Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation

The Bachelor of Design in City Innovation offers a design-based framework for thinking about the world, its challenges, and creating inclusive and sustainable city-focused solutions. Hands-on, studio-based courses that tackle real-world projects, cross-cultural learning opportunities, and classes in advanced digital design tools, data science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, provide a broader perspective and spark innovation for the betterment of communities and society.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Design in City Innovation requires the completion of 120 units and normally takes four years of full-time study.

Courses Required in the First Year

• Fall semester:
  • Design 201
  • Design 211
  • Design 221
  • Design 231
  • Design 241 or Sustainability Studies 201
• Winter semester:
  • Design 203
  • Design 213
  • Design 223
  • Design 253 or Entrepreneurship and Innovation 201
  • Design 263 or Data Science 201

Faculty and Degree Progression

Degree programs and courses are each housed in a specific School or Faculty. Pursuing a Bachelor of Design in City Innovation means that you are a student in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.

Course Planning and Degree Progression

Visit the BDCI Course Information page to learn more about the various course components that form your Design in City Innovation experience. Visit the BDCI Degree Planning page for more information on what courses to take in this program. You can also view and/or download our recommended four-year course sequences, both in written and diagram format, for the various Design in City Innovation pathways.

Enhancing Your Program

• Study Abroad: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards your degree. The University of Calgary offers exchanges and study abroad programs in 61 different countries.
• Community Service-Learning: Combine your classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals, and see first-hand how your academic learning relates to social issues.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Territories

The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation within Alberta (including Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6).

The University of Calgary is situated on land Northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. On this land and in this place we strive to learn together, walk together, and grow together “in a good way.”