Outcomes

 Demonstrate deep understanding and knowledge in applied computer science, in particular in areas related to some combination of Visual Computing, Gaming/MR Development, and/or Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence

1. Demonstrate a level of mastery of at least two of the four core courses: Discrete Math (CS30), Algorithms (CS31), Computational Methods/Linear Algebra (CS70), and Software Engineering (CS50)

2. Synthesize computer science and digital arts through thorough and innovative research

3. Effectively communicate original research in writing and in a thesis presentation

Rubric for Success in the Program.

 MS in Computer Science with a Concentration in Digital Arts (MSDA) Requirements for Graduation

Coursework: 

Successful completion of required courses as outlined in the ORC and approved by the MSDA Director.  In addition to courses, all students must complete thesis research, write a thesis paper, and defend it following the rubric below.

Master's Thesis: 

1. Research Component

1. Depth and Quality of Research

• Pass with Distinction: Demonstrates thorough and innovative research that touches on both computer science and digital arts. Clearly identifies a gap or problem and proposes a compelling, original approach.

• Pass: Engages with relevant literature, identifies a reasonable research question, and integrates both fields well.

• Pass with Minor Revisions: Addresses a research question with adequate literature support but may lack depth in one field or lack clear analysis and findings.

• Needs Major Revisions: Weak or limited engagement with existing research, unclear research question, needs significant additional research results and/or analysis of existing data, or poor integration of computer science and digital arts.

• Fail: Little to no evidence of research, misunderstanding of core concepts, or inappropriate framing of the problem.

2. Thesis Write-Up

2a. Structure and Clarity

• Pass with Distinction: The thesis is logically organized, easy to follow, and presents a clear narrative. Includes well-structured sections for introduction, prior work, research methods, results, discussion, conclusion, future work.

• Pass: Structure is clear and logical with minor lapses in flow.

• Pass with Minor Revisions: Structure is present but may be inconsistent or harder to follow.

• Needs Major Revisions: Poor structure, making the thesis difficult to follow.

• Fail: Disorganized, incoherent, or incomplete.

2b. Technical Explanation

• Pass with Distinction: Demonstrates a high level of computer science expertise, with clear, precise explanations of research motivation and methodology

• Pass: Adequate technical depth with mostly clear explanations.

• Pass with Minor Revisions: Covers technical components but may be oversimplified or lack clarity.

• Needs Major Revisions: Technical explanations are unclear, inaccurate, or superficial.

• Fail: Misunderstanding or misrepresentation of key technical concepts.

2c. Artistic/Design Integration

• Pass with Distinction: Integrates digital arts into the research topic in a meaningful and clear method. Innovative and uses design principles to build a cohesive aesthetic voice.

• Pass: Solid connections between computer science and digital arts, innovative, aesthetic voice.

• Pass with Minor Revisions: Basic digital arts component, but may lack innovation, depth or clarity.

• Needs Major Revisions: Minimal or unclear artistic aspects to the work.  Lacks design principles.

• Fail: No meaningful artistic analysis or misinterpretation of design principles.

3. Thesis Defense

3a. Presentation

• Pass with Distinction: Engaging, confident presentation that communicates clearly to a multidisciplinary audience.

• Pass: Clear and effective presentation, with minor weaknesses in delivery or clarity.

• Pass with Minor Revisions: Presentation conveys key points but may be less engaging or organized.

• Needs Major Revisions: Presentation is unclear, disorganized, or difficult to follow.

• Fail: Unable to effectively communicate the project.

3b. Q&A/Defense

• Pass with Distinction: Responds thoughtfully and knowledgeably to all questions, demonstrating a deep understanding of digital arts and computer science.

• Pass: Responds adequately to most questions with reasonable confidence.

• Pass with some Concerns: Can address basic questions but struggles with more complex inquiries.

• Fail: Unable to address key questions or shows a fundamental lack of understanding.  Must re-defend or student doesn’t pass. 

Overall Mastery

• Pass with Distinction: Demonstrates an impressive synthesis of computer science and digital arts, producing work that advances the field. Published or publishable.

• Pass: Strong integration of the two fields, with clear contributions and potential for publication.

• Pass with Minor Revisions: Adequate integration, but may lean more heavily on one field.

• Needs Major Revisions: Weak or unbalanced integration of the two disciplines.

• Fail: No meaningful synthesis or understanding of how the fields connect.

Final Evaluation:

• Pass with Distinction

• Pass

• Pass with Minor Revisions

• Needs Major Revisions (on a path to passing but additional research is needed)

• Fail