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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 in British Columbia saw a 10% increase in employment from 2021, rising from 9,970 employees to 10,930* in 2024. 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 $102,000* 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 9,700 software developer and programmer jobs are expected for the next ten years in B.C., with workers earning an average salary of $95,000 per year.
Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies
Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resume and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate.
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. To ensure your courses transfer, see the BC Transfer Guide.
Applicants to the Computing Science Diploma Program must meet the following criteria in order to receive admission to the program and priority registration:
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:
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 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.
The unreal academic partner badge confirms that Douglas College’s Computing Science (Diploma) program is genuinely recognized by Epic Games as a valid and proven Education & Training Partner for Unreal Engine! The Unreal Academic Partner Program recognizes university programs that have committed to providing ongoing, high quality educational opportunities with an experienced faculty, proven curricula, sufficient facilities, and resources to create positive outcomes for students with a variety of personal growth and career objectives.
Career opportunities include: