The Master of Science in Game Programming is designed for those interested in game development programming at the highest level, including real time computing, computer graphics, and professional retooling for the game industry. Students will learn about software engineering, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, animation, software architecture, and networking. The game programming degree addresses the real-world needs of industry through special, topic-based classes. Courses are taught with a mixture of theory and applied practice. Covering both emerging trends and proven knowledge, the program's content is always relevant and current. This combination of approaches allows students to understand the connection between realized applied systems and issues they'll likely face professionally in years to come.

Degree Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate mastery of the C++ programming language.
• Use design patterns to create and design large-scale real-time software systems.
• Architect and implement real-time Game Engine.
• Implement and apply advanced rendering techniques for real-time graphics simulation.
• Create and manage a development schedule of a complex software projects.

Career Outcomes

92%of reporting School of Computing master’s graduates were employed, continuing education, or not seeking employment within six months of graduation

$75,000median salary reported by School of Computing master’s graduates six months after degree completion

Curriculum Requirements

Introductory Courses

No Introductory Course may be substituted for any other course at any level.

Introductory courses may be waived for any of the following conditions based on faculty review:

• The student has the appropriate course work to satisfy an Introductory Course based on an official transcript review by faculty and successful grades, typically B or better.
• The student has appropriate and verified professional experience to satisfy an Introductory Course which is demonstrated through successful completion of a GAE exam.
• If a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) is available for the Introductory Courses, upon successfully completion of a GAE, a waiver will be issued.

•  CSC 400 Discrete Structures for Computer Science
•  CSC 401 Introduction to Programming
•  CSC 402 Data Structures I
•  CSC 403 Data Structures II
•  CSC 406 Systems I
•  CSC 407 Systems II

Foundation Courses

•  GAM 425 Applied 3D Geometry
•  CSC 461 Optimized C++
•  SE 456 Architecture of Real-Time Systems
•  GPH 469 Computer Graphics Development
  or  GAM 470 Rendering and Graphics Programming

Advanced Courses

•  CSC 486 Real-Time Networking (Formerly GAM 490)
•  CSC 588 Real-Time Multithreaded Architecture
•  GAM 475 Real - Time Software Development
•  GAM 575 Real-Time Software Development II
•  GAM 476 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games
  or  GAM 450 Physics for Game Developers
•  GAM 576 Gpu Architecture

Major Elective Courses

Students must complete a total of 12 credit hours from graduate level elective courses. Students must choose two classes from the list below. The third course can be from the list below or any GAM courses in the 421-699 range.

Computer Science Systems Electives

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Artificial Intelligence Electives

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Networking Electives

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Project Management Electives

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Graphics Electives

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Object Oriented Design Electives

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Game Specialties Electives

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Mobile Games Electives

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Projects Electives

 

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Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

• Complete a minimum of 52 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
• Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
• Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
• Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 52 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.