Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Design
UIC is the only public university in the United States that offers a Computer Science + Design undergraduate degree created specifically to prepare students for these opportunities.
This joint program with the UIC College of Engineering offers professional training in both fields, integrating design courses—fundamental through advanced—with a strong foundation in computer programming. Students who complete this degree will join a new generation of technically savvy designers and creative scientists who operate in the wildly exciting space between these two worlds.
Year 1
DES150 DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN I introduces students to the fundamentals of design theory and process in digital media. Utilizes current technologies to explore basics of motion graphics and interaction design. Students are introduced to hardware and software components including the Apple operating system, image manipulation and digital drawing tools, file types, font management, and document set up.
DES160 DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY serves as an introduction to photography used in the context of design studies. Students gain familiarity with the camera, studio, digital techniques and software programs in the contexts of observation, composition, and meaning. This course introduces students to basic photographic techniques and visual language in the context of the design practice, skills and knowledge necessary for success in upper level design courses.
DES170 COLOR THEORY is an introduction to color theory, aesthetics, and systems with emphasis on the definition, replication, and interaction of color in design applications across various media. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of color theory in the context of design process, knowledge necessary for success in upper level design courses.
Year 2
DES208 TYPOGRAPHY: FORM provides introduction to the aesthetics and mechanics of typographic form and usage. Students complete a variety of projects that use type as an element of graphic design composition. They gain an understanding for the measurement system separate and distinct to the discipline of typography; learn recognition and classification; explore alignment, hierarchy and legibility. This course introduces students to universal and essential qualities of typography in the context of design practice, serving as a foundation for upper-level design classes.
DES209 TYPOGRAPHY II: SYSTEMS introduces systematic properties of typography and visual order in the context of graphic design practice. Students explore connections between material and immaterial space in typographic systems and are introduced to micro and macro typographic patterns. Projects in print and digital media place emphasis on the theory and practice of grids, proportions, and formats. Students learn to consider their work as a whole including sequence, format, and ratio. Completion of the course will result in the ability to demonstrate sensitivity to form and content, and learn to choose between personal taste, situational possibility, and contextual necessity.
DES255 BA DESIGN STUDIO I is an introduction to the design process: ideation and iteration. Emphasis on understanding design through physical investigations utilizing specific fabrication materials and methods for prototype and critique.
DES256 BA DESIGN STUDIO II is an introduction to interactions and systems in design. Emphasis on understanding design through digital investigations utilizing specific software tools for creative and analytic discovery.
Year 3
DES 357 BA DESIGN STUDIO III: COMPLEXITY AND COLLABORATION orients students toward increasing complexity and deeper understanding of design making and thinking. Subjects of investigation respond to current and emerging trends in design practice. Collaborative team-based projects combine multiple tools and technologies.
Year 4
Each year the School of Design offers Professional Practice track courses with changing topics. Courses are open to seniors in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Design Studies, and Computer Science + Design, and often include faculty and students from other UIC departments. The following are past examples:
DES430 INTERDISCIPLINARY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT / IPD integrates industrial design, graphic design, business, and engineering students and faculty to develop product/brand concepts for a leading consumer products company. Past clients include: Motorola, Coinstar, Cobra Electronics, Dell, Cricket Wireless, and Whirlpool Global Consumer Design.
DES440 DESIGN THINKING AND LEADERSHIP / DTL gives students the opportunity to work together in teams on a large-scale project concerned with the development of a visual identity for a participating client organization. A research and systems-based approach will be utilized to develop context, concept, and design documentation for client presentations.
DES452 INFORMATION AESTHETICS / INFO introduces students to information visualization and programming in the context of art and design. Project-oriented course using computer code and custom software for information analysis, representation and creative expression.
