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 opportunities in these fields.
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 engineers who operate in the 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. 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 setup.
DES160 DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY serves as an introduction to photography in the context of design studies. Students gain familiarity with the camera, the studio, digital techniques, and software programs.
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.
Year 2
DES208 TYPOGRAPHY: FORM provides an introduction to the aesthetics and mechanics of typographic form and usage. Students gain an understanding of measurement systems; learn recognition and classification; and explore alignment, hierarchy and legibility.
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 in print and digitally.
DES255 BA DESIGN STUDIO I is an introduction to the design process: ideation and iteration. Emphasis is on understanding design through physical investigations using specific fabrication materials and methods for prototype and critique.
DES256 BA DESIGN STUDIO II is an introduction to interactions and systems in design. Emphasis is on understanding design through digital investigations using specific software 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 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. Past examples include:
DES420 MOBILE APP DESIGN / MAD offers students the opportunity to work in collaboration with faculty and classmates to design and develop a mobile app for a smartphone or tablet. Involves screen-based typography, visual and interactive design, motion graphics, and development considerations.
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.
DES430 BIO-ENGINEERING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT / BIO is a variation of IPD, which includes bio-engineers and focuses on product development at the crossroads of design, biology, and engineering: products for medical applications, medical imaging, and healthcare product and service design.
DES430 ENTREPRENEURIAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT / EPD engages students who are interested in entrepreneurial approaches to design. The first semester covers product venturing—getting products manufactured and making them available for sale. The second semester covers licensing—developing and communicating new product ideas for others to bring to market. The course does not cover how students can become freelance designers or start their own design consultancy.
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 develops 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. It is a project-oriented course that uses computer code and custom software for information analysis, representation, and creative expression.
