Computing Science (Diploma)

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 and interactive experiences from initial design to implementation for both computers and virtual reality (VR) devices. The Computing Science Department at Douglas College is an Epic Games Authorized Academic Partner, which means that our program has been recognized by Epic Games as a valid and proven Education & Training Partner for Unreal Engine.

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.