Outcomes and Rubrics

These are our expectations for the successful completion of the MS Degree in CS with a Concentration in Digital Arts.

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

MSDA degree requirements from the ORC

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

1a. 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