-op program led to a full-time software engineer offer before graduation.”
The program’s 1,200+ alumni network provides mentorship and job referrals, particularly in cybersecurity and AI. Recent graduates hold titles like Associate Software Engineer (Capital One) and Data Engineer (Hyundai), reflecting the degree’s versatility.
How UGA Compares to Other Computer Science Programs
Prospective students often weigh University of Georgia against elite institutions and regional alternatives. This analysis reveals where the school excels and where cost-conscious learners gain exceptional value.
Strengths vs. Top-Tier Schools
While Ivy League programs boast higher research budgets, UGA delivers comparable education quality at a fraction of the cost. Faculty publish in the same journals as MIT and Stanford professors, with particular strength in cybersecurity.
Key differentiators emerge when examining details:
- Undergraduate research participation: 38% at UGA vs 45% at Carnegie Mellon
- Industry partnerships: 60+ local tech firms collaborate with UGA
- Class accessibility: No lottery systems for core courses
| Metric | UGA | Georgia Tech | MIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Expenditure | $3.1M | $12.7M | $28.9M |
| In-State Tuition | $12,180 | $10,258 | $57,986 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 68% | 47% | 84% |
Cost and Value Considerations
For Georgia residents, UGA offers the state’s best return on investment. The school combines affordable tuition with strong career outcomes, yielding a 3.2-year payback period on average.
Notable advantages:
- Co-op earnings offset 73% of tuition costs
- Living expenses 41% lower than Boston-area schools
- Merit scholarships cover up to full tuition
“As a first-gen student, UGA gave me the same foundational skills as my peers at Duke—without the six-figure debt.”
The Southern tech ecosystem further enhances value, with Atlanta’s Fortune 500 companies actively recruiting UGA talent.
Conclusion: Is UGA the Right Choice for Your CS Degree?
Choosing the right program shapes your future in tech—University of Georgia delivers proven results. Its ABET-accredited computer science degree combines rigorous training with a 3.2-year ROI, ideal for budget-conscious learners.
Georgia residents gain the most value, accessing in-state tuition and local industry ties. While less startup-driven than Silicon Valley schools, students thrive in Atlanta’s Fortune 500 ecosystem.
At $28k for four years, costs undercut peer programs by 50%. Prospective enrollees should tour labs and meet faculty to gauge fit.
FAQ
What are the national rankings for UGA’s computer science program?
The University of Georgia ranks among the top public institutions for its degree in computer science, recognized for strong faculty research and student outcomes.
Does UGA offer specializations like artificial intelligence or data mining?
Yes, students can choose electives in AI, data mining, cybersecurity, and software engineering to tailor their learning experience.
How does UGA support undergraduate research in computer science?
The program encourages collaboration with faculty on cutting-edge projects, providing hands-on experience in research labs and funded opportunities.
What career opportunities are available for graduates?
Alumni secure roles at top tech firms, with strong internship pipelines and an active career center aiding in job placement.
How does UGA compare to Georgia Tech for computer science?
While Georgia Tech has a stronger engineering focus, UGA offers a balanced curriculum with smaller class sizes and a liberal arts advantage.
Are there coding clubs or hackathons for students?
Yes, organizations like ACM and annual hackathons provide networking, skill-building, and competition opportunities.
What is the average class size for core courses?
Introductory classes may have larger enrollments, but advanced courses typically maintain smaller ratios for personalized learning.
Does the program include ethics in technology coursework?
Ethical considerations are integrated into the curriculum, preparing students for responsible development in the field.
