Master of Science in Visualization
The Master of Science in Visualization prepares students for long-term careers in visualization. The program helps students develop focused expertise and a broad foundation of knowledge. The core curriculum gives students a basic grasp of the artistic, scientific, cognitive, and technical foundations of the discipline. Beyond this broad training, the program requires students to develop a strong focus area of advanced expertise.
We offer a thesis and a non-thesis option for the Master of Science in Visualization.
Departmental Requirements for MS Degree
M.S. Thesis Option
The thesis track requires the submission of a written research thesis. It allows and requires that the student pursue a focus topic in significant depth. This track is recommended for students who want to pursue careers in research and academia.
Curriculum
| Category | Credits |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite Courses* | 0 |
| Required Courses | 4 |
| Selected Core Electives | 12 |
| Free Electives | 8 |
| Research Hours | 8 |
| Total Coursework | 32 |
*Prerequisite courses are to be taken as directed on admission. They will not count as credits toward the degree. Most students will not be required to take prerequisite courses.
Thesis
The research thesis is the culminating activity of the Master of Science curriculum. It allows and requires that the student pursue a focus topic in significant depth. The student’s research must be documented in a written thesis, and presented at a public defense. The thesis research is done under the guidance of the student’s advisory committee.
Thesis research in the Visualization Sciences program spans a very wide range of possible topics. Past thesis research (2002-present) can be found at the thesis archive by searching for the discipline "visualization".
MS Non-thesis Option
The non-thesis track allows students to tailor the curriculum to their individual career aspirations. Students in the non-thesis track will create and defend a capstone project that demonstrates mastery of the curriculum. This track is recommended for students interested in careers such as animation, concept art, motion graphics, gaming, and rigging.
Curriculum
| Category | Credits |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite Courses* | 0 |
| Required Courses | 5 |
| Selected Core Electives | 12 |
| Free Electives | 19 |
| Total Coursework | 36 |
*Prerequisite courses are to be taken as directed on admission. They will not count as credits toward the degree. Most students will not be required to take prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses provide the experience needed before taking more complex courses. Students may need to take prerequisite courses before completing the required curriculum.
Students admitted into the program will receive instruction on which prerequisite courses they must take in their first year. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "B" or better. These courses may not count for credit toward the degree.
Students with deficiencies not addressed by the prerequisite courses will not be admitted into the program.
Advisors
Each student is assigned an academic advisor upon admission to the program.
Academic Advisors
Each student is assigned an academic advisor upon admission to the program. The advisor will:- provide initial direction to the student
- help with the choice of first year courses
- assist in locating a faculty member who has expertise in the student’s chosen focus area to chair the student’s advisory committee
Advisory Committee
An advising committee provides guidance, advice and critical judgement for the student. They assist with degree planning, research methods, and thesis work.
This committee is composed of a committee chair and at least two additional graduate faculty members. The chair and one of the members must be visualization faculty. The third member must be from outside the visualization faculty. The committee chair assists the student in finding graduate faculty members to join the committee.