COURSE CURRICULUM

The Computer Science + Animation (CS+ANI) program at DePaul University offers specialized concentration paths that prepare students for highly technical roles in animation and game production. One key option is the Animation Technical Director (TD) concentration, which focuses on the intersection of programming, animation, and production pipeline development.An Animation Technical Director acts as a crucial bridge between creative artists and software developers in the motion picture and television industries. In this role, TDs help design, manage, and improve the production and rendering pipeline used in animation studios. They often develop custom tools and software add-ons that enhance workflow efficiency and support artists in creating complex visual content.The concentration also prepares students for advanced technical responsibilities such as rigging characters, modeling assets, setting up lighting and rendering scenes, and building shaders. Additionally, students learn to program effects systems, including particle simulations, and work with motion capture data to create realistic animations. These skills are essential in modern animation and visual effects production pipelines.By combining computer science knowledge with animation expertise, this concentration equips students to take on problem-solving and development roles in both animation studios and game development environments. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as technical directors, pipeline developers, tools programrs, and technical artists in the entertainment industry.