4 replies to this topic

[Lynzatron]

I am new to the forums, hello!

I am considering starting my AS in Video Game Design, and have done somewhat extensive research into the university I have chosen, which is Keiser. I found them to be accredited, and most of their reviews are positive, aside form some complaints about tuition costs (which is no object for me).

My question is for those of you who currently work in the field; is Keiser a good choice? I recently saw a list of the top 10 schools to go for an Undergraduate degree, and Keiser was not among them. Do most companies prefer a graduate from one of those most notable, or do they primarily focus on knowledge and skill level? Is the origin of the degree of utmost importance?

Do you know of any Keiser graduates who work in the field? Are they successful? How is a degree from Keiser viewed by companies?

I appreciate any and all advice. Thank you so much for your time!

Lyndsay

Edit: And just for reference, this is the program in question:
http://www.keiseruni...e-design-AS.php

[Reedbeta]

I've never heard of Keiser before. However, based on looking at the link, I wouldn't expect this program on its own to make you very employable. The major courses look like they give you just a little bit of everything, and given that it's a two-year degree you won't have time to delve deeply into any area. To get employed you need to have demonstrably well-developed skills in a specific area (e.g. programming, modeling, texturing), which requires more than just taking a few classes in that area. For instance, you might do a full, 4-year bachelor's degree in computer science (assuming your talents and interests lie toward the programming side of things). Having some exposure to other parts of game development beyond your core expertise certainly won't hurt you when it comes time to get a job - but it also won't make up for deficits in your core expertise, if you see what I mean.

[Lynzatron]

Reedbeta said:

I've never heard of Keiser before. However, based on looking at the link, I wouldn't expect this program on its own to make you very employable. The major courses look like they give you just a little bit of everything, and given that it's a two-year degree you won't have time to delve deeply into any area. To get employed you need to have demonstrably well-developed skills in a specific area (e.g. programming, modeling, texturing), which requires more than just taking a few classes in that area. For instance, you might do a full, 4-year bachelor's degree in computer science (assuming your talents and interests lie toward the programming side of things). Having some exposure to other parts of game development beyond your core expertise certainly won't hurt you when it comes time to get a job - but it also won't make up for deficits in your core expertise, if you see what I mean.

Thanks Reedbeta. If I do pursue a career in this field, I definitely want to develop a specialization, this program may not be right for me.

[TheNut]

You can't go wrong with a baccalaureate in Computer Science, Software Engineering (which is commonly mistaken for Computer Science), Mathematics, or Art at an accredited university. These degrees broaden your skill sets so you can be employable in other markets should you chose so. You can specialize your skills towards a specific industry, such as video gaming, throughout the course of your undergrad. This is what will later become your portfolio when you enter the industry. It shows you are self-sufficient, resourceful, and have a passion for gaming.

I don't know anything about Keiser, so I can't comment on its program. The program doesn't appear to be accredited, which should immediately raise red flags. This is probably a program for graduates that want to specialize in video gaming without having to do it on their own. Although it begs the question what they were doing the last 4 years obtaining their degree. That's plenty of time to specialize.

[alphadog]

What's more important to me in hiring a junior person is not that the person has a piece of paper with a recognizable school name (like MIT) and/or a suggestive program title (like "Video Game Design").

Rather, I want to know if they know what an algorithm like a red-black tree is. Or if they know some other common things of the craft, like best practices, or an organizational methodology like Scrum, or can talk about a technology they've used and how. Maybe you can show me a portfolio, some demos or things of the sort.

If you can sit across me and have an intelligent, focused and productive discussion relevant to the position you are applying for, you have a fighting chance, Keiser or otherwise...