# Computational Media Design

**Source**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/computational-media-design-msc-thesis
**Parent**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/art-mfa

Master of Science (MSc)

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; 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:** One graduate-level course from Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Art, Dance, Drama, English or Music and two additional graduate-level courses.
- **Computer Science:** A graduate course in Computer Science (in addition to the research methodology course).
- **Thesis:** Students are required to submit a research proposal, and submit and defend an original research thesis.

### Specialization

- [Wearable Technology (see Interdisciplinary Specializations)](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/WTECINTSPC)

### Outcomes

Companies whose primary business is game design and development, film, TV, web design, simulation, training, networking, interactive media, public displays, and mobile and wearable computing. Interest in our graduates also comes from the creative fields of dance, music, theatre and the visual arts.

**A master’s degree in computational media design will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.**

### Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

### Courses

Five courses

[Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/CMDMSCT)

### Classroom delivery

### Time commitment

Two years full-time; four 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. [Christian Frisson](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/supports-and-contacts/find-graduate-supervisor/christian-frisson)

   Seeking Students

   Haptics (Robotics for Human-Computer Interaction), Information Visualization, Immersive Arts
7. [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
8. [Helen Ai He](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/helen-ai-he)

   Unavailable

   Social Computing, Inclusive Design
9. [Gerald Hushlak](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/node/3545)

   Accepting Inquiries

   Digital Art, Painting
10. [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

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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

Four year baccalaureate degree, preferably in Computer Science, Art, Dance, Drama, Design, or Music. Background in two areas is preferred.

#### 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

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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/CMDMSCT)

*\*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](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/international-students)

## Are you ready to apply?

[Application process](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)

## Learn more about this program

### Computational Media Design program

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](#collapse225432864)

[Thesis-based PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/computational-media-design-phd)

#### [Architecture](#collapse1115130233)

[Course-based MArch](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/architecture-march-course)

#### [Art](#collapse634112488)

[Thesis-based MFA](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/art-mfa)

#### [Computer Science](#collapse23963339)

[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](#collapse1938273297)

[Thesis-based MFA](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/drama-mfa-thesis)

#### [Environmental Design](#collapse86378038)

[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](#collapse145832121)

[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)