A concentration area in the M.S. Computer Graphics Technology Program
in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology
The Games concentration is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and technical skills necessary to excel in the field of game development, with a strong foundation in computer graphics. Rooted in the Computer Graphics Technology Department’s intellectual core, this concentration takes a research-oriented approach, preparing students to conduct original research at the intersection of game development and computer graphics. By integrating cutting-edge technologies with fundamental theories, students gain a deep understanding of game engines, programming, simulation, and high-performance computation, enabling them to innovate and push the boundaries of interactive digital experiences.
This interdisciplinary program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering key aspects of game development, including game design theories, graphics programming, generative AI, networked application development, and massively parallelized GPU programming. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies, learning to develop interactive, immersive, and computationally sophisticated gaming applications. Through a combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications, students will explore how advanced techniques in artificial intelligence, simulation, and rendering can enhance gameplay mechanics, visual realism, and interactive storytelling.
The program fosters a strong research culture, allowing students to engage in groundbreaking studies that contribute to the evolution of game technology. Students will work alongside academic leaders to investigate and develop new methods for simulation, procedural content generation, adaptive AI-driven behaviors, and real-time graphics optimizations. Through collaborative projects and research opportunities, students will gain valuable expertise that prepares them for high-impact careers in both academia and industry.
Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to pursue careers in various sectors, including game development, animation, immersive technologies, simulation, finance, marketing, automation, and research and development (R&D). Whether aspiring to work at top-tier gaming studios, cutting-edge tech companies, research institutions, or as entrepreneurs, students will emerge from the program as leaders equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive innovation in game technology and beyond. The MS concentration in Games positions graduates at the forefront of the gaming industry, ready to shape the future of interactive digital experiences.
Sample Plan of Study
| Fall (Year 1) | Spring (Year 1) |
|---|---|
|
CGT 545 Game Development I (3 cr.) CGT 520 Computer Graphics Programming (3 cr.) CGT 501 Seminar in Computer Graphics Technology (3 cr.) |
CGT 555 Game Development II (3 cr.) CGT 521 Advanced Real-Time Computer Graphics (3 cr.) CGT 645 Games Research (3 cr.) |
| Fall (Year 2) | Spring (Year 2) |
|
STAT 501 Experimental Statistics (3 cr.) or another methods course CGT 621 Compute Shaders (3 cr.) CGT 698 MS Thesis (3 cr.) |
CGT Elective (3 cr.) CGT Elective (3 cr.) CGT 698 MS Thesis (3 cr.) |