2025-2026 University Catalog
Computer Graphics Technology, MS
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About the Program
The Department of Computer Graphics Technology touches all aspects of computer graphics, from animation to scientific visualization, and from user experience to game studies. The mission of the Master of Science program in Computer Graphics Technology is to prepare graduates for leadership positions in computer graphics professions and to advance the knowledge in the application and teaching of computer graphics through applied research, publishing, presentations, and teaching. The program offers a range of coursework and opportunities for specialization, with four primary focus areas: - UX Design
- Animation
- Games
- Information Visualization
Program Website Program Requirements
36 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (9 credits)
Concentration (9 credits)
Students should select from Concentrations, listed below, to focus their studies. Courses should be chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. Undergraduate courses (300/400-level) may not be included in this area of the plan of study. Information Visualization
Data Visualization is the art and science of graphically representing data through computer for the purpose of amplifying human cognition. It is the iterative process of transforming raw data into visual representations that provide insights into what the data represents. Insight enable the analysis of data, informed decision making, discovery of new knowledge, and the explanation of the scenario behind the complex data. Insight enables storytelling through and about data. Example courses listed below. Other Areas
- Computer Graphics Programming: Computer graphics programming prepares students for jobs in research and development on computer graphics topics such as mgeometric and procedural modeling, object reconstruction, GPU-oriented computing, real-time computer graphics, and simulations. Alumni have found jobs in major companies and research labs such as Adobe, Apple, DreamWorks, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Samsung, Siemens, and Square Enix.
Related Area Courses (12 credits)
The related area must include a minimum of 3 credits within CGT, but in an area different from the student’s focus area. The remaining 9 credits are electives, and may be taken within or outside of CGT, at the direction of the student’s advisor. In some cases, there may be two related areas, if such a plan will enhance the student’s professional goals. Examples of related areas on plans of study may include: Management, Instructional Design, Art & Design, Curriculum and Instruction, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Human Factors, Kinesiology, Theatre, and Perceptual Psychology, or one of the disciplines within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute (e.g. MET, CIT, BCM). Thesis Research or Non-thesis Capstone (6 credits)
At this time, only the UX Design focus area offers a non-thesis capstone option. For all other students, a thesis must be completed and 6 hours of CGT 69800 must be taken. Concentrations
Optional departmental concentrations: Optional interdisciplinary concentrations: GPA Requirements
University requirements state that no grade of “D” or “F” is allowed in a course on the plan of study. Any plan of study course in which a grade of “D” or “F” is received must be repeated and completed successfully; it cannot be dropped from the plan of study. In addition, in the Computer Graphics Technology department, any course in which a grade lower than “B” is received cannot count towards a student’s plan of study requirements. Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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