Computational Media: IDM in CS+Visual and Media Studies

Computer Science - Academic Requirements

At least 2 of the 7 Computer Science courses (core or elective) MUST be 300-level or above.

Core Courses (3 units) from the following:

1. COMPSCI 201 - Data Structures and Algorithms
2. COMPSCI 230 - Discrete Math for Computer Science OR COMPSCI 231D - Discrete Math with Functional Programming and Proofs OR COMPSCI 232 - Discrete Mathematics and Proofs OR COMPSCI 330 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
3. COMPSCI 210D - Intro to Computer Systems OR COMPSCI 250 - Computer Architecture

Artificial Intelligence OR Systems Core Course (1 unit) - one of the following:

Artificial Intelligence

• COMPSCI 270L - Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence
• COMPSCI 370 - Intro. Artificial Intelligence
• COMPSCI 371 - Elements for Machine Learning
• COMPSCI 372 - Applied Machine Learning
• COMPSCI 570 - Artificial Intelligence
• COMPSCI 671D - Machine Learning

Systems

• COMPSCI 310 - Intro to Operating Systems OR COMPSCI 510 - Operating Systems
• COMPSCI 316 - Intro to Database Systems OR COMPSCI 516 - Database Systems
• COMPSCI 345 - Graphics Software Architecture
• COMPSCI 350L - Digital Systems OR COMPSCI 550 - Advanced Computer Architecture I
• COMPSCI 351 - Intro to Computer Security OR COMPSCI 581 - Computer Security
• COMPSCI 356 - Computer Network Architecture OR COMPSCI 514 - Advanced Computer Networks
• COMPSCI 390 - Distributed Systems (Spring 2026) OR COMPSCI 512 - Distributed Systems

CompSci Electives (3 units)

3 COMPSCI courses - 200-level or higher. One may be an independent study course which has a substantial emphasis on computer science topics within any department approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS).

A comprehensive list of elective courses is available to students in Stellic, the degree audit system.

Visual and Media Studies - Academic Requirements

At least 4 of the 7 total VMS courses MUST originate in AAHVS.

VMS Gateway Requirement (1 unit)

• VMS 202D - Introduction to Visual Culture

VMS Theory Requirement (1 unit) - one of the following:

One 200-level or above course in media theory

• Theory requirement - VMS 327S - Theories of Visual Studies
• LIT 328S - Media Theory
• an alternative AAHVS or ISS course approved by your advisor

VMS Practice-Based Coursework (2 units)

Two AAHVS media practice-based courses at the 200-level or above OR approved alternatives. Topical Areas may include: Information Design and Interaction; Computational Media Arts; Digital Humanities and Data Visualization; 3D, Virtual Worlds, and Games. Courses may originate outside of the sponsoring programs, on approval of advisor.

VMS Electives (3 units)

Three VMS courses at 200-level or higher, including approved cross-lists (3 units)

Technical Project Requirement

One approved Technical Project Experience completed through a
VMS-Themed Project in CS 408, or as a project based in a CMAC Lab, or through Bass Connections, Data+, Story+, Geo+, +DS, etc. Alternatively, it may be fulfilled through a Graduation with Distinction project.

Course Selection Details

Art, Art History & Visual Studies

Students in the Computational Media major are expected to take a mix of theory and practice courses in VMS, CMAC, or ISS for their electives. Courses counting towards the major should be at the 200-level or above, and the majority should be with core faculty in AAHVS (see the departmental website). Typically "practice" courses include a digital computational method in their title (web development, data visualization, mapping, constructing virtual worlds, digital imaging, game design etc.), while "theory" courses may be historically or thematically focused in areas of visual and media studies, technology and cultural studies, media history, digital humanities, etc. A few courses could go either way because they contain a mix of elements, such as project-based courses in a lab or through Bass Connections, or some special topics. Students should consult with their advisor in VMS for questions on how specific courses might apply to their major requirements and obtain general advice on planning their schedule.

Portfolio Requirement

All majors will be expected to compile a major portfolio documenting progress through the program. This will be compiled over time and will be completed as part of the final program review before graduation.

Technical Project Requirement

The project requirement for the major may be fulfilled in numerous ways, including though Bass Connections, Data+, Story+, Code+ and various lab-based projects. Students are expected to write a report documenting the project and their role its creation in order to receive credit towards the degree requirements.

Course Type Designations

"Both" means a course can count for either one theory OR one practice course requirement. (Courses may NOT be double-counted.) "Elective" means the course can serve as an elective, but does not fulfill the thematic/practice requirements.

To petition for consideration of courses not included on the list below in fulfillment of major requirements, students should reach out to their academic advisor in AAHVS. 

Graduation with Distinction in Computational Media

Students wishing to pursue Distinction in the Computational Media IDM follow the same requirements and process for registration as those in Visual and Media Studies.

VMS Graduation with Distinction Requirements

Typically this is a two-semester project, and ideally includes advisors from both sponsoring programs. The Distinction project itself must include both practice-based and written components.

Eligibility for specific substitutions may vary by academic plan. 

For COMPSCI courses, a consultation with the CS Director of Undergraduate Studies is required before final approval can be granted to receive credit for a substitution.

See the CS Course Substitutions Guide for possible course substitutions which have been pre-approved by the DUS.

CS Course Substitutions Guide