Conduct interdisciplinary research that will shape the future of computationally based creative expression. Housed in WPI’s Interactive Media & Game Development program (IMGD), WPI’s new PhD in computational media provides space and expertise for students to research computational approaches that reflect, inspire, and shape human creativity and new media.
Curriculum
The PhD in computational media is a 60-credit hour program. Program requirements are divided equally between coursework (30 credits, 15 of which are computational media core) and research (30 credits). Individual paths could be as diverse as the study and design of human-computer interfaces, games and game engines, narratives, artificial intelligence, creativity, communication, and visual and sonic media, among others.
Computational media research is inherently interdisciplinary—students will find opportunities to explore related fields, including computer science, data science, electrical and computer engineering, systems dynamics, robotics engineering, business, and psychology.
Additional requirements for the PhD in computational media include the following:
- Paper requirement
- PhD qualifying exam
- Advancement to PhD candidacy
- Dissertation defense
Research
Research in the PhD in computational media encourages alternative forms of scholarship (published games, live performances, artistic installations) in addition to traditional publications.
This heterogeneous approach to research will uniquely enable students to become teachers, researchers, and creators who contribute to academic and commercial institutions that are increasingly focused on ways in which computational media shape the worlds of art, entertainment, and social interaction.
Interested in degrees similar to the PhD in computational media? Explore our Interactive Media & Game Development master of science.