About the school

The School of Computing and Informatics (CMIX), Ray P. Authement College of Sciences, is a part of the century-old University of Louisiana-Lafayette (UL Lafayette). The school offers various programmes across three academic units, including the Centre for Advanced Computer Studies (CACS), Computer Science programme, and Informatics programme. Students receive an in-depth educational experience from a faculty of 30 experts in computer science, computer engineering, and informatics. The School of Computing and Informatics nurtures students' programming, communication, mathematical, algorithmic reasoning, and fundamental computing skills. The primary aim is to provide students with the skills they require to thrive as significant players in the dynamic and constantly evolving fields of computing and informatics. CACS has been featured as one of the country's top 50 computer science graduate programmes. Lafayette, Louisiana, offers international students a welcoming community, affordable living, cultural richness, safety, natural beauty, and academic excellence. It is a well-rounded destination for a memorable educational experience.

Where is the school located?

Life at the School of Computing and Informatics Ray P. Authement College of Sciences

The Office of Residential Life and University Housing oversee every aspect of on-campus living. On campus, there are six resident halls, three apartment buildings, and one support hall that can house 3,700 students each semester. All students living on campus are members of the Residence Hall Association (RHA). RHA plays a pivotal role in nurturing student leadership among residents on campus. This is done by organising various events, including service initiatives, social gatherings, and educational programmes, while focusing on community development. In close collaboration with the Housing Administration, UPC, the Food Service Committee, SGA, and Student Life & Conduct, RHA ensures that residents' on-campus living experiences are enriched and rewarding. In addition to fostering personal development, new connections, various interests and promoting networking with professionals in their respective industries, the association encourages students to actively participate in campus life. By participating in events that support academic goals and advance career success, the School of Computing and Informatics encourages students to get the most out of their university experience.

Additional benefits of studying at the School of Computing and Informatics Ray P. Authement College of Sciences

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Centre for Visual and Decision Informatics (CVDI) is the only U.S. NSF Center specialising in data science, big data analytics, and visual analytics. After winning approval for a second round of National Science Foundation funding in March 2017, the CVDI is on track to become the biggest centre of its kind in the US. In 1984, the Centre for Advanced Computer Studies (CACS), the School of Computing and Informatics research arm, was founded. Notable faculty, including IEEE Fellows, ACM Fellows, AAAS Fellows, and NSF CAREER Award winners, have been teaching at CACS over the years.​ CACS keeps up with the latest advancements in computing while ensuring sound theoretical and practical foundations. It partners with other universities to produce interdisciplinary degrees and offers various programmes. CACS conducts top-tier research with external grants, actively involving students, especially at the doctoral level.

Admissions criteria

Application requirements may vary per programme. However, here are some general admission requirements when applying for a course at University of Louisiana at Lafayette - School of Computing and Informatics Ray P. Authement College of Sciences: - Completed personal information form - Three letters of recommendation - Online graduate admission application to be filled and submitted - Financial statement (for international applicants) showing proof of adequate funding - 2 official transcripts from all universities attended. A certified translation for any transcript document not in English - Evaluation from approved credential evaluation services - Official GRE/GMAT scores - English proficiency scores for international applicants: - TOEFL iBT (79 or higher) - IELTS (6.5 or higher) - PTE Academic (53 or higher) - TOEFL Essentials (8.5 or higher) - Duolingo English Test (110 or higher) - Statement of purpose - CV/resume - Proof of immunisation - Estimated expenses of pursuing a programme at the School of Computing and Informatics include: - Health service/health insurance - Cost of books/course materials - Housing, food and other expenses

For latest information, visit the college website.

Job placements

The School of Computing and Informatics graduates are often sought after for senior roles in various areas, including applications development, systems software development, mobile computing, and networking. Career prospects span across international and local companies. The school enjoys close connections with local and national technological businesses, actively seeking out its graduates and alumni for internships and job openings. The School of Computing and Informatics works closely with industry partners to create and implement computer-based hardware and software solutions addressing data, computation, and communications concerns. All current students of the School of Computing and Informatics have access to OnTheHub and VMWare academic programmes, which provide many useful applications and solutions that can be used for assignments and purposes. CACS offers 50-60 assistantships, open to all programmes. For master's students, funding is limited to three semesters and for doctorate students, it is limited to six to eight semesters. There is no time limit for research assistantships.