BFA - New Media/BSc (Computer Science)
Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media/Bachelor of Science
Majors: New Media/Computer Science
Get down to the pixel level.
Prepare to be a versatile and highly adaptable new media professional in a rapidly changing industry.
This combined program takes five years to complete and you graduate with two degrees. The BFA - New Media degree provides you with the skills, knowledge and experience essential to be a content creator for the evolving field of new media communication.
Combine this with studies in computer science, delving into the study of algorithms, data structures and their applications to design new and efficient solutions to industrial, technological, environmental or social problems.
Combined Degrees Programs: Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media/Bachelor of Science
Majors: New Media/Computer Science
Degree Length: 5 years
Demand is increasing for new media artists that draw from an extensive computer science foundation. This five-year combined degrees program bridges the gap and provides a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Explore the intersection of art, design and technology in a hands-on program that prepares you for creative careers and leadership in a rapidly evolving digital world. From day one, you’ll dive into collaborative and self-directed creative projects while building a strong foundation in interactive, narrative, spatial and networked media.
Our innovative program blends studio practice with professional development and research-creation, helping you build impactful digital work while exploring the cultural, ethical and environmental issues shaping the world today.
Key skills gained
- Audio-visual storytelling
- Research-creation & critical media literacy
- Socially engaged & ethical digital practices
Explore careers in
- Creative & digital production
- Media technologies
- Cultural work & entrepreneurship
What you need to know as a current student in this program
The Faculties of Fine Arts and Arts & Science jointly offer a 50-course (150.0 credit hour) Combined Degrees program leading to the degrees Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media (BFA - New Media) and Bachelor of Science (BSc). Upon successful completion of the Combined Degrees program, you receive the BFA - New Media degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts and the BSc degree from the Faculty of Arts & Science.
For the BFA - New Media (New Media) degree there are some must-take courses that provide a great foundation for your major, but you'll also have flexibility on choosing a number of courses for the path of specialization and creative study you wish to take. Refer to your Program Planning Guide in your calendar year for the courses you'll need to take and choose from within the New Media lists, Computer Science lists and as Electives.
- at least 50 courses (150.0 credit hours) with cumulative and graduation grade point averages of at least 2.00 from disciplines offered by the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Faculty of Arts and Science, or the School of Liberal Education (no courses labelled ACCT, ADCS, AGEM, CDEV, CRED, EDUC, FINC, GLBU, HLSC, HRLR, IGBM, INHL, MGT, MKTG, NURS, PUBH, or TREC unless cross-listed with a course from one of the above faculties);
- a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all New Media courses;
- Completion of Liberal Education Requirements.
Remember that program requirements vary depending on the calendar year, which is usually the year of admission (or readmission) to ULethbridge. Therefore, requirements may differ from year to year even within the same major.
Not sure what calendar year you should be using for your program? Want to change your calendar year?
What is a Program Planning Guide?
A Program Planning Guide (PPG) outlines the courses required to complete your program, along with a sequencing plan. You should keep your Program Planning Guide up to date and refer to it for course registration and general program planning. You can find and download Program Planning Guides below.
The Advanced Studio course provides you with the opportunity to conceive, research, develop, and complete a large-scale new media project. You are given the freedom to work independently while, at the same time, drawing upon the expertise and guidance of your professor as well as the creative and critical input of other senior students. Learn more about Advanced Studio
If you choose the New Media Internship placement option you'll work for a company or organization in your final semester in an area of new media that is of interest to you. The internship allows you to apply the knowledge learned during your university studies in a variety of fields. Students have benefited a great deal from their internship semester, and if you are considering an internship, contact the Internship Program Coordinator by the start of your third year. Students and employers often credit the internship as being an invaluable component for integrating students into the new media workforce. In the past, students have taken internships at web and graphic design houses, television production studios, video game studios, educational and religious institutions, animation and special effects studios, and 3D modeling/architecture studios. Students have interned across Canada including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and around the world (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Italy, California, Hawaii, Texas, and Utah). Details about the New Media Internship
Did you know? A minor is a great way to complement your major and have your interests in another subject area recognized on your official transcript. It is an optional component of your degree program that requires a smaller number of courses to complete.
See an Advisor for more information about this.
- Visit Fine Arts Advising to request a program check and confirm you are on track to complete your requirements.
- Review the Convocation page and Graduation Checklist.
- Apply for graduation on the Bridge by the applicable deadline.
Fine Arts Advisors are here to help you along the way!
We understand that your goals may change during your academic journey. The Fine Arts Student Program Services team is here to assist you in selecting courses, exploring your academic options, doing program checks and making sure you have everything you need to graduate from this program.
Additional Resources
See what we're about in Fine Arts!
Interested in this program but have a few more questions? Speak to a human about this program today!
Contact Dr. Nick Sullivan, our Fine Arts Recruitment & Retention Specialist. Nick can answer Fine Arts admissions-related questions, and gives awesome tours of the University Centre for the Arts.