Computer Graphics
Overview
Computer graphics programs prepare people to use computers to create 3-D technology, animation, and other special effects in films, games, and the Internet.Computer graphics programs include topics such as:
- Graphics software and systems
- Digital multimedia
- Graphic design
- Color theory and application
- Geometry and algorithms
Schools
Many community colleges and two-year schools offer associate degree programs in computer graphics. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in computer graphics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in computer graphics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Computer Science
- Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging
- Graphic Design
- Marketing
- Multimedia and Intermedia
- Photographic, Film, and Video Technology
- Printing Technologies
- Web Page and Multimedia Design
- Webmaster and Web Management
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Calculus
- Computer Graphics
- Physics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar field, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Analysis of Algorithms
- Calculus
- Color Theory
- Computer Animation
- Computer Graphics Development
- Data Representation
- Design Geometry
- Digital Environments
- Digital Modeling
- Digital Photography Technology
- Introduction to Computer Graphics
- People/Computer Interaction
- Programming Languages
- Two- and Three-Dimensional Design
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Computer graphics is not the same as graphic design. Graphic design programs are usually part of art departments and train students to create images used in print, advertising, and packaging. Computer graphics programs train students in the technology to make computer-generated images for movies, gaming, and animation. These programs are in computer science departments.
Schools
East Side Area
Wenatchee Valley College
- Digital Design
King-Snohomish Area
DigiPen Institute of Technology
- Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
Shoreline Community College
- Visual Communication Technology--Computer Graphics Foundation
- Visual Communication Technology--Foundation
- Visual Communication Technology--Foundation Program with Customized Specialization
University of Washington - Seattle
- Art--Visual Communication Design
Spokane Area
Whitworth University
- Art--Visual Design in Computing
Tacoma Area
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
- Digital Design