BS CTD Curriculum

During freshman and sophomore years, you complete the College of Engineering core curriculum alongside CTD core courses. During junior and senior years, your coursework consists of electives in your focus area. This might be user interface and user-experience (UI/UX), sound design, interactive computing, robotics, internet of things, physical computing, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), game design, or any other field where having technical knowledge and design skills gives you an edge. In your final year, your will participate in a two-semester Senior Capstone sequence which involves a culminating project that brings together the diverse skills learned during your undergraduate career.

As a CTD student, you will have access to regular professional development opportunities, workshops and guest speakers. Many students also secure internships with industry partners and/or work in research and student labs. 

Graphic of bachelor's curriculum grouped by class type

Note: A grade of C or better is required in all terminal Foundation, Core, and Capstone courses. A grade of C- or higher is required in all terminal Focus and CPT Electives. The minimum passing grade for a course that is considered a prerequisite for another course is C-.

BS CTD Program Coursework (55 credit hours)

ATLS 1100 Design Foundations, ATLS 1300 Computational Foundations I, and ATLS 2000 The Meaning of Information Technology are the first three BS CTD courses or Foundation classes (10 credit hours). These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts, theories, and histories relevant to creative technology.

The next six courses or Core (18 credit hours) provide a comprehensive introduction to, and competency in, essential topics in creative technology and design: ATLS 2100 Image, ATLS 2200 Web, ATLS 2300 Text, ATLS 3100 Form, ATLS 3200 Sound, and ATLS 3300 Object. These courses introduce students to the technical, conceptual and creative foundations of creative technology practices.

ATLS 1100, Design Foundations

Introduces foundational principles, practices and methods of design. This course emphasizes design as a creative problem solving tool, and engages with design from a very broad perspective including visual, physical and auditory design practices. Through lectures, discussion and creative projects, students will gain a familiarity with diverse applications and practices related to creative technology and design. Students learn how to use fundamental design concepts effectively and compellingly in their work. 

ATLS 1300, Computational Foundations I

Introduces students to fundamental programming concepts and methodologies and apply them to creative projects. Students will learn to use code as a creative and artistic tool, and to utilize programming to find, define and solve problems in innovative ways.

Technical topics may include: Python, Processing, P5JS. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 2000, Meaning of Information Technology

Surveys the history of information technologies and modern techniques of information production, storage, transmission, and retrieval. Emphasizes understanding not only the technological transformations in interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication, but also the technological, social and political changes that underlie the movement toward a digital society.

ATLS 2100, Image

Introduces techniques, technologies, and concepts of digital image-making and manipulation through lectures, projects and critiques. Focuses on digital photography, digital animation and digital video as a means to formal and expressive ends. This course also contextualizes practices and methodologies of digital imaging with historical and critical perspectives.

Technical topics may include: DSLR Photography, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Premiere. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 2200, Web

Introduces techniques, technologies and concepts of web design and development through lectures, projects and critiques. Focuses technically on HTML, CSS and JavaScript as the primary web technologies. This course also contextualizes the technical and societal implications of the Internet through historical and critical perspectives.

Technical topics may include: HTML, CSS, JavaScript. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 2300, Text

Introduces technologies, terminology, and histories related the design of text within digital and analogue media. Students will learn the fundamentals of design, typography and layout through lectures, projects and critiques. The curriculum surveys significant theoretical perspectives, historical periods, and significant practitioners that influence the practice of typographic design. 

Technical topics may include: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Font Development Kit. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 3100, Form

Teaches the fundamentals of 3D modeling, 3D animation and 3D printing / rapid prototyping from a conceptual and sculptural perspective. Through topical lectures, technical demonstrations and creative projects the course will introduce students to the potentials of thinking and working within 3-dimensional spaces.

Technical topics may include: 3D modeling and rendering in Rhino 3D, Fusion 360 and/or Solidworks. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 3200, Sound

Introduces techniques, technologies and concepts of digital sound through lectures, projects and critiques. Focuses technically on digital sound creation, production, synthesis and interactivity. Explores various approaches to digital sound production through historical and conceptual perspectives.

Technical topics may include: Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), sound synthesis, MIDI protocols. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section. 

ATLS 3300, Object

Introduces the fundamentals of physical computing. Students will design projects that interact with humans and the physical world and will learn to integrate sensors, motors, and simple electronics into creative projects. Projects will include interactive installations, art projects, games, and audio controllers.

Technical topics may include: Circuit design, Arduino, serial and wireless communication. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

Students in the BS CTD program complete 6 focus elective courses (18 credit hours):

Students in the BS CTD program complete 2 (6 credit hours) Critical Perspectives in Technology electives. These courses challenge students to think critically about the effects of technology across a broad range of disciplines, perspectives and methodologies. 

During senior year, students complete 7 credit hours in the two-semester Capstone course sequence. This begins with Research Methods & Professional Practice and culminates with the Capstone Projects class. These courses give students the opportunity to put the technical skills and creative concepts acquired during their undergraduate careers into practice. They also create opportunities for students to make valuable professional connections in fields that interest them. The goals of the capstone sequence are as follows:

  • Develop a portfolio of work completed within the CTD undergraduate program.
  • Conduct precedent research within their focus area.
  • Define a research problem and utilize tools and methods for professional design research.
  • Engage in iterative and collaborative work.
  • Design and implement a culminating Capstone project.
  • Present and document their process.

General Coursework (73-77 credit hours)

  • Mathematics: 14-16 credit hours
    Required to take a two-semester calculus sequence, such as the CEAS Flexible First Year (APPM 1350 and APPM 1360) or another accepted sequence, as well as two additional courses. View your degree audit for further details.
  • Natural Sciences: 12-13 credit hours
    Students in the BS-CTD program are required to take a minimum of 3 courses (with a minimum of 12 credit hours) in the natural sciences. To search for courses accepted for this requirement, follow the directions below. To find natural sciences classes: Use Class Search; under "ADVANCED SEARCH" choose "A&S GenEd: Distribution-Natural Sciences"
  • Engineering and Computation: 11 credit hours
    Required to complete Engineering and Computation coursework as below.
    • One course from the following computing-based courses: ATLS 1300, CSCI 1300 (4 credits) or CSCI 1320; formerly COEN 1300) or ECEN 1310 (4 credits); and
    • One course from the following projects-based courses: GEEN 1400 (3 credits) or ASEN 1400 (3 credits) or ASEN 1403 (3 credits) or ECEN 1400 (3 credits) or COEN 1410 (3 credits) or GEEN 3400 or any upper-division ATLAS Focus Elective;
    • CSCI 2270 Computer Science 2: Data Structures (4 credits) or CSCI 2275 or ATLS 2270 Computational Foundations II.

A total of 21 credit hours of accepted coursework (must include at least six credit hours of upper-division coursework as well as a college-approved writing course).

Find Humanities, Social Studies and Writing electives

A total of 15 credits of unrestricted coursework allows and encourages students to pursue additional academic or leadership interests and explorations. A student may take up to six credit hours of free electives as Pass/Fail.

General Coursework Options

In order to satisfy the Mathematics requirement, students in the BS CTD major must complete 4 courses (with a minimum of 14 credit hours) as follows:

One Calculus 1 course:

  • APPM 1350-4 or Math 1300-5 or Math 1310-5

One Calculus 2 course:

  • APPM 1360-4 or Math 2300-5 or Math 1320-5

Students are also required to take 2 additional courses from the list of accepted classes as below:

  • APPM 2350-4, Calculus 3 for Engineers or MATH 2400-4 Calculus 3
  • APPM 2360-4, Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
  • APPM 3050-3, Scientific Computing in Matlab
  • APPM 3170-3, Discrete Applied Mathematics
  • APPM 3310-3, Matrix Methods and Applications or MATH 2130-3, Introduction to Linear Algebra for Non-Mathematics Majors
  • APPM 4570-3, Statistical Methods
  • APPM 4580/5580-3, Statistical Applications, Software and Methods
  • CSCI 2820-3, Linear Algebra with Computer Science Applications
  • CSCI 2824-3, Discrete Structures or ECEN 2703-3, Discrete Mathematics for Computer Engineers, or MATH 2001-3 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
  • BCOR 1025-3, Data Analysis in Business (summer only for non-business students), MATH 2510-3, Introduction to Statistics or MATH 3510-3, Introduction to Probability and Statistics or PSYC 2111-4, Psychological Science I: Statistics or SOCY 2061-3, Introduction to Social Statistics or IPHY 2800-4, Introduction to Statistics, ECON 3818-4, Introduction to Statistics with Computer Applications
  • MATH 1112-4, Mathematical Analysis in Business (spring and summer only for non-business students)

Students in the BS CTD program are required to take 18 credit hours of humanities and social science coursework. Of those credit hours, 6 credits must be at the upper division level (3000 or higher).

In addition, students must take an approved writing course for 3 credit hours.

To search for courses accepted for this requirement, follow the direction here.

Students in the BS CTD program are required to take a minimum of 3 courses (with a minimum of 12 credit hours) in the Natural Sciences. To search for courses accepted for this requirement, follow the directions below.

Natural Sciences (use Class Search and under ADVANCED SEARCH, choose "A&S GenEd: Distribution-Natural Sciences")

Sample 4-Year Curriculum

Freshman Year  

Fall Semester

  • APPM 1350, Calculus 1 for Engineers (4 credits) or MATH 1300, Calculus 1 (5 credits)

  • ATLS 1100, Design Foundations (3 credits)

  • ATLS 1300, Computational Foundations I (or CSCI 1200, CSCI 1300, INFO 1201) (3-4 credits)

  • Natural Sciences (3–4 credits)

  Total Credits = 13-16 credits  

Spring Semester

  • APPM 1360, Calculus 2 for Engineers (4 credits) or MATH 2300, Calculus 2 (5 credits)

  • Natural Sciences (3–4 credits)

  • GEEN 1400, Freshman Projects (or CEAS project-based course) (3 credits)

  • ATLS 2000, Meaning of Information Technology (3 credits)

  • Humanities and Social Science (3 credits)

Total Credits = 17-19 credits

 

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

  • Mathematics (3-4 credits)

  • ATLS 2100, Image (3 credits)

  • ATLS 2200, Web (3 credits)

  • ATLS 2519, Computational Foundations II (or CSCI 2270, Computer Science 2: Data Structures (4 credits) or CSCI 2275

  • Natural Sciences (3–4 credits)

Total Credits = 16-18 credits

Spring Semester

  • Mathematics (3-4 credits)

  • ATLS 2300, Text (3 credits)

  • ATLS 3100, Form (3 credits)

  • Natural Sciences (3 credits) *if needed (12 credit hours of science required)

  • Humanities and Social Science (3 credits)

  • Free Elective (2-3 credits)

Total Credits = 17–18 credits

 

Junior Year

Fall Semester

  • ATLS 3200, Sound (3 credits)

  • ATLS 3300, Object (3 credits)

  • Critical Perspectives in Technology (3 credits)

  • Free Elective (3 credits)

  • Humanities and Social Science (3 credits)  

  • College-approved writing course (3 credits)   

Total Credits = 18 credits

Spring Semester

  • Critical Perspectives in Technology (3 upper division credits)

  • ATLS Focus (3 credits)

  • ATLS Focus (3 credits)

  • Free Elective (3 credits)

  • Humanities and Social Science (3 credits)

Total Credits = 15 credits

 

Senior Year

Fall Semester         

  • ATLS 4529, Research Methods and Professional Practice (3 credits)

  • ATLS Focus (3 credits)

  • ATLS Focus (3 credits)

  • Humanities and Social Science (3 upper division credits)

  • Free Elective (3 credits)

Total Credits = 16 credits

Spring Semester

  • ATLS 4010, Capstone Projects (4 credits)

  • ATLS Focus (3 credits)

  • ATLS Focus (3 credits)

  • Humanities and Social Science (3 upper division credits)

  • Free Elective (3 credits)

Total Credits = 16 credits