Next year I plan to attend college. I got accepted to a local university (Robert Morris University near Pittsburgh, PA), and was granted a $36,000 scholarship ($9,000 per year). I am trying to choose a major at this school that will help me get into the game development industry. The major I am looking at is Computer Information Systems with a concentrated focus on software development. My ultimate goal is to get into a game development company with a programming position, then become a project manager, and either work my way up the ladder further or use the experience I gain to start my own company. I am a programmer with an interest in the business side of game development. This is why I think Computer Information Systems would be a good major for me. It covers both computer software and hardware, allows me to have a focus on software development, and wraps it all together by teaching project management. Obviously, I am also leaning towards going to this school because of the monetary scholarship available to me. Additionally, all internships provided by this school are paid (around $ll/hr), and last year the school couldn't fill all the internships available. My question is, will I be able to get into the game industry going for this major? The school also offers a masters in Information Systems in only an extra half year. I understand that a lot of programmers recommend a major in Computer Science or Software Engineering, but neither of those specific majors are offered at RMU.

Moved to Breaking In.

Quote:Original post by cemedias
will I be able to get into the game industry

Nobody has a crystal ball. Nobody can foretell your future.
Don't do the things in FAQ 24 == http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson24.htm
And do the things in FAQ 27 == http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson27.htm

Thanks for the reply, but I don't think I was really clear enough in my question. Tom, that quote was taken out of context; the important part is the degree. I suppose I should have phrased my question: "Generally, will a game developer hire someone that has a degree in Computer Information Systems, or would a degree in Computer Science be more appropriate?". I just want to know if gamedev employers see a major difference in the two degree's; or if they pay more attention to your portfolio and the fact that you got some sort of software development degree, rather than what that degree is for?

Hi Ceme, you wrote:
>I don't think I was really clear enough in my question... I suppose I should have phrased my question: "Generally, will a game developer hire someone that has a degree in Computer Information Systems, or would a degree in Computer Science be more appropriate?"

Good. A well-phrased question will more often than not get you the answer that you're looking for.

>. I just want to know if gamedev employers see a major difference in the two degree's

Nobody cares what degree you have.
They care that you HAVE a degree.
They care what you can DO with the learning you acquired while getting that degree.
You can SHOW what you can do, if you just show them a great portfolio.

I appreciate the reply. That is exactly the answer I was looking for. I apologize for the confusion in my first post.