Information Technology major with a concentration on game development

[purduestudent]

I an transferring over to Purdue University Global next semester and I wanted to get some reviews of the IT Program with a concentration on game development. Any tips for some of the classes? Especially MM250 Discrete Mathematics. I am not the best at math but I did manage to get a C- at the UMN in Precalculus with a tough teacher so maybe there is some hope. Here is the Degree Plan:

https://catalog.purdueglobal.edu/undergr...eeplantext

Program Requirements

Course ListCode
Title
Credits

Core Requirements

CM107
? College Composition I
5
CM220
? College Composition II
5
CS212
? Communicating Professionalism
5
MM212
? College Algebra
5
MM250
? Discrete Mathematics
5
100/200 Level
Arts and Humanities Requirement 1
5
100/200 Level
Science Requirement 1
5
100/200 Level
Social Science Requirement 1
5
100/200 Level
General Education Elective
5
Total Core Requirements
45
Major Requirements

IT117
? Website Development
5
IT133
? Microsoft Office Applications on Demand
5
or IT153
? Spreadsheet Applications
IT163
? Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access
5
IT190
? Information Technology Concepts
5
IT234
? Database Concepts
5
IT273
? Networking Concepts
5
Select one of the following: 2
5
IN250
? Software Development Concepts Using Python

IN251
? Software Development Concepts Using C#

IN252
? Software Development Concepts Using Java

IN253
? Software Development Concepts Using JavaScript and PHP

Select one of the following: 3
5
IN254
? Software Design and Development Concepts Using Python

IN255
? Software Design and Development Concepts Using C#

IN256
? Software Design and Development Concepts Using Java

IN257
? Software Design and Development Concepts Using JavaScript and PHP

IT286
? Network Security Concepts
5
IT301
? Project Management I
6
IT302
? Human Computer Interaction
6
IT331
? Technology Infrastructure
6
IT332
? Principles of Information Systems Architecture
6
IT350
? Advanced Database Concepts
6
IT402
? IT Consulting Skills
6
IT460
? Systems Analysis and Design
6
IT489
Bachelor's-Level Information Technology Internship
6
or IT499
Bachelor's Capstone in Information Technology
Total Major Requirements
93
Open Elective Requirements

Open Electives (see below)
42
Total Open Elective Requirements
42
TOTAL CREDITS
180

Game Development

Course ListCode
Title
Credits[b]IN240
? Game Design and Mechanics
5
IN241
? Game Programming
5
IN242
? Game Art and Animation
5
TOTAL CREDITS
15[/b]


How tough is the major?

[Kalas]

Have you taken any development classes? It sounds fun until you actually have to do it and have your programs compile.

Based on that course list it looks like you really wouldn't know enough to be a developer or a useful IT guy on the network/systems side of things. It doesn't even have a data structures and algorithms class. Either get a proper IT degree or a real computer science/software engineering degree. This is more like two associates degrees than a bachelor's. I'd hire someone with a couple relevant certifications before I'd hire anyone with this degree.

If you want to be a game dev you'll learn more game development skills at gamedev.tv than you will in those courses. There's no C++ so you can't even begin to touch Unreal. The Javascript courses may or may not give you anything that would actually be useful in something like RPG Maker that allows further customization with JS. At a minimum you'd need pixel art and CG drawing skills to create something you could sell with RPGM or another engine that is equally simple. You wouldn't be hired for a job to do that though, that's putting a year+ of your life into a game, listing it on Steam and hoping enough people buy it so you end up with minimum wage for the time you put into it a couple years after release. Statistically speaking, that is not most people. Unity uses C# so that's good, but there's a lot more to making a game with Unity anyone would want to play than just C#.

I'm very concerned about the lack of math in that degree path. How do you not have to take calc 1?!?! It's legitimately needed in a lot of development in general, but especially in game development that goes beyond the simplest projects or game makers no commercial company would use. No statistics either. That's insane. I am by no means an expert dev, but if you're afraid of discrete math (easier than calc) there is a very good chance that anything in development (especially game development, far more competitive and difficult to break into) will be a hobby and you'll never get to the point of being employable.

I would strongly suggest auditing a calc, stats and discrete math class at edX to start getting better at math if you want to make a go of it as a developer.

[LevelUP]

Discrete Mathematics at Study.com involves relatively simple algebraic concepts, and the course allows you to use a calculator for problem-solving. You'll need to memorize around 10 mathematical formulas, and with this preparation, you should be well-prepared for the math section, which constitutes only about 25% of the exam. The remaining portion involves understanding various concepts. This course typically takes approximately 20-40 hours to complete. Failing Discrete Mathematics three times is highly unlikely.

We've received excellent feedback on the PUG IT degree program. Many students have achieved nearly straight A's and managed to complete the program in just two terms, especially after transferring in a substantial number of credits. Be prepared for a substantial amount of writing and presentation work, including PowerPoints.

However, it's worth noting that some individuals have found the Software Development courses to be challenging, so transferring credits for those courses is recommended. As for a Game Development concentration, the difficulty might depend on your programming experience. The IT management concentration is often considered the easiest option.

Follow the degree plan
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/PU...egree_Plan

---

Have you taken any development classes? It sounds fun until you actually have to do it and have your programs compile.

Based on that course list it looks like you really wouldn't know enough to be a developer or a useful IT guy on the network/systems side of things. It doesn't even have a data structures and algorithms class. Either get a proper IT degree or a real computer science/software engineering degree. This is more like two associates degrees than a bachelor's. I'd hire someone with a couple relevant certifications before I'd hire anyone with this degree.

If you want to be a game dev you'll learn more game development skills at gamedev.tv than you will in those courses. There's no C++ so you can't even begin to touch Unreal. The Javascript courses may or may not give you anything that would actually be useful in something like RPG Maker that allows further customization with JS. At a minimum you'd need pixel art and CG drawing skills to create something you could sell with RPGM or another engine that is equally simple. You wouldn't be hired for a job to do that though, that's putting a year+ of your life into a game, listing it on Steam and hoping enough people buy it so you end up with minimum wage for the time you put into it a couple years after release. Statistically speaking, that is not most people. Unity uses C# so that's good, but there's a lot more to making a game with Unity anyone would want to play than just C#.

I'm very concerned about the lack of math in that degree path. How do you not have to take calc 1?!?! It's legitimately needed in a lot of development in general, but especially in game development that goes beyond the simplest projects or game makers no commercial company would use. No statistics either. That's insane. I am by no means an expert dev, but if you're afraid of discrete math (easier than calc) there is a very good chance that anything in development (especially game development, far more competitive and difficult to break into) will be a hobby and you'll never get to the point of being employable.

I would strongly suggest auditing a calc, stats and discrete math class at edX to start getting better at math if you want to make a go of it as a developer.

Keep in mind that you have the option to tailor your degree plan according to your preferences. This is particularly convenient if you have some elective slots available.

For instance, you could choose to study Calculus instead of College Algebra.

Study.com has a C+ course. That's a possibility to consider. Additionally, it's advisable to include Python from Sophia in your coursework. Furthermore, you can take a Data Structures course.

Remember, you can acquire game development skills independently of your college curriculum, and the strength of your portfolio could become a significant factor if you're aiming for a job in that field.

Regarding software development in general, it demands a substantial amount of knowledge. Anticipate dedicating 3-6 months after completing college to gain the skills required for employability.

Both IT and Computer Science offer an array of diverse paths to explore.

[davewill]

I find that whole degree a bit baffling. IT and software development are two completely different disciplines. It sounds to me like you won't learn either one very well.

[bjcheung77]

@purduestudent, Welcome to the board. It's great you've got a degree/school in mind, I would recommend keeping your options open, similar programs without a hefty math requirement exists... However, as strangers without knowing you more, we can't advise you nor tell you what to do until we get a fuller overview of your scenario, you've got a very good introduction post but it's missing most of the content on the addendum/template here:  https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

As we don't know your overall picture without that addendum/template informing us many more important details. We don't know what subjects you have interest in, other than IT, and what was mentioned above. Your budget, commitments, subject interests, study habits, tuition assistance, support system (family/school/work) and many more play a role... Take some time deciding, researching, and also working on your math courses using alternative credit providers.  

Right now, it's similar to asking which coffee you should get without knowing the details of what you want in the coffee... Have you checked comparable programs? Advice is just that, you decide on what is brought/provided to you...  Good luck, have fun, and please update us with more info.  Just in case SNHU Game Art & Development is something that fits your bill as another option, you may want to review their requirements here: https://www.snhu.edu/admission/academic-.../VJdGCdpqx

Last but not least, to answer your question. How tough is the major?  The IT degree you have provided seems like a standard program from several degree providers, it's in IT not Comp Sci, it doesn't require a hefty math/science requirement as that's not the main goal of the program.  It's to get you into entry-level and you can take those extra courses in Applied Masters programs later.  Each program has a specific niche of students it targets, just like the SNHU program I linked above, there are no Math/Science hefty requirements...

[walruspanda]

I'll be honest, even as someone who's a fan of PUG's BSIT degree (in the final term of two right now), the Game Development concentration within BSIT seems...odd. The other concentrations make sense as something either in or adjacent to IT -- for example, I don't do software development per se in my IT job, but I do plenty of Bash and Python coding for API calls and data manipulation, so learning languages has definite IT use. But game development skills aren't useful in IT, and IT skills aren't useful (except on the margins) in game development.

I'm not completely sure what PUG's thought process was here. If I were trying to change careers into game development, this isn't the degree I'd get -- except maybe as a stepping stone into a game development MS.

[CenterSquarEd]

I'll be honest, even as someone who's a fan of PUG's BSIT degree (in the final term of two right now), the Game Development concentration within BSIT seems...odd. The other concentrations make sense as something either in or adjacent to IT -- for example, I don't do software development per se in my IT job, but I do plenty of Bash and Python coding for API calls and data manipulation, so learning languages has definite IT use. But game development skills aren't useful in IT, and IT skills aren't useful (except on the margins) in game development.

I'm not completely sure what PUG's thought process was here. If I were trying to change careers into game development, this isn't the degree I'd get -- except maybe as a stepping stone into a game development MS.

I wish they didn’t call them concentrations. They’re add-on courses that you take in place of other electives, they’re not an area of emphasis within the courses required for the major. I get why they would want to offer additional micro-credentials for “fun” subjects like game development, but it’s too bad they can’t call them undergraduate certificates or even string together enough credits to call them minors.

It’s even more strange that someone could major in cybersecurity with a concentration in game development. As someone who’s filtered through resumes and done interviews from the hiring side (for jobs *not* in the gaming space), it would be very easy to laugh at a resume that said this.

If somebody wants to take the game development courses, definitely go for it, but maybe leave it off your resume if you’re going for a non-gaming job.

If somebody is looking for three more electives for an IT degree, it could also make sense to add some courses from Study.com that are traditionally in Computer Science majors. A “Coursework” section on a resume that included some mix of Data Structures & Algorithms, System Analysis & Design, Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, or Artificial Intelligence would be nice to see.

[walruspanda]

I wish they didn’t call them concentrations. They’re add-on courses that you take in place of other electives, they’re not an area of emphasis within the courses required for the major.

That's pretty true for the BS Cybersecurity and the BS Analytics at PUG, when the concentrations are optional. You're essentially choosing to take e.g. Game Development instead of electives in American History. But it's less true of the BSIT, where you're required to take one of the concentrations -- that's more like a concentration in a traditional bachelor's program.

[CenterSquarEd]

I wish they didn’t call them concentrations. They’re add-on courses that you take in place of other electives, they’re not an area of emphasis within the courses required for the major.

That's pretty true for the BS Cybersecurity and the BS Analytics at PUG, when the concentrations are optional. You're essentially choosing to take e.g. Game Development instead of electives in American History. But it's less true of the BSIT, where you're required to take one of the concentrations -- that's more like a concentration in a traditional bachelor's program.

Thanks, I didn’t realize that! I suppose it’s a fine choice to have some fun with the degree then. It’s still a strange combination.

[LevelUP]

I wish they didn’t call them concentrations. They’re add-on courses that you take in place of other electives, they’re not an area of emphasis within the courses required for the major.

That's pretty true for the BS Cybersecurity and the BS Analytics at PUG, when the concentrations are optional. You're essentially choosing to take e.g. Game Development instead of electives in American History. But it's less true of the BSIT, where you're required to take one of the concentrations -- that's more like a concentration in a traditional bachelor's program.

Thanks, I didn’t realize that! I suppose it’s a fine choice to have some fun with the degree then. It’s still a strange combination.

It used to be a short time ago, that the W3 PHP cert brought in 6 courses which included the entire Software Development concentration.

That's an easy cert to get, which is an open-book test. They give you two tries and only takes 10-20hrs to study for. Cost $95