Dedicated to Applied Innovation
Dedicated to Applied Innovation
Study With Faculty Who Prioritize Your Growth
Faculty at DigiPen Institute of Technology bring together deep subject matter expertise and real-world experience across artificial intelligence, computer science, and game development. Just as importantly, they are defined by a clear expectation: students come first.
Faculty prioritize student needs above all other obligations. Whether supporting a complex technical challenge or responding to a moment of uncertainty, student engagement is treated as the highest priority in the learning environment.
Excellence in teaching at DigiPen is grounded in two principles: mastery of the discipline and a genuine commitment to student success. Faculty serve not only as instructors but as active partners in your journey, providing guidance, feedback, and intellectual collaboration throughout the program.
Through project-based coursework and collaborative development, faculty guide you through the kinds of challenges you will encounter in professional production settings. They help you build systems, develop software, and deliver meaningful, portfolio-ready work.
Program Director
Dr. Pushpak Karnick serves as program director for DigiPen’s online graduate programs in Artificial Intelligence and Game Development.
Dr. Karnick received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Arizona State University in 2009, where he specialized in procedural modeling and geospatial visualization.
His professional experience spans both academia and industry, including system and software development in areas such as:
- VLSI test chip compilers
- Visualization tools
- Virtual reality installations
- 3D geometric tools for domain scientists
Since joining DigiPen in 2010, Dr. Karnick has taught a wide range of courses across:
- Computer graphics
- Image processing and computer vision
- Artificial intelligence
- Software engineering
He also collaborates with graduate students on research projects in these areas, helping connect advanced computing theory with real-world technical applications.
MS in Artificial Intelligence Faculty
DigiPen faculty in the MS in Artificial Intelligence program bring a blend of deep theoretical expertise and applied, industry-connected experience that reflects the program’s emphasis on building and deploying real AI systems. Faculty backgrounds span machine learning, statistical modeling, computer vision, and fuzzy logic, alongside strong foundations in mathematics and algorithm design.
Their research includes applied machine learning in areas like text classification and smart city systems, as well as advanced mathematical frameworks that underpin modern AI techniques. This combination ensures students engage with both the “why” and the “how” of AI, grounded in rigorous theory but consistently connected to real-world problem solving.
MS in Game Development Faculty
DigiPen faculty in the MS in Game Development program bring extensive, production-level experience from across the game industry, offering students direct insight into how games are designed, built, and shipped at scale. Faculty have contributed to major titles, platforms, and emerging technologies spanning AAA games, massively multiplayer online systems, console development, and AR/VR innovation.
Their backgrounds include work at leading companies like Microsoft, as well as independent studios and startups, giving students exposure to a wide range of development environments. This breadth of experience enables faculty to teach not just theory, but the realities of game production, including game logic, systems design, performance optimization, and cross-platform development within real-world constraints.
Learn From Experienced Developers and Researchers
DigiPen faculty combine technical depth, production experience, and collaborative teaching approaches to help students develop advanced computing skills.
Through project-based coursework and mentorship, students work alongside faculty who understand how modern software systems, AI technologies, and interactive applications are built in real-world environments.
Online Technology Degree Programs for Builders and Innovators
Advance your career with online master’s programs designed to help you build real systems, develop practical skills, and create portfolio-ready work.
DigiPen Institute of Technology offers online technology degrees built for developers, engineers, and technical creators who want more than theory. Our graduate programs emphasize applied learning, production-style development, and real-world problem solving.
Whether you’re building AI systems or developing interactive game experiences, you’ll gain hands-on experience and graduate with demonstrable work that supports your next career move.
Build Real Systems. Develop Real Skills.
This will only take a moment