Computer and Information Science

CGGT Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

The master’s degree requirements consist of completing 9 courses and a one semester design project over “three to four semesters” for a total of 10 courses.

Core Areas

(1) Creative Arts and Design (1 course)

  • DSGN 5005: 3-D Computer Modeling (required)

(2-4) Computer Science, Systems and Technology

  • CIS 5600: Interactive Computer Graphics (required)
  • CIS 5620: Computer Animation (required)
  • CIS 6600: Advanced Topics in Computer Graphics and Animation (required)

(5) Graphics Elective (select one):

  • CIS 5650: GPU Programming
  • CIS 5610: Advanced Computer Graphics
  • CIS 7000: Graphics-related Special Topics courses
  • CIS 5660: Procedural Graphics
  • CIS 5120: Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
  • DSGN 5023: User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Desgin
  • FNAR 5004: Video I Production
  • FNAR 5025: Computer Animation
  • FNAR 5017: Cinema Production

(6) Math-Based Course Requirement (select one):

  • CIS 5610: Advanced Computer Graphics
  • CIS 5630: Physically-Based Animation (not currently offered)
  • CIS 5670: Scientific Computing
  • CIS 5810: Computer Vision
  • CIS 5800: Machine Perception
  • CIS 5190: Applied Machine Learning
  • CIS 5200: Machine Learning
  • CIS 5150: Fundamentals of Linear Algebra & Optimization
  • ENM 5030: Introduction to Probability & Statistics
  • ENM 5020: Numerical Methods & Modeling
  • ENM 5100: Foundations of Engineering Mathematics – I
  • ESE 5060: Introduction of Optimizing Theory
  • ESE 6050: Modern Convex Optimization
  • MEAM 5350: Advanced Dynamics
  • MEAM 5270: Finite Element Analysis

(7) AI/Machine Learning (select one):

Recommended AI/Machine Learning courses include: 

  • CIS 5190: Applied Machine Learning
  • CIS 5200: Machine Learning
  • CIS 5210: Artificial Intelligence
  • CIS 6200: Advanced Topics in Machine Learning
  • EAS 5870: Generative AI for Virtual Environments
  • ESE 6500: Learning in Robotics
  • ESE 6510: Physical Intelligence: Science & Systems
  • ESE 5390: Hardware/Software Co-Design for Machine Learning

(8) Technical Elective (select one):

(Any 5000-level and above course offered in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS).)

Recommended Technical courses include:

  • CIS 5610: Advanced Computer Graphics
  • CIS 7000: Graphics-related Special Topics courses
  • CIS 5990: Independent Study
  • Computer Vision (CIS 5800 or CIS 5810)
  • Machine Learning (see any of the ML courses listed above)
  • Control Systems (ESE 5050, ESE 6190)
  • Numerical Methods & Optimization (ENM 5020, ESE 5080, ESE 6050)
  • ESE 6500 Learning in Robotics
  • EAS 5450: Engineering Entrepreneurship I
  • IPD 5150: Product Design
  • EAS 5070: Intellectual Property & Business Law for Engineers

Recommended Business & Entrepreneurship courses include:

  • EAS 5450: Engineering Entrepreneurship I
  • IPD 5150: Product Design
  • EAS 5070: Intellectual Property & Business Law for Engineers
  • MGMT 8010: Entrepreneurship
  • MKTG 7340: Idea Generation & the Systemic Approach to Creativity
  • OIDD 6620: Enabling Technologies
  • OIDD 6140: Innovation
  • EAS 5120: Engineering Negotiation

(9) Free Elective (1 course)

(Any 5000-level and above course offered at Penn – subject to approval by Director, that relates in some way to graphics, animation, and/or games.)

(10) Graphics Project-Based Course (select one):

  • CIS 5680: Game Design Practicum
  • CIS 9990: Master’s Thesis (Independent Study CIS 5990 also required)

Credit for Substantially Similar Coursework at Other Universities

Students enrolled in the program from outside the University who have taken substantially similar coursework at their undergraduate institutions also can petition the program for approval of appropriate course substitutions. Granting of such approvals will be at the Program Director’s discretion, and will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Information

Program Resources

This handbook is for graduate students enrolled at the School of Engineering and Applied Science on the Philadelphia campus. This handbook is designed to guide students through their course of study and identify the academic requirements required to graduate. It is intended to be used with other departmental and program resources.

Student Handbook

Helpful Tools & Resources, such as:
  • Academic Calendar
  • Academic Requirements
  • Billing/Tuition
  • Penn Policies
  • Student Code of Conduct
  • & Much More, can be found:
Graduate Affairs

  • Monitor email announcements from SEAS Registrar’s Office regarding the graduation application process.
  • If applicable, master’s thesis instructions should be obtained early on in the writing stage. You should make your advisor aware of the need for a timely reading and signature before graduation.
  • Confirm that your academic record is free of Incompletes, No Grade Reported (NGR), and Unsatisfactory Progress, and that your GPA meets degree requirements.
  • Ensure that your Bursar’s bill is cleared before the end of your final semester.
  • Note that students have a maximum of seven years to complete the MSE degree.
  • Students graduating in August, December and May are eligible to participate in the University and Engineering Commencement Ceremonies, held once annually in May.
  • Penn Engineering Commencement information
  • University Commencement information

Student Services & Support

SEAS On-Campus Masters Students

Career Services | University of Pennsylvania

https://careerservices.upenn.edu/

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