Questions/thoughts about different schools for computer science.

[Chickenpuddin]

I am currently a grade 12 student studying just outside of Edmonton, Alberta. I am interested in perusing a bachelor's degree in computer sciences, hopefully resulting in a career in the video game industry, most likely as a programmer.

I was looking at the computer science program at University of Alberta, seeing as it is only about an hour by city bus from where I live, and they have very close ties to Bioware (Mass Effect, Dragon Age), including a very limited amount of positions in a co-op (IPP) program with them after third year.

While I would prefer to stay here and study at U of A, I have also looked at programs at University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Toronto, and University of Waterloo, because I think these would be wonderful places to live and study, and would be interested in information about other universities in Ontario.

I have no experience in programming, and to be brutally honest, I am not talented or experienced when it comes to computers in any way, but I do have science and math skills and would like to turn my love of math and sciences into something artistic, like video game programming.

I seem to have the required courses and grades for most programs, I just want to know that programs would be best for perusing a career in the video game industry, and what universities give the best experience and would be a great place to live and study.

Would it be better to apply and enroll in a specific game programming course, such as the computer science major with option in gaming and graphics at UVic, or just a specialization computer science program like the one at U of A , where there is only one undergraduate course specialized towards game programming, but the other courses will aid in the career? What about the courses outside of Alberta are good reason to leave?

Also, if anyone has taken the computer science program at U of A (or would like to take time to give their more experienced interpretation of the courses), could they please explain the difference between the combination CMPUT 114 and 115, and the combination CMPUT 174 and 175.

The website says 114/115 are more focused on the "basic concepts of object-oriented programming" (specifically citing the use of Java), while 174/175 are "[focused] more on computation than on programming. That is ... more interested in the underlying process behind the solution and less interested in a particular programming language or programming style for implementing the solutions". Could someone explain what the differences are and what combination would be better to take?

I ask because the specialization program lets you chose either combination, whereas the honours program only lets you chose the 174/175 combination. Would the difference in courses be such a hindrance in the pursuit of a game programming career and other courses that I should not try for the honours program, or is the fact that it only the first set of courses in the entire 4 year (5 year with IPP) program a sign that it really shouldn't make a huge difference in the long-run?

I realize that I have asked a whole lot of questions and rambled on a lot, but I can't seem to decide on what to do, and would love some advice from a community that seems to know what it's talking about and is experienced with computer science programs in Canada.

[Tony]

Apply to all. If you don't get into some, the choice will become easier

Vancouver is a great place to live. So is Toronto. Waterloo is a tiny town, but we make up for that with getting co-op jobs in Toronto... and Vancouver... (and everywhere else really).

UWaterloo and UToronto arguably have the best reputation and academics when it comes to Computer Science.

Some Universities are starting to offer some "game dev class/option" as a marketing gimmick to get their enrollment rates up. A teenager looking at UVic's offering might be excited to tighten up graphics on level 3; someone who actually understands games will point out that graphics were not a contributing factor for Minecraft, Portal, and Angry Birds selling millions of copies.

Not to say that UVic is bad; just that a program name might be misleading. You are probably better off constructing your own schedule of relevant classes. You'd likely be able to get into any of the same lectures, even while majoring in the standard CS program.

In conclusion: this is a tough decision with no simple answer that will affect many years (if not all) of your life. You shouldn't let anyone else make such a decision for you.

[Chickenpuddin]

Thanks for responding.

I have already filled out an early acceptance application to U of A, and they begin assessing the applications in November.
I will apply to UW and probably at least one other program once I have a better idea of what programs they offer and where they will get me.

That's what I suspected about the UVic progam. I initially looked at UVic because I have heard that Victoria is a wonderful place to live. I was worried about the program because I have read that most "game development colleges" are rip offs that give you a very expensive "degree" that is virtually worthless, and was wondering if this was just the same money making idea. I was also worried because I would like to have something to fall back on, which a computer science degree should give me because even if I don't make it into the video game industry, I will be able to find a job in one of the other countless computer science fields. I don't know how much that degree would limit me in other fields, but it seems that getting a more general program that also gives me everything I need for my intended career is the better way to go.

I'm not really looking for someone to make a decision for me, I just want to hear some opinions and facts about the different programs across Canada and maybe hear some experiences about the programs and where they seem to get people so I could make a more educated decision for myself.