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Master of Science (MS) - Computer Game Development - DePaul

MS in Computer Game Development 2009

What Students Learn From This Program


Learn more about the DePaul Game Development program.

Grade Point Average Requirements


A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A=4.0) must be maintained in all course work toward the master's degree. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree


Program Requirements 2009


This program has four phases, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master's degree program consists of:

  • Prerequisite Phase
  • Core Knowledge Phase
  • Advanced Phase
  • Project Phase
  • Open Electives

 

M.S. in Computer Game Development 2009
Master of Science in Computer Game Development 2009
Prerequisite Phase
Students must demonstrate prerequisite competencies by transcript or by successful completion of the following courses:
Offered Winter 
In classOnline 
√ √      CSC 261 Programming in C++ I   
√ √      CSC 262 Programming in C++ II   
√ √      CSC 373 Computer Systems I   
√ √      CSC 374 Computer Systems II   
√ √      CSC 383 Data Structures and Algorithms in Java   
√ √      or  CSC 393 Data Structures in C++   
         GPH 321 Computer Graphics Development I  (or linear algebra equivalent) 
√        MAT 150 Calculus I   
 

Evaluation of prerequisite competencies will follow standard CDM practice: By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. The student must submit an online Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The online request must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Graduate Phase of the program. Students may submit the Change of Status request by logging in to MyCDM

Core Knowledge Phase
The core knowledge phase provides a common foundation in computer game development. Students are required to complete these courses before moving to the advanced phase.
Offered Winter 
In classOnline 
         GAM 424 Game Design Workshop   
         GAM 474 Action Games Programming   
√ √      GAM 475 Game Engine Programming I   
 
Advanced Phase
The advanced phase provides specialized knowledge in computer game development topics, as well as allowing students to choose a particular emphasis for their studies.
Offered Winter 
In classOnline 
         GAM 450 Physics for Game Developers   
√        GAM 476 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games   
√ √      CSC 421 Applied Algorithms and Structures   
√        GPH 469 Computer Graphics Development   
         GAM 575 Game Engine Programming II   
 

plus 2 Graduate Game Development Electives from the following list:

Offered Winter 
In classOnline 
         CSC 443 Introduction to Operating Systems   
         CSC 447 Concepts of Programming Languages   
√ √      CSC 448 Compiler Design   
√ √      CSC 451 Database Design   
         CSC 480 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence   
√ √      CSC 578 Neural Networks and Machine Learning   
         GAM 490 Multiplayer Game Development   
         GAM 599 Topics in Computer Game Design and Development   
√        GPH 438 Computer Animation Survey   
         GPH 448 Computer Graphics Scripting   
         GPH 539 Advanced Rendering Techniques   
         GPH 540 Procedural Shading   
         GPH 541 Advanced Lighting Techniques   
         GPH 570 Visualization   
         GPH 572 Principles of Computer Animation   
         GPH 575 Advanced Graphics Development   
√ √      SE 430 Object Oriented Modeling   
         SE 433 Software Testing and Quality Assurance   
         SE 435 Distributed Systems I   
√ √      SE 450 Object-Oriented Software Development   
√ √      SE 477 Software and Systems Project Management   
         SE 536 Distributed Systems II   
         SE 542 Software Development for Limited and Embedded Devices   
         SE 552 Concurrent Software Development   
         SE 558 Architecture and Design for Multiplayer Games   
 
or any graduate GAM course.


Project Phase

Students must register for GAM 690 and GAM 691 in consecutive quarters. A grade will not be assigned for GAM 690 until GAM 691 has been completed.

Offered Winter 
In classOnline 
√        GAM 690 Game Development Studio I   
         GAM 691 Game Development Studio II   
 
Open Electives
One elective courses in the range of 420-699, from any CDM program. Credit for courses taken outside of the school will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor. Courses suggested for any Prerequisite Phase in any concentration do not count for elective credit. Any course required for the student’s concentration but taken as part of the requirements of another degree earned by the student may be waived, but cannot be used for elective credit.
All courses in degree
 
  • CSC 261 Programming in C++ I
  • CSC 262 Programming in C++ II
  • CSC 373 Computer Systems I
  • CSC 374 Computer Systems II
  • CSC 383 Data Structures and Algorithms in Java
  • CSC 393 Data Structures in C++
  • CSC 421 Applied Algorithms and Structures
  • CSC 443 Introduction to Operating Systems
  • CSC 447 Concepts of Programming Languages
  • CSC 448 Compiler Design
  • CSC 451 Database Design
  • CSC 480 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
  • CSC 578 Neural Networks and Machine Learning
  • GAM 424 Game Design Workshop
  • GAM 450 Physics for Game Developers
  • GAM 474 Action Games Programming
  • GAM 475 Game Engine Programming I
  • GAM 476 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games
  • GAM 490 Multiplayer Game Development
  • GAM 575 Game Engine Programming II
  • GAM 599 Topics in Computer Game Design and Development
  • GAM 690 Game Development Studio I
  • GAM 691 Game Development Studio II
  • GPH 321 Computer Graphics Development I
  • GPH 438 Computer Animation Survey
  • GPH 448 Computer Graphics Scripting
  • GPH 469 Computer Graphics Development
  • GPH 539 Advanced Rendering Techniques
  • GPH 540 Procedural Shading
  • GPH 541 Advanced Lighting Techniques
  • GPH 570 Visualization
  • GPH 572 Principles of Computer Animation
  • GPH 575 Advanced Graphics Development
  • MAT 150 Calculus I
  • SE 430 Object Oriented Modeling
  • SE 433 Software Testing and Quality Assurance
  • SE 435 Distributed Systems I
  • SE 450 Object-Oriented Software Development
  • SE 477 Software and Systems Project Management
  • SE 536 Distributed Systems II
  • SE 542 Software Development for Limited and Embedded Devices
  • SE 552 Concurrent Software Development
  • SE 558 Architecture and Design for Multiplayer Games
 
DePaul University's College of Computing and Digital Media
243 S. Wabash Ave, Chicago IL. 60604 | (312) 362-8381
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