Master of Science

Computer Games
Technology Degree
The MSc (Computer Games Technology) degree is an internationally recognized and
respected master’s level degree in the growing field of gaming technology. This is the
only master’s level degree in gaming technology to be offered in Canada. The program’s
curriculum is established and accredited, and covers the necessary bases for a subsequent
lucrative career in gaming. The degree emphasizes the creation of a set of significant
portfolio software pieces to show to future employers.

Programmers remain the most in-demand employees in the industry according to

Game Developer Magazine’s Career Guide Issue (Fall 2008). “Good ones are hard
to find, and when they are found, they’re compensated appropriately”. They further
state: “For programmers with a bachelor’s degree, some college, or an associate’s
degree, we found no clear connection between salary and education. The exception
is programmers with a master’s degree, who earn significantly more
than their peers, close to $91K”.

While studying you will learn about professional issues associated with the games
industry, and upon graduation you’ll be able to use advanced math and physics in the
construction of games. You will develop a discerning academic approach to Artificial
Intelligence in Games, and learn to create graphics applications for the PC and Xbox
platforms using the DirectX API. You’ll graduate with profound and developed academic
knowledge in gaming technology, the ability to work effectively as a part of a development
team, and also with a games prototype and a master’s thesis.
“I enrolled in the MSc course in Computer Games Technology after completing my
undergraduate degree in Software Engineering. Making computer games had been my
ambition for many years beforehand, but - from an outsider's point of view - jobs in the
industry seemed to be very difficult to get. In particular, they all required experience - the
games industry didn’t look like a very graduate-friendly place.
My sole reason for joining the course was to gain the experience required to enter the game
industry as a programmer. The course encourages (and requires) students to build a portfolio
of work - much like an artist would - to show off to prospective industry employers. It teaches
all the technical skills required; but in addition rounds-out students’ knowledge with courses
on game design and the games marketplace. After completing the course, I felt extremely
well equipped to enter the industry. In fact, I secured a job at a games company before
graduating, based on the portfolio of games development work I produced while studying.”
Andrew Heywood, MSc (Computer Games Technology) Alumnus

One of the benefits of taking this degree at Algoma University is the assistance that we
offer to help our graduates obtain promising and lucrative careers in the field of gaming
technology. We employ a Strategic Advisor for Computer Game Technology who has
extensive industry connections and provides mentorship as students participate in
projects and develop their own gaming components. As well, the Strategic Advisor's
400-500 industry contacts can help graduates of the program establish that very
important first point of contact with the industry. The Strategic Advisor also sits on the
Board of Directors for Serious Games Canada, and has vested interests in serious games
initiatives for Sault Ste. Marie. Algoma Games for Health is one of these serious games
initiatives that brings together researchers, medical professionals and game developers
to improve health and health care and to forge connections between the video game
and health care communities. Graduate students in the MSc Computer Games Technology
degree have ample opportunities to expand their education and work experience in
the field of serious games. We also have a career centre with internships and full and
part-time job postings, as well as staff to assist you in making sound career choices.
As well, the North American gaming industry is growing rapidly and is quite lucrative.
Salaries paid in Canada are on average much higher than salaries paid elsewhere around
the world (amounts depend on the type of job and location). There also may be a significant
amount of funding available if you desire to start your own studio in Ontario, or take
on other initiatives. The Ontario Government recognizes the potential for growth in
the video game industry. It has launched numerous initiatives aimed at encouraging
the development of exciting and viable new technologies and products that will
contribute to future northern prosperity.
The Master of Science (Computer Games Technology) degree is offered in partnership
with the University of Abertay Dundee. While studying at Algoma University in
beautiful Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada, you’ll be able to take advantage of the
numerous available resources and lucrative opportunities. With this international degree,
you’ll have ties not only in Canada, but also in the United States, the United Kingdom,
and worldwide, presenting you with enhanced opportunities when searching for
employment.

Geographically Sault Ste. Marie lies at the centre of the continent in the heart of the
Great Lakes. The city, situated in Ontario, bordering the United States, attracts millions
of visitors annually for tourism and recreation. The ruggedly dramatic landscape, with
its distinct seasons and thousands of lakes and flowing rivers, has captivated all types
of outdoor enthusiasts. Be part of this naturally gifted city with its highly educated IT
sector, government assistance programs, local businesses and infrastructure that all
contribute to the success of the video game industry in Canada.
We encourage all applicants to experience what we have brought together in person
by coming for a visit. We will schedule a dedicated and personal campus visit for you
and a guest based on what your interests are and what you’d like to know more about.
You can tour our campus, located near the St. Mary’s River waterfront, attend a lecture
to see what it is like to learn from word-renowned faculty, and even shadow a student
for a day to understand first-hand what it’s like to study in this degree at Algoma
University. Then you can go skiing or snowboarding nearby on one of Northwestern
Ontario’s tallest ski mountains, visit one of our many beaches, or hike near the beautiful
waterfalls of Hiawatha. Dine at one or our fine restaurants and then walk along the
riverfront boardwalk while enjoying the calming beauty of the city. After you’ve applied
for the degree and have received conditional or unconditional acceptance, simply
contact our Graduate Liaison Officer at Nicole.Muskaluk@algomau.ca to begin
planning your trip to Algoma University.

Another advantage of studying toward your MSc (Computer Games Technology) degree
at Algoma University is you will be able to compete in Dare to be Digital, an internationally
renowned video games competition where participants group into teams of five to
build their dream game. A local competition takes place and the winning team will go
to Scotland.
While in Europe, your team will be expected to showcase the game at public events.
You may have hundreds of visitors at these events - so be prepared! In 2007 Dare had
2500 attendees! This is an excellent opportunity for you to mix and mingle with industry
professionals who are head-hunting. You can also gain inside knowledge about the
industry, learn from the professionals in the industry, meet people who may be interested
in your game as a commercial product, and meet other teams and have the opportunity
to play their games. As a student in the MSc (Computer Games Technology) program
you can get the inside track when applying for jobs to studios that are a part of the
competition as well as those that are not. It is said that Dare is “the closest thing there
is to actual game development work” in the industry, and if enrolled in the MSc
(Computer Games Technology) degree at Algoma University you have the unique
advantage of being able to be a part of it.
While enrolled in the MSc (Computer
Games Technology) degree at Algoma
University you’ll use cutting-edge
program-dedicated computer labs and
classrooms, housed in the new $6.1
million Information Communication
Technology (ICT) building. The lab
reserved for MSc (Computer Games
Technology) students features PC
workstations with high-end graphics cards
supporting the DirectX API, a professional
grade flat screen monitor, and the
Microsoft Visual C++ software
development system. Each PC runs 3D
modeling software (Maya and 3DS Max),
photo editing software such as Photoshop,
and music editing software with piano
keyboards and supporting media libraries.
Commonly used software packages are
Milkshape 3D, Robocode, Adobe Creative
Suite, as well as 3DSMax and Maya. A
library of computer games is also available
to you, and project games can be tested
on a cross section of the latest consoles
connected to a plasma display and an
excellent home audio system.
The ratio of students to computers at
Algoma University for the MSc (Computer
Games Technology) degree is 1:1, so you
can claim your own PC and sharing or
waiting is never an issue. While in the
program you are provided with a personal
login account, allowing for secured data
storage in Algoma University’s data
warehouse.
Teaching is centered around lectures,
followed by sessions in a dedicated
computer lab. Students should plan on
spending 12 hours per week attending
classes, supported by approximately 30
hours per week of individual study or
computer lab time. Assessment
throughout the program is 100%-based
on coursework, including practical work,
reports, essays, and presentations.
Completion of the MSc CGT program
requires two semesters of coursework,
followed by a third semester during which
the student will complete a research-
based dissertation in a computer games
related area.
(subject to change) (subject to change)
Tuition $27,024.70 NSERC Post-Graduate Scholarship
Student Association $658.80 up to $17,300/applicant
Student Services $166.50 Algoma University Academic Awards
Academic Fee $150.00 3 available, each valued at up to $5,000
TOTAL $28,000.00 Teaching Assistant Positions, $4,000/4 mo.
Tutor positions and other on/off campus
work opportunities may also be available

 3 or 4 yr university degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering,

or a related field of study. Students with a degree in another subject with a
substantial background in programming and a good grounding in math will
also be considered.
 You should be an A or a high B student
 Proof of language proficiency (i.e. TOEFL 563 or IELTS 6.0) if your first language
is not English
 GRE/GMAT not required

January 31st ...early decision (applicants from China are recommended to apply by this date)
March 1st .......final deadline to receive applications

Full-time quick finish .......12 months International students: 33%

Full-time regular finish ....16 months Graduates with employment in the
Part-time..........................2 years games industry: close to 100%
Application fee: $50.00

Explore what Algoma University has to offer to expand your knowledge, spark your
creativity, and foster your professional development in the games industry. Experience
why Sault Ste. Marie is considered to be one of the finest and most picturesque areas
in all of North America.

You can have your questions answered at anytime by e-mailing our Graduate Advisor
at Nicole.Muskaluk@algomau.ca. You can request more information, view photos
online, and even chat one on one with a student in the degree to find out more.
 The MSc (Computer Games
Technology) Degree

 Earn an internationally recognized master’s degree in computer

games technology. Graduates hold positions in the world’s
most well-known and successful games companies.
 Graduate from the world’s longest established program in this
field of study, with more than ten years experience. Faculties
have some of the world's longest relevant experience in
teaching games technology and development.
 Develop an in-depth knowledge of the underlying principles
of game programming with hands-on projects on all platforms.
Expect to graduate with skills to lead a multi-disciplinary team.
 One of the only MSc in computer games technology offered
in North America
 Innovation Centre and New IT Business Incubator on campus
to support new business start-ups.
 Enrolment is limited so apply early. The course begins in
September of each year.

For more information or to arrange a campus visit, please contact:

Nicole Muskaluk, Graduate Liaison Officer
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
p: 705.949.2301.4111
f: 705.949.6583
e: nicole.muskaluk@algomau.ca

1520 Queen Street East

Sault Ste Marie, Ontario , CANADA P6A 2G4