To start I'll provide a bit of a background on myself. From a young age I had a knack for computers as it were. They just made sense to me and most things came quite natural. As well I enjoyed playing video games (and still do). So naturally I decided that a good career for me would be one in the game design industry. Fast forward a bit. I'm presently in my second year of university. I started out with my focus set on a major in Computer Science and have taken a number of high school computer science courses. But now I'm starting to doubt whether I want anything to do with programming. To be honest I'm sick of the way the courses are run here (it’s a wonder anyone can learn anything practical from these courses) and I am getting rather sick of programming itself. I am realizing that what I really want is a job that allows me to be creative and put some of my ideas to good use. I'd still like to get into the game design industry; I'm just not sure how I should approach this. Currently I am looking at turning my focus to become a level designer or in the area of production (producer for example). What I'm curious to know is whether or not programming will be required for either area. At this point I'd much rather do away with computer science as my tolerance for it has diminished greatly. Its not that I don't understand it (in fact I have a habit of understanding it much easier than most people I know) or struggle with programming. It’s just that I can't see myself coding as a career for the rest of my life, as quite frankly I think I'd die of boredom. Any advice of insight that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. As well I should point out that I am currently starting work on designing levels for oblivion (using the handy TES construction kit) so I can see if this is an area that I could really get into. I guess the main thing I’m looking for is what type of courses/programs I should look at getting into (if any).

I went through the exact same situation you now find yourself. After taking enough programing classes to basically earn a associates, I realized this wasn't for me. I personally could not see myself sitting at a computer all day long. Therefore I changed my major to math and eventually to a MPA and BBA.

While, my basic knowledge of programing has helped in the past; I must say that my business background has help much more so. You learn a lot of useful things such as: how to deal with people, how to write effectively, and how to run a successful project.

I eventually found out that I really enjoy designing and thus have been working in that direction for the last few years off and on. I had actually planned on having a career in Accounting until recently when an old friend approached me and offered me a vested interest in a start-up company. At this instance I wouldn't say I have broken into the industry, but I will say I am well on my way.

I think the best advice I can give to someone is to not sweat the technical stuff. Things in the end just take experience and time to learn. In the long run somebody will always know more then you. Therefore, the trick is to find that niche that is only you. How you design a level or world is less important then that special touch that only you give it. What would set you apart from everyone else?

Do not misunderstand me here the technical stuff is a important part of the process. It just is that anyone can learn it with time and experience.

Well, this is gamedev.net. The focus here is generally on game development, which is a great place to express your creativity.

I agree with you 100% that programming can get really tedious, and I personally share a lot of similarities with the way you described yourself. However, it's important to note that it is good knowledge to have in this field. If you're a designer and you don't do any programming, it's still really good to know how to so that you can design things with the programming in mind. (it's also a really good credential for this field)

You don't want to limit yourself. In the long run, college isn't really forever, so why not tough it out?

Or start programming a game yourself! That's where the real fun is at. It will probably inspire you to continue your classes