So I'm thinking of being a game developer in the near future. My major is Math-Probability & Statistics, and my minor is going to be in Computer Science. The thing I'm having trouble is, choosing a focused field for my upper division courses for Computer Science. Here are my choices: * Theory * Programming Languages * Software Design and Engineering * Operating Systems * Computer Networks * Networked Systems * Video Game Design * Security and Cryptography * Concurrency * Databases * Web Server Languages * Web Applications * Computer Architecture * Computer Graphics * Computer Animation I really don't know what field of Game Programming I'm going to go into, so what is the best field to focus on? Also, do you think a Math major with CS minor is viable in today's market?

For a decent CS understanding:
* Computer Architecture
* Operating Systems
* Concurrency <-- though I'm guessing this will be out-dated
* Software Design and Engineering

For games:
* Computer Graphics
* Computer Networks and/or Networked Systems <-- depends on the content, might be IT-focused or might have a low-level-focus...
* Computer Animation

Other:
* Databases <-- I enjoyed this just for learning about "Data normalisation"
* Video Game Design <-- maybe just to show you have an interest in games?
* Theory <-- what the hell is this?

Quote: Original post by Hodgman
For a decent CS understanding:
* Computer Architecture
* Operating Systems
* Concurrency <-- though I'm guessing this will be out-dated
* Software Design and Engineering

For games:
* Computer Graphics
* Computer Networks and/or Networked Systems <-- depends on the content, might be IT-focused or might have a low-level-focus...
* Computer Animation

Other:
* Databases <-- I enjoyed this just for learning about "Data normalisation"
* Video Game Design <-- maybe just to show you have an interest in games?
* Theory <-- what the hell is this?

Thanks for the quick reply!

Here's what the course descriptions say for Theory:

"CSE 105. Theory of Computability (4)

An introduction to the mathematical theory of computability. Formal languages. Finite automata and regular expression. Push-down automata and context-free languages. Computable or recursive functions: Turing machines, the halting problem. Undecidability.

CSE 107. Introduction to Modern Cryptography (4)

Topics include private and public-key cryptography, block ciphers, data encryption, authentication, key distribution and certification, pseudorandom number generators, design and analysis of protocols, zero-knowledge proofs, and advanced protocols. Emphasizes rigorous mathematical approach including formal definitions of security goals and proofs of protocol security."

I don't think I'll be taking Theory anyhow. =P
But I think I've nailed it down to a few choices:

* Software Design and Engineering
* Networked Systems
* Video Game Design
* Databases
* Web Server Languages
* Web Applications
* Computer Graphics
* Computer Animation

I really want to learn something that would give me a good foundation of game programming in general, whether it be AI/graphics/engine/gameplay/tools. So not something too specific that I can't branch out. I'm leaning towards "Software Deisgn and Engineering"? Here's the description of the courses:

"CSE 111. Object Oriented Software Design (4)

Introduction to object-oriented analysis and design. Object-oriented modeling methods for analysis and design, object-oriented general design paradigms, object-oriented design techniques. Cyclic development of object-oriented systems.

CSE 112. Software Engineering (4)

(Formerly CSE 110.) This course will cover software engineering topics associated with large systems development such as requirements and specifications, testing and maintenance, and design."

Quote: Original post by Juanderful
I really don't know what field of Game Programming I'm going to go into, so what is the best field to focus on?

Whichever one sounds most interesting to you.