Hi, I have a few questions about video game development degrees... I have done a lot of research and came across this article... http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/08/25/report-uk-video-game-design-degrees-not-worth-paper-they039re-printed#comment-166179 In regards to that... I have unfortunately spent the last 4 years of my life getting my BaHist, a decision I made 4 years ago not knowing what I am going to do for the rest of my life. I recently began teaching myself C++, something I have discovered I enjoy a lot! As an avid video game fan, I thought it would be great if I could develop for video games. So much so I have dropped out of the C.A. Program. I know, some of you may think that this is a stupid decision, but I know where my heart is now. Just wish I knew sooner. My question is, knowing a developer myself, who’s advice is, “at an interview it is, ‘show me what you can do’ not what paper you have.” Where should I pursue an advanced programming education? Here are the possible choices, UOIT BaIT(3-4yrs) - http://www.uoit.ca/assets/Section~specific/Current~students/Academic~resources/Academic~Calendar~2008-2009/documents/sec9_fac_bus_IT.pdf (go to pg. 11) Windsor BaCs (3-4yrs) - http://www.uwindsor.ca/units/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/cur.nsf/982f0e5f06b5c9a285256d6e006cff78/8f7aec0c555a90f9852572bc004908b2!OpenDocument Or.... Trios Diploma (2yrs) - http://www.trios.com/career/index.aspx?section=VideoGameDesignandDevelopmentplusInternship The latter a new program to the college, supposedly built by Canada + U.S. Companies. And a laptop loan. Also, UAT BaCd (3-4yrs) ONLINE* - https://www.gamedegree.com/levelingUp_GameProgramming.asp Since this last program would be online, and I live in Canada, is this a good idea? Your comments will be much appreciated. If possible e-mail me at adrian.maurer@gmail.com Thank You! Adrian Maurer [Edited by - adgezaza on October 12, 2008 12:39:28 AM]

I've been advised by a number of professional programmers who have degrees in computer engineering, software engineering and computer science degrees, and they all say avoid game programming degrees like the plague as they limit your possibilities a lot. Also, considering a lot of the game companies require a fair bit of experience which doesn't come easy when your starting out I hear. I'm not a professional game developer though, so that was based on the opinion of others.

Thank so far...

I suppose a background in CS will be beneficial. I was also aware of the option on self-educating, I've lined up a series of books on the topic already. Just want to strengthen my C++ before I take a crack at them. I have approx 6 months to decide, hopefully, depending on how far I progress, that time will tell me whether or not I should go back to school?

Going back to get my BaCs is definitely my favourite option. Actually, there are a couple Universities in my province that provide a BaCs and offer a specialization or minor in game development. I've read a lot about specialization degrees but, the course calender for those programs have a good variety of courses that would provide for a more well rounded education. These courses are core courses as well, and probably will be the only ones Ill have to do, on top of the 1-3 math courses. Meaning, since I already have a BaHist, I can complete the CS degree in approx 3 years!!! (no electives needed)

The downside is these colleges are far enough from where I live that I will have to come up with extra cash for rent.

Is it worth the gaming specialization to go away for school, or just get my BaCs at a Uni in a closer proximity? Minding that the financial issue is not a huge concern, I would have family support.

If you are a working person online is a great option. I scoffed at online school until it became my only option. I figured that I would only take it to get gen eds out of the way (when I went to Penn State I didn't take many gen eds, I skipped to computer and math courses). Now I like it way better then I did a traditional campus and have decided to go beyond gen eds and get my degree online. (I work overseas too so online is pretty much my only option anyway, but its a great one.)

I've had a couple weeks now to decide what's gonna happen.

...next semester at my current Uni I am gonna do some of my required math's and transfer them over the following fall.

In the summer I will most likely continue with the math's and hopefully have them done.

When I come home the following summers I will most likely take a correspondence course or two on line (courses that are part of the core, but not lab related)

"Slopperama" helped out a lot with deciding what would be best. And actually, I will most likely continue doing a accounting core course here and there. I discovered that since I will have my math's and stats from CompSci I can get another Ba, this time in Accounting (instead of a certificate) fairly quickly, and I will then, always have the option of writing the UFE's ^^

Anyways, wanted to thank everybody for their suggestions. Was able to get things organized properly.

...now gotta get back to studying, mid-term in a few hours!!! :S

Thanks Again!