Undergraduate Programs FAQ

The Bachelor of Science in Creative Technology & Design (BS CTD) is an engineering degree. It is offered in the College of Engineering & Applied Science and BS CTD students take the core engineering courses and learn to apply that knowledge in specific domains and practices.
However, the BS CTD is different from traditional engineering degrees. It is a technically-rigorous, interdisciplinary program that reflects current trends, practices and needs across a variety of industries. It is helping the designers, makers, technologists of tomorrow think creatively and critically about technology and design.
Creative Technology and Design students make websites, apps, games, interactive installations, data visualizations, and more. Our goal is to produce hybrid engineer-artist-designers who make things, but simultaneously understand the world, and make it a better place.

We are:

• An art and design program with a passion for technology
• A technology program with a rigorous engineering core curriculum
• A design program with an addiction to technology

We believe that making people think is as important as making something that "works."

The BS CTD curriculum cultivates strong technical skills alongside the fundamentals of design. By taking the core engineering classes, BS CTD students gather valuable domain-specific knowledge in mechanical, computational, electrical and chemical engineering that is required for the interdisciplinary and creative projects they complete for the major. The program is suited to creative, hard-working students who relish the opportunity to invent and develop creative problem-solving skills that involve multiple disciplines. It’s an unconventional educational model suited to a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy.

Our programs are designed for motivated and creative students who are interested in the intersections of technology and design. We have developed our programs so that no prior computing skills are required, but our programs do require dedication and a willingness to devote time outside of the classroom to make your experience count. You don’t need to be an artist, but students who excel the most are creatively minded and see the world through a different lens.

As of the fall semester of 2020, the TAM program has been renamed Creative Technology and Design (CTD) to better reflect the curriculum and to echo trends in the job market. No changes were made to coursework or degree requirements.

While there are some students still in the certificate program, ATLAS is no longer admitting students to the program. Anyone who was interested in the certificate is encouraged to consider taking the minor.

We recommend that you check in with the CTD undergraduate advisor at least once a semester, even if you are not currently taking CTD undergraduate courses. This helps us keep up with your progress, and ensures that your contact information is up to date in our files. It is especially important that you see the CTD undergraduate advisor during the semester prior to your graduation to verify that you have fulfilled all the program requirements.

More information can be found on the CTD Undergraduate Advising page.

The ATLAS advising and instructor offices are located on the second floor of the ATLAS Building at 1125 18th Street, in the heart of the campus, just east of the Visual Arts Complex.

The minor in Creative Technology & Design will typically take four semesters. However, due to classes filling quickly and possible conflicts with courses in your major, you need to begin working on your minor early in your CU Boulder career—ideally at the beginning of your sophomore year. You can apply for the minor here.

Students must include the Minor Completion Form (MCF) in their college graduation packet. Minor students must schedule a 5-minute meeting with the CTD undergraduate Advisor to review the MCF, then sign and date. We will also contact you with details about the ATLAS Graduation Commencement, held in fall and spring of each year. At this occasion, you will receive the program in Technology, Arts & Media.

Yes, all students in all ATLAS degree programs are eligible for extended STEM-OPT. The CIP code for these programs is 15.0000, “Engineering Technology, General.”

The flexible nature of this degree makes any semester of your sophomore or junior years possible for studying abroad. In your search for overseas coursework, feel free to submit course syllabi to your department for TAM focus elective or CPT elective consideration. This page is a good place to start figuring out how to turn your interest into a reality.
At the present time, we do not accept credits from overseas universities, but if a specific course should qualify as elective credit, you may submit a petition for faculty to consider. So, before you leave, make sure to touch base with the CTD advisor. 

Currently, the CTD undergraduate program is open only to enrolled undergraduate students at CU-Boulder. Note: Summer CTD undergraduate Courses may have seats available to Continuing Education Students.