DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS
Winter 2024: Accepting Applications
Fall 2024: applications open October 03rd, 2023
Program
Computing Science (Diploma)
Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Computing Science
Credits
60.00
Length of Program
Four semesters
Credential Type
Diploma
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall
Overview
Want to join the expanding IT industry? Or launch a career in game development? Take your pick with Douglas College’s Computing Science Diploma.
In the first year of this two-year program, you’ll learn the basics of computer programming and gain experience using industry-standard programming languages. Exit after year one with a Computing Science Certificate or an Academic Foundations Certificate depending on the electives you choose. You can also complete your diploma at Douglas College in one of two streams: game development, or the general information technology stream.
Game Development stream
Create the video games you love to play. With the Game Development stream, you’ll learn to write code for computer games using industry-standard game development tools. You’ll also develop entire games from initial design to implementation for both computers and virtual reality (VR) devices. The gaming industry employed 7,300* people in British Columbia in 2019 compared to 5,900 people in 2018 – which means in one year alone, 1,400 new video game jobs were created in B.C. Vancouver is also home to big name video game companies such as Capcom, EA, Next Level Games and Microsoft’s Black Tusk Studios. Plus, the average salary of game developers in Canada is around $120,200* per year, making it a lucrative career.
*Source: Entertainment Software Association of Canada
General Stream
With the General Stream, you’ll get the skills and knowledge in software development, programming and information analysis you need to launch your career as a software engineer, information security analyst, IT manager, database administrator and more. Close to 13,400 programmer jobs are expected for the next ten years in B.C., with workers earning an average salary of $90,000 per year.
Earn while you learn
The Computing Science Diploma is eligible for co-op, so you can get paid to work for real companies and organizations before you graduate. This experience will give you a leg-up over the competition once you begin applying for jobs.
Further your education
All first-year credits of the Computing Science Diploma are transferable to B.C. research universities such as SFU, UVic and UBC.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the Computing Science Diploma Program must meet the following criteria in order to receive admission to the program and priority registration:
- General College Admission Requirements
- Precalculus 12 with a minimum grade of B (or acceptable substitution)
Cost
You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page.
Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.
Program Requirements
Curriculum Framework
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:
- Successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits
- 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- A minimum program GPA of 2.00 is required
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:
- Successful completion of a minimum of 60 credits
- 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- A minimum program GPA of 2.00 is required
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years
Course Requirements:
| Required Courses for the General Stream or the Game Development Stream | |||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | Comments |
|
Introduction to Computing Science and Programming |
3.00 |
|
|
| CMPT 1209 | Computer Programming II | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 2395 | Intro to Computer Architecture | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 2300 | Data Structures & Algorithms | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 2276 | Introduction to Software Engineering | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 2363 | User Interface Design | 3.00 | |
| MATH 1120 | Calculus I | 3.00 | |
| MATH 1130 | Discrete Mathematics I | 3.00 | |
| MATH 1220 | Calculus II | 3.00 | |
| MATH 2232 | Linear Algebra | 3.00 | |
|
ENGL 1102 |
Reading Literature and Culture |
3.00 |
|
| UT Lab Science | 3.00 | ||
| Elective Courses for the General Stream* | |||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | Comments |
| UT Electives | 24.00 |
|
|
| Additional Required Courses for the Game Development Stream | |||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | Comments |
| BUSN 1210 | Management Essentials | 3.00 | |
| BUSN 3253 | Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 1267 | Computer Game Development I | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 2167 | Computer Game Development II | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 2367 | Applied Project in Computing Science | 3.00 | |
| CMPT 2361 | Computer Graphics | 3.00 | |
| Elective Courses for the Game Development Stream* | |||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | Comments |
| UT Electives | 6.00 |
|
|
|
Total Credits |
60.00 |
||
* Please contact the Computing Science Coordinator for information on choosing electives.
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Computer Support specialist
- Computer Game programmer
- C++ developer
- Python developer
- Software designer/developer
- Virtual reality developer