# Computational Media Design
**Source**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/computational-media-design-phd
**Parent**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/art-mfa
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Thesis-based program
[Start your application](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)
## Program overview
Are you a creative thinker with a passion for art and technology? Do you refuse to be bound by convention? Computational Media Design is a leading-edge program designed for students innovating at the intersection of art, music, dance, drama, design and computer science. This research-based degree is offered jointly through the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science; School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape; and Department of Art, Department of English, and School of Creative and Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts. In the expanding world of multimedia and design, there is an increasing need for graduates who are equipped to handle complex projects that combine computing expertise with the creative energies of artists and designers. The CMD program prepares students to answer this emerging need. Admission is highly competitive, and only the most promising applicants are selected.
### Completing this program
- **Research Methodology Course:** This course can be from Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Computer Science, Art, Dance, Drama, English or Music.
- **Additional Courses:** Two graduate-level courses from Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Art, Dance, Drama, English and/or Music and three additional graduate-level courses.
- **Research / Body of Work:** The student will prepare original research and/or a creative practice body of work, appropriately scoped for a PhD.
- **Computer Science:** Two Computer Science graduate-level courses.
- **Candidacy:** Candidacy requires preparation of an approved reading list, a research proposal and both oral and written exams.
- **Thesis:** Students are required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
### Specialization
- [Wearable Technology (see Interdisciplinary Specializations)](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/WTECINTSPC)
### Outcomes
Game design and development, film, TV, web design, simulation, training, networking, interactive media, public displays, and mobile and wearable computing, dance, music, theatre and the visual arts. Academic careers as post doctoral fellow, lecturer, professor or researcher.
**A PhD in computational media design is usually considered a final degree.**
### Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
### Courses
Eight courses
[Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/CMDPHD)
### Classroom delivery
### Time commitment
Four years full-time; six years maximum
### Supervisor
Co-Supervision is required
### Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on [fees and fee regulations,](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/tuitionandfeesoverview/grad) and for information on [awards and financial assistance](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/studfinsupport/awardsgrad).
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## Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.\
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. [Contact the program](mailto:sci.grad@ucalgary.ca) for more information.
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1. [Usman Alim](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/usman-alim)
Accepting Inquiries
Visualization and Computer Graphics
2. [John Aycock](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/john-aycock)
Accepting Inquiries
Systems
3. [Bruce Barton](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/bruce-barton)
Accepting Inquiries
4. [Mario Costa Sousa](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/mario-costa-sousa)
Accepting Inquiries
Interactive Computer Graphics and Visualization
5. [Patrick Finn](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/patrick-finn)
Accepting Inquiries
Performance, Technology, Drama & Story, Area Studies (English and Drama), Research Methods & Media, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning / Collaboration, Creativity
6. [Pil Hansen](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/pil-hansen)
Accepting Inquiries
Performing Arts Psychology, Dramaturgy, Performance Generating Systems and Improvisation, Interdisciplinary Research Methodology, Performing Arts Management
7. [Helen Ai He](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/helen-ai-he)
Unavailable
Social Computing, Inclusive Design
8. [Gerald Hushlak](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/node/3545)
Accepting Inquiries
Digital Art, Painting
9. [Christian Jacob](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/christian-jacob)
Accepting Inquiries
Data Science with Virtual and Augmented Reality, Simulations of Biological Systems using Game Engines, LINDSAY Virtual Human
10. [Thomas P, (Tom) Keenan](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/thomas-keenan)
Accepting Inquiries
Social Implications of Technology, Privacy and Security, Smart Communities, Technocreepiness, Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare, Non-financial Applications of the Blockchain
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## Admission Requirements
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#### GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
#### Minimum education
A master's degree from a recognized institution.
#### Work samples
A portfolio of up to 10 examples of research and creative work. Any combination of academic publications/reports, images, video, audio, musical scores, documentation of installations, written works. URL can be provided if upload isn't possible via application system.
#### Documents
- One-page statement of interest (not a research proposal) in an area of interdisciplinary research of computer science alongside art, dance, drama, design, or music
- A C.V.
#### Reference letters
Two reference letters
#### Test scores
None
#### Additional requirements
Applicants must show a demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research in art, dance, drama, design or music and computer science.
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#### **English language proficiency (ELP)**
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in different ways. For accepted criteria, please refer to the program “Admissions” tab in the [**Academic Calendar.**](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/CMDPHD)
*\*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.*
#### Deadlines
**FALL (For admission on September 1)**
- **INTERNATIONAL**:
- Early Applications (complete application review) - **January 15**
- Final Application Deadline – **March 1** (Final Documentation Submission Deadline – **March 15**)
- **CANADIAN**:
- Final Application Deadline – **May 1** (Final Documentation Submission Deadline – **June 1**)
\
**WINTER (For admission on January 1)**
- **INTERNATIONAL**:
- Final Application Deadline – **July 1** (Final Documentation Submission Deadline – **July 15**)
- **CANADIAN**:
- Final Application Deadline – **September 1** (Final Documentation Submission Deadline – **October 1**)
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about
[international requirements](http://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/international)
## Are you ready to apply?
[Application process](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)
## Learn more about this program
### Department of Computational Media Design
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 602\
2500 University Drive NW\
Calgary, ABT2N 4V8\
403.220.3528
[Contact the Graduate Program Administrator](mailto:sci.grad@ucalgary.ca)
[Visit the departmental website](http://www.ucalgary.ca/cmd/contact)
### Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 540\
2500 University Drive NW\
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
[Visit their website](http://www.ucalgary.ca/science/)
## Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
#### [Computational Media Design](#collapse1069237730)
[Thesis-based MSc](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/computational-media-design-msc-thesis)
#### [Architecture](#collapse669944851)
[Course-based MArch](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/architecture-march-course)
#### [Art](#collapse1381879308)
[Thesis-based MFA](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/art-mfa)
#### [Computer Science](#collapse1140675915)
[Thesis-based MSc](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/computer-science-msc-thesis)
[Thesis-based PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/computer-science-phd)
#### [Drama](#collapse931281992)
[Thesis-based MFA](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/drama-mfa-thesis)
#### [Environmental Design](#collapse993467209)
[Thesis-based MEDes](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/environmental-design-medes)
[PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/environmental-design-phd)
#### [Music](#collapse1301080470)
[Thesis-based MA](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/music-ma-thesis)
[Thesis-based MMus](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/music-mmus-thesis)
[PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/music-phd)
## Curious about the University of Calgary?
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[Learn More about student life at UCalgary](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/student-life)