Dr. Parag Havaldar

Instructor

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Biography

Parag Havaldar received a PhD in Computer Vision and Graphics from the University of Southern California in 1996. He has extensive experience in the media industry, specializing in software solutions for multimedia pipeline authoring, compression, distribution, and digital rights management. Currently, he works as a software supervisor at Sony Pictures Imageworks, leading proprietary efforts in the area of performance capture technology. This technology has been integral in creating stylized, realistic character animations for various movies, including Alice in Wonderland (2010), Monster House, Hancock, and Spiderman. In addition to his industry role, he serves as a part-time faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern California, where he teaches a graduate course on multimedia.

Research Interests

Computer Vision Graphics Multimedia Compression Digital Rights Management Performance Capture Technology

Experience

Part Time Lecturer

2000-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaching a graduate course on multimedia.

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.