Game Programming vs. Computer Science

[jdip34]

I was wondering what the value in modern society of a game programming course is. How would a game programming degree compare to a computer science degree in today's job market. Will I be able to get jobs in Computer Science or non video game related programming with a game programming degree?

[DemonWasp]

A "game programming" degree is to a computer science degree what a "house building" degree would be to an architecture degree.

The computer science degree is way more valuable (both in terms of appearance on a resume and in terms of how much you will learn), and is way more broadly-applicable. If you have a CS degree, you will be able to pick up the contents of a game programming specialization pretty easily. The reverse is not true.

This isn't to say that a game programming degree (diploma?) is worthless, because it's not. It's just not as good as a Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering (etc) degree. The gamedev industry is also pretty competitive, because everyone thinks they want to program games, so you would be competing with software engineers for (relatively speaking) lower-pay, higher-stress jobs.

Edit: I should clarify that the above is the perception you are likely to face from people who have "real" computer science degrees. There is a degree of elitism there, and it's hard for me to be sure how much is justified. If you have a particular program in mind, we may be able to provide more meaningful insight into the value (or lack thereof) of said program.

[Raknarg]

There are also some schools that offer CS degrees with some specialization in game dev, so that could be a fine option

[Clayton]

Off the top of my head, and assuming you're talking about University programs, I believe any Game Programming degree is just a Computer Science degree with a specialization attached to it.

[Raknarg]

Yes, not a game dev degree but a comp sci degree with game dev specialization, which is probably a better option anyways.

As a side note, I have not seen a post from you in years I think

[Clayton]

Heh. I've been quite busy the last while. More school, work, and a second part-time job on the side leaves little time for much else