Divyakant Agrawal
Distinguished Professor and Chair of Computer Science
CS Leadership Endowed Chair
UC Santa Barbara
Fellow of the ACM, IEEE, and AAAS
Welcome to the Computer Science Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara!
CS@UCSB is a special place where exciting research meets exceptional teaching against the backdrop of wonderful natural beauty. As faculty, students, and staff of CS@UCSB, we feel lucky to be part of an outstanding department in the most impactful academic discipline of our times while living in one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Over the past year, the UC Santa Barbara Computer Science Department has continued to evolve at the forefront of transformative technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence. The launch and growth of our Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence reflects both global demand and our commitment to shaping the future of computing education. At the same time, we are engaging deeply with AI in our local context, building partnerships across campus and with regional industry to ensure that our students and research have a real-world impact. These efforts are already yielding results, as our graduates enter the workforce equipped not only with technical expertise but with the adaptability required in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Looking ahead, we are equally energized by advances in quantum computing, an area where UCSB has long been a leader through its close ties with the Department of Physics and groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. The pioneering contributions of faculty and collaborators continue to shape the field at the highest levels, reinforcing UCSB’s role in discoveries that define the future of computation. As a department, we are intentionally building stronger bridges between disciplines while also strengthening connections within our own community, expanding alumni engagement, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that extend well beyond the classroom.
None of this progress would be possible without the continued generosity of our alumni and supporters. Philanthropic contributions over the years have enabled us to recruit exceptional faculty, support student research, and create opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. Endowed chairs, fellowships, and programmatic support have had a direct and lasting impact on the quality and reach of our work. As we move forward, we remain committed to deepening our relationships with you, our alumni, whose achievements and engagement continue to elevate the department. Your support not only sustains our momentum but also ensures that the next generation of UCSB computer scientists can thrive and lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
At a moment when the value of scientific research and higher education is increasingly being challenged in public discourse and funding priorities, the support of our alumni community is more important than ever. Your engagement and generosity help ensure that UCSB remains a place where discovery, innovation, and rigorous inquiry can continue to thrive, empowering us to educate future leaders and pursue research that benefits society as a whole.
Please take a look at our website for information about our research and degree programs, and if you wish to be part of an energetic, collegial, and supportive computer science department that is at the forefront of the computing revolution, join us! If you have questions or comments you can reach me at coms-chair@ucsb.edu.
Sincerely,
Divy Agrawal
Distinguished Professor and Chair
UCSB Computer Science