College Classes

[doctordew]

In my hometown we can go out to the college during the summer and during the school year and sign up for college credit classes. I am interested in majoring in computer programming/video game designing but am not sure if I will enjoy that or not. I'm looking for suggestions on what type of classes I should take this summer to get the feel of what it would be like.

[GO ILLINI]

well most colleges have video game programing specific courses. To really get a good idea, we would need to know what college.

In fact... I would call the college and tell them what you told us.

-Adam

[doctordew]

I guess. Well how about a simpler question. What beginner classes would you guys recommend. Like would I benefit more from some sort of programming course where I learn how to program or what?

[GO ILLINI]

Well programing in Java would be a good basic starting class. Java is versatile and popular. Any graphic design class would also be good, because the best games use advanced graphics. It also seems that some sort of basic computer class(like how the hardware works/how processors work/stuff like that) really helps peoples understanding of programing.

So I'de take the classes in this priority:
1) Programing with Java (or similar)
2) Computer graphics design (anything 3D is best if your up for it)
3) Basic computer knowledge class


-Adam

[doctordew]

Thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for. I may be taking a basic photoshop type class at my high school next year, and I'm going to wait for any 3d stuff until I get the basics of photoshop down. I think I may look into a java class. Just to be sure I'll be checking with my guidance office in the next few weeks to get signed up.

[jkd]

If you want to do video games, take math courses. You're going to need to be up to speed on your multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory.

Even if you don't want to do video games but still want to do computer programming, being a good mathematician is one of the most helpful things you can be.

[doctordew]

Noted, but I don't think I'm ready for the math classes. It started in 7th grade when I slacked off in school and didn't decide to enter algebra one, and do honors 1 in 8th grade. So my junior year I'm stuck doing honors 2 and senior pre-calc.

[cheat]

You would be very hard put to find a college course that is specific to programming.

usually you have to study different units i.e
business,
graphics,

etc as these are the type of things that you would have to deal with every day in a programming job.

the only way you can get a purely programming dedicated course is if you get onto a high level course such as a ND (National Diploma) or degree courses.

[mjlorbet]

yeah.... java, bah.... java, if you're looking for something that's not going to piss you off after 5 minutes and be a desirable skill after an associates degree, try some C# or Visual Basic (.net is hot lately) or some web stuff if you like simple designs and big paychecks for relatively little work.

[doctordew]

I'm not looking at the classes as something that will make me money right now. I have my freelance writing which brings in a few hundred a month with only writing a few articles. I'm looking to start chipping away at the easier classes I'd be taking in college anyways. C# and .net are something I'll look into though. Thanks.

[MorganK]

doctordew,

Any type of College environment or program you decide upon, won't initially place you into industry specifc classes. You'll need to take the general essentials, and build up.

For what you're looking to do, your best option would be to register for Computer Science and Engineering, which would encap what you're looking to learn. After the first two years or so, they'll place you into more specific classes and programs.