Help, No Schools around me!

mpittman · 05-12-2007, 08:17 PM

My name is Matt and I'm currently a sophomore in high school and I plan on pursuing a career in game development. I've loved playing video games for a long time and I'm confident that I will be happy with my career choice.

I live in North Carolina and there really aren't too any schools that specialize in game programming. Does anyone know of any schools within NC that have courses specifically for this?

CKeene · 05-13-2007, 07:14 AM

Matt,

I don't know any schools in NC that have specific game programming degrees, but the first thing you should know is that you don't need a game-related degree to get a job at a game development company. Go for the Computer Science degree, or study programming on your own and get a degree in something that interests you. The point is, the degree doesn't matter as much as your overall skillset and how you sell yourself to your future employers.

Decide you want to go to a game-related school because you are fascinated with game design and game-programming and you want to learn more about it. And if you decide that, then you could also look into online programs. Do your research - there are plenty of online programs that want to 'sell you a degree', and that's not going to be worth your time. Talk to an administrator, make sure they're accredited. Find out everything you need to know. It may turn out that online school isn't for you, in which case, you'll have to look into something else. Personally, I am very happy at Westwood College's online program.

Hope this has been some help!
-CK

mpittman · 05-13-2007, 08:59 AM

Wow, thanks. You've really enlightened me about what companies look for!

I was actually planning on taking some Computer Programming course at my community college over the summer(since it's free 'cause I'm still in high school). They have a few classes in programming languages(C++, Visual Basic, Java,etc) and I'm sure those would help me out a lot. I was thinking about perhaps finishing out a degree there after high school and then transfering to NC State to further develope my skills.

Again, thanks for the advice!

Maj Boomer · 09-25-2007, 11:05 AM

You could also look in to the DeVry online program. I just started the Game and Simulation Bachelors program. It hjas been great so far. I was sceptical about the online format, but it has been great so far.

Having worked in the defense industry for many years, DeVry is a well respected school. The entire program can be taken online.

Have a good one!

tleblanc · 09-26-2007, 06:27 PM

http://www.gameinstitute.com