Hello everyone,

Firstly, thank you for making this forum such an excellent resource.
Secondly, I made an earnest effort to look for a similar topic, but didn't find any. My apologies if one already exists.

I intend to apply for a MS ( research based ) in Computer Science . However, I hold an undergraduate degree in Architecture ( the building kind ).

My reason for this is I want to study and research the application of Computer Graphics in the field of Architecture. As you know, all softwares for 3D modeling and CAD is based off Computer Graphics applications.

I have two years of work experience in a Silicon Valley based start-up which is an web-based collaboration tool for 3D / CAD models for teams of designers ( product designers, architects, mechanical engineers and whoever uses 3D models ). I was one of the first employees, and I joined because I liked the idea.

Here I started experimenting with graphics programming and learnt a lot. I also grasped programming and some CS theory by just working by myself.

Now I have quit my job and want to put up a website of creative experiments using 3D highlighting my interest in this cross - disciplinary approach. Also, there is an entire branch of Architectural research which uses algorithms and parametric approaches to generate architectural forms. My undergrad thesis in Architecture was based on this.

I have identified a professor in a certain university in BC under whom I'd like to study. I am familiar with this works, and I tried to apply one of his papers at work.

I have also written to the admissions committee of the said university regarding my intentions. They have been positive, saying that I may be given admission provisionally - I will need to complete some undergrad CS courses after which I can continue with Masters.

I need advice / pointers on my approach. Do you think this will work ? Is there anything I could do to better my chances ?

Also, I'm wary of student visa rejections. Will this \"change of area\" be an impediment ? After all, research can always be inter-disciplinary.

I would be grateful to anyone for some comments, specially those studying / researching in related fields. I noticed that Ottawa_Nerd 's PhD was related to image compression or computer vision.

Thanks.

Canada is strong in computer graphics programs and the greatest geometer of 20th century was from U of T( Harold Coxeter). Maya was originally developed by a Toronto based company.

As regards to immigration, I don't think you should face any problems from them as universities in Canada are all govt owned and not of run-of-the-mill kind.

They implicitly trust universities choice of candidates, especially from the more reputed ones. Besides, inter-disciplinary programs are expected to have students from varying academic backgrounds.

However, if you are a local resident in your current location, then you might want to complete prerequisites there, as it may turn out to be cheaper for you as a local student and also save time in the process.

Besides, you can easily provide clarification for immigration purposes with regards to your lack of preparation for the program and the resulting background mismatch.

Athabasca university has online CS courses that can probably meet your prerequisites. Check with your university if they recognise courses from this university and also see if it saves you money/time as well.

There are also other universities in US and Canada, offering online courses that may meet your prerequisite requirements.

C++ and OOP used to be important, must have background for Graphics programs offered by CS depts, besides CompArchitecture, Data/File structures, OS, advanced OS and other courses. Also some math/statistics courses would not hurt.

Don't know what are the current requirements for CS-Graphics program.

.

Thanks for your reply. It was very helpful.
I will look at online courses and whether they will get me any credit.

Hi,

I applied to a lot of CS courses and some interdisciplinary courses. Here are the results:

SFU Interactive Arts & Technology - MSc with full funding under supervisor - includes RA , TA , scholarship and grant. Accepted and deposited.

UCalgary - Computational Media Design ... asking for portfolio, but so late !

UWaterloo - Accepted - MS in CS with supervisor - partial conditional funding for first year ( remedial courses for missing undergrad CS background ). On successful completion - full funding. Declined.

UdeMontreal - potential supervisor found, very encouraging, but no response from admissions yet.

Now I'm about to apply for my Visa. I need some info on that, getting conflicting advice from corners.

Thanks a lot for your help. Owe you !

When one climbs a hill, he finds that there are many more hills in front - Nelson Madela

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Whoa dude ... inspirational but .. not informative ! :P

Now can I bother you with my visa query ?

I wish elmer fudd were here !