College question....

[Link Antilles]

Currently, I’m a freshman at the local technical college in my area and quite recently, I received a brochure in the mail from ITT Tech. The ITT campus very close to where I live is offering a “Digital Entertainment and Game Design Bachelor of Science Degree.â€

[agasfas]

ITT tech. We have those here in Austin, TX. I hear they're okay; that they teach you everything you need to know. But to be honest I don't know too much about them. Although, looking at the courses that are required it's seems pretty decent, 180 credits... WOW! Sorry I could be more help.

[Ingemar]

180? Pshaw. You should see what engineering majors need to take. We pre-meds are lazy by comparison.

As for your dilema, first, consider the course itself. See the schematics needed to build and create a game. Game design is not easy--these days, with the advanced technology available and growing expectations for high-quality gaming and graphics, it takes a large team quite a long while to make a good game. Plus, there are many aspects to it. The creative ones must come up with a story, backdrop and characters to make the game likeable. The technical ones must come up with a gaming system, and program everything the geniuses drew out of their heads. Reconciling imagination with binary is difficult, I imagine.

Then, you must consider your own abilities. "Do I have the knowledge and skill to pull this kind of thing off? The experience? And if I don't, will I have the discipline to learn and apply all this new material?" Omega Amen had never even seen a circuit before entering undergrad, and now he is working on his engineering masters. You can do anything if you commit, but if you feel something holding you back, you probably shouldn't go through with it. Because that doubt that was in you in the beginning is viable to grow if things don't exactly go your way.

As for ITT Tech, it sounds like a degree mill to me. We have those in my state, too. But since it's a vocational school, I'm sure you'll get the experience you need, IF you decide to go. But a degree from a 4-year institute just sounds "respectable."

[termyt]

ITT is knowm more as a trade school then one where you get a Bachelor's degree, but the degree is right up their alley. I don't think they are anywhere near being well respected for their acedemics, but when push comes to shove, that doesn't mean a whole lot. What matters are the skills you learn and how you present yourself. It sounds like a dream degree, it would be hard to pass up.

[Technomancer]

You might be able to find out more information from one of several organizations that rate and compare colleges/universities. I think Petersen's Guide) is the major one in the United States.

[Ashley]

I would say also Link to consider a few other points:
* Cost--is it more cost effective to stay at your school? To transfer? Now I know some of you may be thinking, duh Ash it's obviously cheaper to go ITT but that's not always the case, especially when you have a scholarship tied up at a 4 year place.
* Let's say this dream job just doesn't work out--at least not right now. What else could you do with that degree while you keep pursuing the game designer?
* Do you HAVE to have that exact degree to work in game design? What degrees do the pros have? What degrees do they suggest? Do they suggest going to a 4 year school or a tech school? (You could probably email your favorite company, explain your situation, and ask for their help)
* Does your school offer any degrees similiar enough to land a job at a game design place? If they do, this is the route I would go for (cost and all that aside) because 4 year schools tend to offer degrees with a wide range of job function--tech schools are more narrow, that's their catch. That way if the gaming thing doesn't work out, you still have a viable degree for a number of other jobs.

[Mithrandir]

Just FYI: ITT around here is not thought very highly of. They are indead seen as a "degree mill" - a "poor-boy's technical degree" if you will. That may JUST be where I live, but we have a lot of game companies in sillicon vally, so take it for what it's worth.

[agasfas]

Does your school offer any degrees similiar enough to land a job at a game design place? If they do, this is the route I would go for (cost and all that aside) because 4 year schools tend to offer degrees with a wide range of job function--tech schools are more narrow, that's their catch. That way if the gaming thing doesn't work out, you still have a viable degree for a number of other jobs.

I may have to agree with Ashley on this statement. Getting a 4 yr bachelors degree is probably your best bet. I say this because austin companies usually hire the people with bachelors degree over a person with associate degree. It's just a common rule of thumb. It's because they have the "overall" education experience they are looking for. By no means am I putting ITT tech down, they have their uses. Its just many companies take into concideration your overall education. I would also argue that a 4yr bachelors degree is far more respected than an associate in the eyes of the employer. I would try to get the overall college experience.
With everyones opinions aside, I want you to do what you feel is right for you. Not what is right for everyone else. I have faith that God will show you which is the right path to take.

[Technomancer]

Just FYI: ITT around here is not thought very highly of. They are indead seen as a "degree mill" - a "poor-boy's technical degree" if you will.

That's been my impression as well, but it's a reputation shared by most private technical colleges (at least up here). Most of the issues that I'm aware of though are in relation to DeVry, which has had numerous problems in Ontario.

Depending on your particular interest (computers, animation, etc), you should probably go to a school that offers a rigorous focus on your field. If you do end up in gaming, you'll be much better prepared for your work, and of course if you don't your skills can be transferred much more readily.

[Link Antilles]

Wow, Thanks for the responses, folks! Tis' helping me with my research into this.

I would say also Link to consider a few other points:
* Cost--is it more cost effective to stay at your school? To transfer? Now I know some of you may be thinking, duh Ash it's obviously cheaper to go ITT but that's not always the case, especially when you have a scholarship tied up at a 4 year place.

Yeah, the cost is a big factor for me and not one to brush away. I don't have a scholarship... only basic finical aid. The current college I attend is about the cheapest one in my area.... for it's a straightforward Technical college without the... I guess you'd say "special features" like the other popular places (which I label as “crazy football pride collegesâ€

[Mithrandir]

In my experiance on hiring comities, it's better to come from something with NO reputation that something with a NEGATIVE reputation.

Just my $0.02, though.