SMU game design

[rainman400]

Hey ... really need some advice.... and im sure this is the best place to get some

i applied and got into The Master of Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development at SMU... specializing in level design. I have seen in earlier threads that the tuition fees are pretty steep... but is it worth it ? i went through their course structure AND got in touch with one of the professors.... and it all seems pretty darn awesome !! also if anyone has been to the guildhall... is there a chance of getting a scholarship or a job on campus or something ? to reduce the overall financial load....

also wat are the chances of getting a decent job?

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by rainman400

1. i applied and got into The Master of Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development at SMU... but is it worth it ?
2. is there a chance of getting a... job on campus
3. also wat are the chances of getting a decent job?

1. FAQ 66: http://sloperama.com/advice/route66.htm
2. Yes.
3. I don't know how YOU define a "decent job," so I'll have to use my own definition (what I consider a decent job). For every decent job there are at least 2 dozen applications from people who always capitalize the word "I," out of which only 1 person is hired. So that says that for people who capitalize the word "I," the chances are 1 in 24. People who never capitalize the word "I" stand a MUCH poorer chance than that.

[Retro]

Originally Posted by tsloper

For every decent job there are at least 2 dozen applications from people who always capitalize the word "I," out of which only 1 person is hired. So that says that for people who capitalize the word "I," the chances are 1 in 24. People who never capitalize the word "I" stand a MUCH poorer chance than that.

If I were a woman, I would absolutely want to bear your children based on just this response. Since I am not, in fact, of the female persuasion, we'll have to settle for a high five or fist bump or something.

[tsloper]

Or you could buy me a beer.

[Retro]

Originally Posted by tsloper

Or you could buy me a beer.

If I bump into you at a trade show or event sometime in the distant* future, the first round is on me.

(*may actually be after the end of the world.)

[EmperorCesar]

I'll get him a beer before the end of the world.

[tsloper]

Sooner is better.

[Joe2]

You need to be very careful about game-specific degrees. Most game studios now rather have people with general degrees like Art, Music, Computer Science, and English (for writers). For level designers, they typically are looking for people that are making a good game level via a game tool or a mod.

Check out job postings by a few companies. I'm really skeptical that a Masters Degree is needed for level design.