Programming student working at a computer

Interactive Arts and MediaProgramming Bachelor's Degree

  • BA
  • BS

About the Programming Major

At Columbia, your education extends beyond traditional coursework. You'll engage in collaborative projects and apply your knowledge to real-world problems, ensuring you are well-prepared for the fast-paced tech industry.

Examples of Programming Careers

  • Applications developer
  • Back-end developer
  • Data scientist
  • DevOps engineer
  • Front-end developer
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Mobile app developer
  • Software engineer

The Student Experience

At Columbia, your education extends beyond traditional coursework. You'll engage in collaborative projects and apply your knowledge to real-world problems, ensuring you are well-prepared for the fast-paced tech industry.

  • Build a strong foundationYour first year will introduce you to core programming concepts through courses like Introduction to Programming and Object-Oriented Programming. As you advance, you'll choose courses that align with your interests and career goals, diving deeper into specific areas such as game development or application design.
  • Participate in capstone coursesIn your senior year, you’ll complete a capstone project that showcases your skills. Application Programming students will work on the Interactive Arts and Media Team, solving real client challenges, while Game Programming majors will collaborate in our Game Studio capstone, developing a playable game from concept to execution.

Student working at a computer

Career Readiness

Graduates of the Programming BA/BS program are prepared to enter a wide range of tech careers, equipped with both practical experience and a strong theoretical background.
  • Real-world experience

    The Career Center offers support in finding internships that match your interests, helping you build a professional network. You will also have the opportunity to showcase your work at events like the Game Developers Conference and Industry Night, connecting with potential employers.

  • Network with alumni

    Our Alumni Network is here to connect you to key people to support and guide you throughout your career in programming.

ALumni Spotlight

a group of alumni standing in front of Columbia building

24 in 2024

"24 in 2024" recognizes alumni from Columbia College Chicago for their professional achievements beyond their academic journeys. Learn more.

98%

of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.

Learn More

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