Visual Computing And Interactive Media, Ph.D.
Doctoral ProgramThis multidisciplinary graduate program is designed to facilitate advanced study and research addressing complex computational challenges in various forms of visual communication and interaction. In this program, students develop advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in fields where complex visual problems and challenges require sophisticated computational approaches. Graduates are expected to emerge as highly qualified computer and information research scientists, academic researchers and world leaders in visual computing, equipped with specialized training in artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer vision, human-computer interaction, robot vision and virtual reality.
Mission
The mission of the Visualization programs is to advance the synergy of art, science and technology, empowering students to engage in critical, collaborative and creative methodologies for visually grounded scholarship innovation and practice.
Vision
We aim to stimulate new paradigms and research methods, artistic and scientific pursuits incorporating visualization, while also seeking to understand the origins, current developments, ethical implications and future directions of visualization.
The program aims to leverage recent advancements in artificial intelligence to deepen the integration of visual computing and interactive media. A primary aim of the program is to pioneer digital production and visual automation methodologies across a range of image-generation domains, with particular emphasis on 3D modeling and animation, visual effects, data visualization, robot vision and automation, extended reality, serious gaming, user interface and user experience design, immersive experiences and fabrication.
Program Overview
In the past five years, computer science has undergone transformative shifts, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and immersive technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality. These changes have expanded the scope of computer science beyond traditional boundaries, creating the need for specialized expertise in domains like visual computing and interactive media.
Visual computing has emerged as a crucial field with unique demands that general computer science programs often cannot fully address. This dedicated Ph.D. in Visual Computing and Interactive Media program meets this need by preparing a new generation of specialists capable of driving innovation at the intersection of virtual reality, augmented reality, computer vision, graphics and human-computer interaction.
One of the most significant developments in recent years is the integration of AI with visual data, leading to powerful applications in fields such as autonomous driving, health-care imaging, entertainment and robotics. Technology and pharmaceutical industries are now seeking highly specialized professionals who can harness neural networks, deep learning and computer vision to build sophisticated systems that interpret and respond to complex visual data in real time.
For example, industries that rely on AR and VR technologies require experts who can create seamless virtual experiences and tackle challenges in 3D modeling, rendering and real-time image processing. This Ph.D. program addresses these gaps by focusing on the unique skills and knowledge needed to push these technologies forward, providing graduates with a strong foundation in both the theoretical and applied aspects of the field.
Furthermore, the demand for visual computing and human-computer interaction expertise has spurred the growth of high-paying jobs in both academia and industry. Companies in technology, entertainment and even manufacturing increasingly rely heavily on AI-driven visualization, computer vision, AR/VR and visual analytics to gain competitive advantages. Meanwhile, academic institutions are seeking scholars who can advance research in visual computing, given its applications across diverse scientific disciplines. Graduates from our Ph.D. in Visual Computing and Interactive Media will be well-positioned to meet this demand, possessing a unique combination of technical skills, research experience and practical knowledge that commands premium salaries and offers strong career prospects.
Areas of Emphasis
- Visualization
- Visual computing
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Shape modeling
- Interaction design and development
- Interactive arts and performance
- Image analysis and synthesis
- Human-robot interaction
- Generative AI for visual data
- Game design and development
- Digital twins
- Deep learning for visual computing
- Computer vision
- Computer graphics
- Computer animation
- Artificial intelligence
- Affective computing
Curriculum
Ninety credit hours are required with a bachelor’s degree; 60 credit hours with a master’s degree.
- VIZA 701 Introduction to Research in Visual Computing and Interactive Media
- VIZA 669 Introduction to Deep Learning for Visual Computing and Interactive Media
Take five total courses: two in Computer Graphics and Data Visualization or two in Interaction and Gaming, and one in each other area.
Computer Graphics and Data Visualization:
- VIZA 628 Computational Design
- VIZA 654/CSCE 646 The Digital Image
- VIZA 656/CSCE 647 Image Synthesis
- VIZA 671 Generative AI for Visual Data
- VIZA 672/CSCE 641 Computer Graphics
- VIZA 675/CSCE 645 Geometric Modeling
- VIZA 676/CSCE 679 Data Visualization
Visual Arts and Aesthetics:
- VIZA 611 Concepts of Visual Communications I
- VIZA 621 Virtual and Tangible Sculpture
- VIZA 622 Design Communication I
- VIZA 641 Visual Storytelling
- VIZA 643 Time Based Media
Motion and Animation:
- VIZA 613 3-D Modeling and Animation
- VIZA 615 Computer Animation
- VIZA 665 Digital Compositing
- VIZA 659/CSCE 649 Physically Based Modeling
Interaction and Gaming:
- VIZA 638 Advanced Game Design
- VIZA 677 Virtual Reality
- VIZA 678 Augmented Reality
- VIZA 661 Interaction Design
- CSCE 671 Computer-Human Interaction
Take one course for 3 credit hours; none required with master’s degree.
Choose from any graduate level courses with committee approval. Suggested highly relevant courses:
- VIZA 616 Rendering and Shading
- VIZA 617 Advanced Animation
- VIZA 618 Facial Modeling and Animation
- VIZA 623 Design Communication II
- VIZA 625 Multimedia Web Design
- VIZA 629 Digital Media: Inspiration and Process
- VIZA 644 Time Based Media II
- VIZA 647 Color Photography
- VIZA 657/CSCE 648 Computer Aided Sculpting
- VIZA 662 Physical Computing for Art and Design
- VIZA 665 Digital Compositing
- VIZA 668 Emergent Research in Visual Computing and Interactive Media
- VIZA 670/CSCE 620 Computational Geometry
- VIZA 679 Advanced Topics in Physically Based Modeling
Minimum 18 credit hours and a maximum of 68, to fulfill total credit hour requirement.
VIZA 691 Research
Administered by the student’s Ph.D. committee:
- Qualifying exam, during the second year
- Preliminary exam, upon completion of dissertation proposal
- Defense, upon completion of dissertation
Expectations
Graduates of our Ph.D. program are expected to emerge as highly qualified computer and information research scientists, academic researchers and world leaders in visual computing, equipped with specialized training in artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer vision, human-computer interaction, robot vision, virtual reality and visual computing. The program prepares students to apply their advanced skills toward groundbreaking solutions in fields where complex visual problems and challenges require sophisticated technical approaches.
The practical use of AI, visual computing and computer graphics in aforementioned areas requires not only technical knowledge but also a sophisticated level of visual literacy. Data visualization, animation, robotics and human-computer interaction — all assisted by AI — are transforming the ways that engineers and health care professionals understand and perform their work. For example, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center uses imaging extensively for diagnostics and treatment in ways not possible just a decade ago. The upstream side of the oil and gas industry is dependent upon predictive analytics derived from geospatial imagery, and the downstream side is investing heavily in game-based training using interactive visualization.
Students in the Ph.D. program are expected to cultivate expertise that will position them as leaders in developing innovative methodologies and technologies across domains such as virtual production, visual automation, camera acquisition technology, digital media production, motion-capture systems, interactive system design and visual analytics. By completing their Ph.D., they will possess the ability to drive advancements in areas that rely on high-end computational solutions, making significant contributions to industries, academics and research areas that increasingly depend on visual sensing, robotic automation and interactive technologies.
How to Apply
Applications for the Ph.D. in Visual Computing and Interactive Media are open. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Donald House, program director, at d-house@tamu.edu; or Johnna Lee, graduate advisor, at johnna2018@tamu.edu.
Admission Requirements for the Ph.D. in Visual Computing & Interactive Media