Computer Graphics & Game Technology, MSE
Interactive entertainment and computer-animated visual effects are now part of our mainstream culture. Creating such computer-generated imagery, however, is no trivial task. It requires a delicate blending of art with science by teams of highly skilled professionals, including artists, animators, writers, designers, engineers and software developers working long hours with cutting-edge technology, tools and Generative AI. Currently there are very few interdisciplinary academic programs at four-year research universities adequately preparing students for such positions. The Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Graphics and Game Technology (CGGT) was created specifically to address this need.
For more information: https://www.cis.upenn.edu/mse-in-cggt/
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Curriculum
A total of 10 course units are required for the MSE in Computer Graphics and Game Technology (CGGT).1, 2
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Areas | ||
| Creative Arts and Design | ||
| DSGN 5005 | 3-D Computer Modeling | 1 |
| Computer Science, Systems and Technology | ||
| CIS 5600 | Interactive Computer Graphics | 1 |
| CIS 5620 | Computer Animation | 1 |
| CIS 6600 | Advanced Topics in Computer Graphics and Animation | 1 |
| Math-based course | 1 | |
Select 1 CU. Recommendations include: | ||
| Advanced Computer Graphics | ||
| Physically Based Animation | ||
| Computer Vision & Computational Photography | ||
| Machine Perception | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Statistics | ||
| Machine Learning and AI | 1 | |
Select 1 CU. Recommendations include: | ||
| Applied Machine Learning | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Advanced Topics in Machine Learning | ||
| Electives | ||
| Graphics Elective 3 | 1 | |
Select 1 CU. Recommendations include: | ||
| GPU Programming and Architecture | ||
| Advanced Computer Graphics | ||
| Physically Based Animation | ||
| Video I | ||
| Cinema Production | ||
| Computer Animation | ||
| Technical Elective 4 | 1 | |
Select 1 CU. Recommendations include: | ||
| Advanced Computer Graphics | ||
| Physically Based Animation | ||
| Computer Vision & Computational Photography | ||
| Machine Perception | ||
| Applied Machine Learning | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Intellectual Property and Business Law for Engineers | ||
| Engineering Entrepreneurship I | ||
| Product Design | ||
| Feedback Control Design and Analysis | ||
| Model Predictive Control | ||
| Internet and Web Systems | ||
| Independent Study for Masters Students | ||
| Game Design and Development (only offered during the summer term) | ||
| Free Elective 5,6 | 1 | |
Select 1 CU. Recommendations include: | ||
| Engineering Entrepreneurship II | ||
| Art of the Web: Interactive Concepts for Art & Design | ||
| Digital Figure Modeling | ||
| Enabling Technologies | ||
| Advanced Projects in Animation | ||
| Design Project | ||
| CIS 5680 | Game Design Practicum | 1 |
| or CIS 9990 | Master's Thesis | |
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
- 1
10 course units are required; 9 course units in addition to a one semester design project over a one year period.
- 2
Students enrolled in the program from an outside undergraduate institution who have taken substantially similar coursework, can petition for course substitutions. Granting of such approvals will be at the Program Director's discretion and will be made on a case by case basis.
- 3
Must be graduate-level technical or creative course in the area of graphics or animation. Approval of the CGGT program director is required.
- 4
Any graduate level course in the School of Applied Science and Engineering (SEAS). Approval of the CGGT program director is required.
- 5
Any graduate level course at the University that relates in some way to graphics, animation and/or games. Approval of the CGGT program director is required.
- 6
Recommended choices include any of the Graphics Elective, Technical Elective, or Business and Entrepreneurship courses.
Additional Information
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| DSGN 5005 | 3-D Computer Modeling | 1 |
| CIS 5600 | Interactive Computer Graphics (or 1 Math-based course) | 1 |
| CIS 5620 | Computer Animation | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIS 6600 | Advanced Topics in Computer Graphics and Animation | 1 |
| 1 CU Technical Elective | 1 | |
| 1 Math-based course (or CIS 5600 if not taken in Fall) | 1 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| 1 CU Machine Learning and AI | 1 | |
| 1 CU Graphics Elective | 1 | |
| 1 CU Free Elective | 1 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIS 5680 or CIS 9990 | Game Design Practicum or Master's Thesis | 1 |
| Course Units | 1.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 10.00 | |