Visual Computing (Formerly: Computer Graphics and Visualization) Track Fall 2026 and Forward

Objectives

The track is designed to prepare students for work and/or for graduate school in computer graphics, visualization, and related areas.  Computer graphics refers to modeling (including 3D acquisition) and rendering 3D objects and scenes. Visualization refers to using imagery to convey digital information and facilitate its interpretation and analysis. Jobs and activities for students graduating from this track may include:

  • Graphics-related Industry jobs (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Google) - working on graphics software, hardware, and applications.

  • CAD and Architectural Applications - developing CAD/Engineering/Architecture related applications.

  • Movie Industry (e.g., Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney, Sony) – working on creating movies and related tools.

  • Gaming Industry (e.g., Electronic Arts, Midway Games, Disney, Sony) – working on game programming and related tools.

  • Laboratories - working in one of several scientific visualization laboratories (though often a graduate degree is preferred).

  • Graduate school - continuing studies towards a MS or PhD which opens up other job opportunities including research labs and academic positions.

All major required courses, all track requirements and track selectives, and their pre-requisites, regardless of department, must be completed with a grade of C or better.

 

Required Courses (3)
Course Title

CS 31400

or

MA 41600

or

STAT 41600

Numerical Methods 

 

Probability

 

Probability

CS 33400

or

CS 43900

or

CS 45800

or

CS 47500

Fundamentals of Computer Graphics (taken in semester 4–5)

Introduction to Data Visualization

 

Introduction to Robotics

 

Human-Computer Interaction

CS 37300

or

CS 47100

Data Mining and Machine Learning

 

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

 

Electives (3)
Course Title
CS 33400 Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
CS 35200 Compilers: Principles and Practice
CS 35400 Operating Systems
CS 37300 Data Mining and Machine Learning
CS 38100 Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms
CS 42200 Computer Networks
CS 43400 Advanced Computer Graphics
CS 43900 Introduction to Data Visualization
CS 45600 Programming Languages
CS 45800 Introduction to Robotics
CS 47100 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 47500 Human-Computer Interaction

Note: Electives could include 1 semester of CS 49000 project course with Computer Graphics Visualization LAB (CGVLAB)

Note: No course can be counted for both required and elective credit. This is true for all tracks.

Detailed BS in Computer Science Visual Computing Description from the University Catalog

Last Updated: Aug 17, 2026 4:53 PM