MS in Software Engineering - Real-Time Game Systems Concentration

The Gaming and Entertainment Concentration addresses the foundations, methodologies, and tools for developing large-scale computer games and entertainment software systems.Online Learning Learning opportunities are available for this concentration.
Master of Science 2024 through2025

Software Engineering

About the Program

Real-Time Software and Game Systems Concentration

Curriculum Requirements

Introductory Courses

No Introductory Course may be substituted for any other course at any level.

Introductory courses may be waived for any of the following conditions based on faculty review:

  • The student has the appropriate course work to satisfy an Introductory Course based on an official transcript review by faculty and successful grades, typically B or better.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience to satisfy an Introductory Course which is demonstrated through successful completion of a GAE exam.
  • If a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) is available for the Introductory Courses, upon successfully completion of a GAE, a waiver will be issued.
  • Plan accordingly prior to start of the term, faculty reviews for possible course waivers can take a few weeks. For newly admitted students, possible course waivers will not be initiated until an Intent to Enroll form has been submitted.
  • CSC 400
  • CSC 401
  • CSC 402
  • CSC 403
  • CSC 406
  • CSC 407

Foundation Courses

  • CSC 461
  • CSC 486
  • CSC 588
  • SE 456
  • SE 485
  • SE 585

Major Elective Courses

Students must take a total of twenty-four (24) credit hours of Major Elective Courses.  To ensure proficiency in one area, sixteen (16) credit hours of Major Elective Courses must be taken from either the Game Focus or Software Focus areas below.

Game Focus
  • CSC 562
  • GAM 425
  • GAM 470
  • SE 576
Software Focus
  • CSC 463
  • CSC 552
  • CSC 562
  • SE 576

The remaining eight (8) credit hours of Major Elective Courses can be taken from among any CSC, GAM, or SE courses in the 421-699 range, with the following courses suggested:

Suggested Major Electives

  • CSC 435
  • CSC 464
  • CSC 466
  • CSC 471
  • CSC 472
  • CSC 480
  • CSC 536
  • GAM 450
  • GAM 476
  • SE 480
  • SE 533




Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.