I doubt you would ever use any of that as a professional programmer.
In the games industry you will use those on a regular basis. Linear Algebra (3D transformations), Probability & Statistics (Compression schemes, AI routines), Ordinary Differential Equations (Physics!), and the list goes on. They are *all* useful to know.
It's even more doubtful that anyone will hire because you had them.
Within the games industry, you will find it extremely hard to get employed if you know nothing of linear algebra!
That you have the degree is really the most important thing.
Not it isn't. The important thing is what you have produced in your spare time (or during a university course). If you have some awesome work examples (remember: quality, not quantity!), you'll be invited in for an interview. If you have done nothing beyond the bare minimum to get your degree, you'll struggle.
The degree itself is unimportant - The important thing is how you applied yourself during that degree course.
A degree actually in computer science is even better. A degree in computer science with a high GPA even better.
Rubbish. The last 3 graduates I've hired have had degrees in animation, maths, and physics. If you can code *WELL*, you seem like a hard working sort, and you can demonstrate relevant knowledge outside of the realms of programming (like maths, art, physics, animation, design, photography, audio, etc), then you are a very desirable candidate. FWIW, I've have hired zero CS graduates over the last 14 years (out of about 25 or so graduates). Just because they've been taught what a linked list is, doesn't mean they know when it is best to use one, and doesn't mean they have any domain specific knowledge that will actually be useful to a game company.
So take the one's that easiest.
Wrong advice. Do the ones that are hardest (because it usually indicates that it's an area in which you are weak), but most importantly do the ones that interest you most (because that interest will ensure you maintain enthusiasm throughout). If a team lead is considering you for a position, they usually want to know :
* Is the person going to get on with the personalities within the team?
* Is this person going to buckle when given a tough challenge?
* Does this person work hard?
* Can this person answer technical questions with sane answers?
Believe it or not, team leads in the games industry are not stupid people. If you've chosen to always take the 'easy' route, it stands out like a sore thumb, and you will be moved to the bottom of the pile. We want to recruit the best people we can, not the laziest!
It isn't taking easy classes, it's pursuing what you excel at.
I'd agree with you on that point.
