MS in Computer Graphics and Motion Technology

MS in Computer Graphics and Motion Technology 2008

The MS in Computer Graphics and Motion Technology is a study of the technical and aesthetic foundations, design and development of Computer Graphics. This program prepares students for technical careers in the graphics industry.

What Students Learn From This Program

• Develop a sensitivity to human perception, including a comprehension of fundamental design concepts, color theory, and the interaction of light with surfaces
• Build a deep understanding of such technical concepts as interaction design, modeling objects, controlling cameras, rigging characters for animation and using particle and surface techniques
• Learn to apply perceptual and technical abilities in creating shaders, textures, characters, scenes and animations
• Acquire hands-on experience with a wide range of commercially-available tools
• Develop a grasp of fundamentals that allow implementations beyond the extant user interfaces
• Become appreciative of the two “cultures” of computer graphics – the one drawing on communication design and the other deriving from computer science

Concentrations

The degree program offers two concentrations: a Technical Director concentration and a Developer concentration. While both concentrations have a balance of technical and aesthetic, the Technical Director will have a greater emphasis on the aesthetic while the Developer concentration will focus on the technical.

After graduation, Technical Directors will be ready for jobs assisting Creative Directors in such activities as creating virtual sets, adjusting lighting and rigging characters for animation. Developers will learn technologies for graphics systems development, including game engines and plug-ins.

Course Requirements

The MS in Computer Graphics and Motion Technology program consists of 13 courses with six or seven prerequisite courses. Students choosing the Technical Director concentration take six courses while students taking the Developer concentration take seven courses.

The degree has five components :

• Prerequisite Phase
• Fundamental Phase
• Core Phase
• Advanced Phase
• Electives

Grade and GPA Requirements

Grades: Students must received a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses.

GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA. Students with a 3.85 or higher will graduate with distinction.

Program Requirements 2008