UNC Charlotte:

At UNC Charlotte, diversifying the computer science field is not just a goal; it's a priority.

Women and underrepresented minorities graduate from Charlotte’s College of Computing and Informatics – the Carolinas’ largest and most diverse computing college – with more bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science than from any other institution in North Carolina. They are leaders in the classroom, in the lab – and in the workforce. Their voices, perspectives and expertise matter.

They start their careers prepared to lead and succeed in a world where those with the confidence to innovate will make lasting impacts in their communities, throughout the country and across the globe.

Charlotte leads in North Carolina:

#1 in female computer science graduates

#1 in Hispanic computer science graduates

#1 in African American computer science graduates

Cybersecurity Command

Walter Kirkland, a senior computer science major and ROTC member, is one of three current Charlotte students tapped to join Space Corps, the U.S. military’s newest branch, when they graduate. This summer, during the months between graduation and returning to Charlotte for a master’s in cybersecurity, Kirkland will intern with Defense Information Systems Agency in Washington D.C. as a cyber developmental engineer, a role designed to contribute to national security and advance the capabilities of the warfighter in cyberspace.

“CCI has amazing partnerships with business and industry and a plethora of opportunities to help students succeed either by working with faculty on research projects or through summer internships,” he said. “And the faculty have an impressive focus on supporting students from diverse backgrounds.”

Committed to excellence – for all students

● Over the past decade, enrollment among women in the College of Computing and Informatics, specifically in computer science, has quadrupled. Their growing numbers are embedded within an overall increase of 430% in women undergraduate and graduate enrollment between 2000 and 2023.

● During that same period, enrollment of Black, Hispanic and other underrepresented minorities grew by 734%, making CCI the no. 1 producer of minority computer science graduates in the region.

“Between thoughtful mentorship and encouraging all students and scholars to pursue their tech-oriented dreams both inside and outside the classroom, CCI has made it a priority to make the computing and technology industry more welcoming and accessible.”

Bojan Cukic, dean, College of Computing and Informatics

The power of community

Female faculty members — who have made tremendous strides in computing despite the field’s record of supporting primarily men — recognize the passion among female students for computer science and encourage their persistence formally and informally. With the highest number of female computer science graduates in the state, CCI’s efforts are getting results.

Their involvement in student organizations such as UNC Charlotte chapters of GirlsWhoCode, the Association of Computing Machinery-Women and Women In CyberSecurity offers female students successful role models to emulate, fueling their aspirations and inspiring them to achieve their goals.

Cori Faklaris, assistant professor of software and information systems and director of CCI’s Security and Privacy research group, mentors students, offering research opportunities that include a study of the ways people consider and make decisions about cybersecurity based on their experiences. This work has shown that lived experiences inform decisions about product development that likely emerge due to the fact that women’s voices and opinions are solicited.

“There’s no substitute for lived experience”

Cori Faklaris, assistant professor, software and information systems

A reflection of institutional mission

Overall, CCI’s commitment to attracting a student body that represents the community at large is a reflection of UNC Charlotte’s focus on access. In fact, 35% of the total student body comes from underrepresented backgrounds.

Named four years running by U.S. News & World Report as a leader in social mobility, UNC Charlotte – among the nation’s top 100 public universities according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings – leads North Carolina higher education in community college transfer students, first-generation college students, bachelor’s degrees to minority students, Latinx enrollment and undergraduate degree completion, and bachelor’s degrees and enrolled students receiving Pell grants.

The University ranks in the top 30 in the nation for graduating African American students with bachelor’s degrees in all disciplines combined. According to the rankings, 27 Charlotte undergraduate areas of study rank in the top 100 for African American graduates, with a dozen top-20 rankings. Similarly, 15 programs receive top-100 rankings for awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanic/Latinx students; of particular note is a no. 31 national ranking for computer and information sciences.

“Diverse perspectives lead to innovative and creative solutions," said Cukic. “At UNC Charlotte, students have the opportunity to experience firsthand the diversity that is key to excellent performance.”

Only at Charlotte

This content was paid for and created by University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The editorial staff of The Chronicle had no role in its preparation. Find out more about paid content.