Some people say get a Degree, because it will help you get jobs and get recognised, but other people say forget about it, it doen't help very much and you can study from classes or home anyway (I know this is being discussed in another post) What are your thoughts? Edited by - The new guy on December 3, 2001 3:28:49 AM

This is the way I see it is:
A degree does not necessarily mean that you are a good programmer. Being a good programmer does not necessarily require a degree. However, when u look at the bio''s of ppl on ''real'' dev teams, most of them have at least a degree in computer science. I think that a degree signifies that you are serious about what you are doing. So serious that you spent $20,000 (i dunno how much exactly) and 2 yrs (again ~) learning about it.

"That''s what I think anyway" - Mr Bean

P.S. I assume that you ARE talking about a programming degree?

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I finally got it all together...
...and then forgot where I put it.

Degree. Not because it "defines" you, but because society today views a degree as some sort of validation of your intellectualism. Thus, though I''ll probably end up doing something really wierd like being a professional driver or cook, I''m getting a BS Computer Science. Go figure.

If your objective is getting into the game development industry, still get a degree. There are principles, practices and theories that casual learning wont expose you to but are part of the curriculum of formalized education.


"University education" to me has become something of an oxymoron...

quote: Original post by AdmiralBinary
I think that a degree signifies that you are serious about what you are doing. So serious that you spent $20,000 (i dunno how much exactly) and 2 yrs (again ~) learning about it.

For reference, I spend 3.5 yrs and something in the neighborhood of 60 - 70K US on my Bachelor''s degree, not counting the free scholarship money. (I ended up playing about 19K out of my own pocket and in loans). I did go to a somewhat expensive private Uni, though.

Anyways, it was time and money well spent. I definately could have gotten a job without the degree, but my salary level took a pretty good jump with the degree.

Also, remember that the computer field currently has more jobs and qualified workers. This means that it''s easier for people without degrees to compete, since there are plenty of spots around. However, the number of graduating computer sciene majors rises every year, and demand will not outstrip supply indefinately. You don''t _need_ a degree now, but you probably will in a few years.

My suggestion: DONT GET A DEGREE. I got a 4 year computer systems engineering degree ($50k worth), very frustrating to see competing people with no degree get jobs ahead of me because they have real-world experience. As I am sure you are all aware, the IT world is in some disarray, and very few companies are spending the time and money recruiting new graduates, they are snapping up the hordes of experienced people who are finding themselves redundant after the downturn in the e-conomy.

There are enough resources on the net to learn any language. Produce an impressive demo, and that will be more testiment to your skills than 2 letters after your name.

Get the degree.

Bottom line is that it will serve you well. Just choose a University that is appropriate to your means. Don''t spend 80k on a BS if you can''t afford it. You can make the most of any education.

The reality is that Universities have reputations and alumni that provide the value above the education. Having a degree can sometimes mean connection with Alumni for job interviews. A degree from Harvard will probably get you in the door for just about any job you pick, just based on the name. Worton School of business in Philly can mean a guaranteed job after completion of your Business Masters just based on reputation.

Also, most Universities teach beyond just the comp sci degree. It''s not quantifiable, but I certainly feel better adapted for the real world since I attended a Liberal Arts College. My background included Science, English, Business and Computers. I often feel that the exposure I had at College gives me a solid frame of reference to learn and understand a much wider array of topics.

Not having a degree doesn''t mean you''ll have problems finding a job, but having a degree can mean an edge in job interviews. I intend to complete my Masters, not because it will give me more knowledge on computers (I teach myself most of what i Know, like most other comp geeks), but because the Masters will easily pay for itself with increase salaries and increased opportunities for advancement and development.

R.