BDes Computing Science Route

NOTE: Students who are interested in the Computing Science route, and are applying to the BDes program for 2019 should choose the General route, and take CMPUT courses to fulfill their options requirements.

The strong connection between computing science goes beyond the growing use of computer technology by industrial and visual communication designers. Designers are also involved in the actual development of computer software. They analyze the needs of computer users, interpret results and work with computing scientists to create user-friendly interfaces for software. There is a demand for designers who have an understanding of both computing science and the human requirements of users. The Computing Science Route gives you the opportunity to learn the fundamental principles and concepts of computing science and the basic framework that computing scientists and software developers work within. With this knowledge, you will be better positioned to provide valuable input in the development of effective software.

High School applicants please note: to be eligible for this route, you need to have taken Pure Math 30 or Math 30-1 at the high school level, or equivalent courses.


Program Requirements (*120)

Checklist

You can download a draft program checklist for planning purposes, or scroll down to see a list of all required courses.

Important Notes about BDes Program Requirements

  • BDes students must carry a minimum course load of 24 credits (eight 3-credit classes) over each Fall and Winter. Therefore the program will generally take between 4 and 5 years.
  • If you transfer into the BDes program with credit from ART 134 and DES 135 (or 6* of equivalent first year studio courses), they will take the place of ART 136 and DES 138. You will make up the missing 6* of studios with any ART or DES courses at any point in your degree.
  • Students may adjust the sequencing of some of the courses below provided that prerequisite course requirements are met for any courses you wish to take.
  • You can generally replace a lower level course with a higher level course for unspecified ART and DES requirements, but not the other way around. For instance you can replace an open "300-level DES" requirement with a 500-level DES class.


Year I (*30)

  1. ART 136 and 137 (*6)
  2. DES 138 and 139 (*6)
  3. ART 240 (*3)
  4. HADVC 100 or HADVC 200-level (*6)
  5. 100-level ENGL (*6)
  6. CMPUT 101 (*3)


Year 2 (*30)

  1. DES 300/301 or 393/394 (*6)
  2. DES 302/303 or 395/396 (*6)
  3. ART or DES (3xx) (*6)
  4. ART 340 (*3)
  5. HADVC 209 (*3)
  6. CMPUT 174 (*3)
  7. CMPUT 175 (*3)


Year 3 (*30)

  1. DES 400/401 or 493/494 (*6)
  2. DES (4xx) (*6)
  3. ART or DES (3xx or 4xx) (*3)
  4. HADVC 200-level (*3)
  5. DES 483 (*3)
  6. CMPUT 250 (*3)
  7. CMPUT 301 (*3)
  8. CMPUT 206 (*3)


Year 4 (*30)

  1. DES 500/501 or 593/594 (*6)
  2. DES (5xx) (*6)
  3. ART or DES (300-, 400- or 500-level (*6)
  4. CMPUT (2xx, 3xx or 4xx) (*6)
  5. CMPUT (3xx or 4xx) (*6)