Computer science (visual computing and games)

The visual computing and games major studies how to use computers to both mimic human visual processing power for things such as object recognition, and to create visual content, like games and movies. Computer games also offer a great opportunity for computer scientists to learn and apply fundamental concepts of design and creation of interactive experiences and visual content.

Admission requirements

New Memorial students

You may apply for admission into the Faculty Science by indicating bachelor of science as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission.

Direct entry into the Faculty of Science from high school is subject to meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University, including appropriate courses in mathematics and a laboratory science for bachelor of science.

You cannot choose computer science (visual computing and games) as your major at the time of application.

Sample first year

Admission into the computer science (visual computing and games) major requires the completion of university level courses. Wondering what courses you should take in your first year? Check out a sample program of suggested courses you need to complete before applying for the computer science (visual computing and games) major.

Admission to the major for current students

Entry into the computer science (visual computing and games) major is competitive and selective. Selection is based on academic performance, normally cumulative average and performance in recent courses.

To be eligible for admission to the computer science (smart systems) major, you must complete 24 credit hours (8 courses), including the following:

• Computer Science 1001 and 1002
• six credit hours in critical reading and writing (CRW) courses, including at least three credit hours in English courses
• Mathematics 1000 and 1001 (or 1090 and 1000)
• six credit hours in other courses

You must also have a mean grade of at least 65% in Computer Science 1001 and 1002.

Students who fulfill the eligibility requirements compete for a limited number of available spaces.

Students who wish to major in computer science must submit a completed online application form on the Department of Computer Science website. The application form is available from Feb. 1 to June 1 for students applying for fall admission, and from Aug. 1 to Oct. 1 for students applying for winter admission. 

Sample courses beyond first year

COMP 3300 - Interactive Technologies
COMP 3301 - Visual Computing and Applications
COMP 4300 - Introduction to Game Programming

The Department of Computer Science has a full list of undergraduate courses on their website.

A bachelor of science degree, with a major in visual computing and games, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• game programmers
• computer graphics developers
• computer vision developers
• mobile computing developers
• robotics programmers
• IT specialists
• software developers
• web specialists

Our students work in national and international firms such as IBM, Apple, Microsoft, EA Games, as well as in the oil and gas sector and in local industry.

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.

1. Choose a program and a campus

Memorial University offers a wide variety of programs. With over 300 program options and multiple campuses to choose from, your choices are wide open. Check out what is offered at the St. John’s Campus, Grenfell Campus, the Marine Institute, the Labrador Campus or online.