<p>I'm looking to go into 3D Modeling and Animation for the gaming industry and hopefully work my way up to eventually become a game designer. I'm not looking for an online degree or an AA. I want a BA that's on campus with dorms available and the whole college life with it. I've googled this and have researched like none other, but I just don't know for sure which schools are corporate/rip-offs and which are legit (Prestigious Universities). I have the grades to go to a really good school so I might as well go for one that will be most impressive.</p>
<p>I've read a lot about which direction to go in if your ultimate goal is to become a game designer. All the articles and discussions on this seem to point towards something that will get your foot in the door so that you can start meeting people and learning the Industry. I've always held value in being a creative person so I thought that the artist route would work very well for me, and plus I have already have experience with some 3D applications.</p>
<p>BUT... I do realize that there are "Game Design" programs out there, and I am very suspicious of how they are viewed by the industry when deciding whether a job applicant makes the cut or not. PLUS since "Game Designer" IS NOT an entry-level position wouldn't it make sense to go for a major that would be?</p>
<p>Another Issue is that these schools offering a Game Design major are more focused in either Art or Programming, or a little of both. Which I can see being helpful but when it comes to getting a job what really matters? What kind of program would help me the most when making an impressive portfolio.</p>
<p>I am uncertain exactly what you wish to do with your talents, but here is a suggestion.
The Univ. of Southern California offers three different choices for students interested in this field.
One is studying Computer Science/Games in the Viterbi School of Engineering. This lab is brand new. More information can be found about the major on the website: [USC</a> - University of Southern California](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu%5DUSC”>http://www.usc.edu) . To request information from the Viterbi School call: 800 526 3347 .
Two other choices are in the incredible School of Cinematic Arts. The Animation and Digital Arts major is listed in the SC catalog, but there is a great video on You Tube under the title of USC School of Cinematic Arts. Use the search tool and scroll down for the major. It shows the classrooms, facilities and explains the goals of the program.
Another choice in the SCA is the Interactive Entertainment major. This is at the cutting edge of cinema/games technology. Again there is a great video explaining the major and the amazing facilities on You Tube.<br>
Admission requires admission to the university and then admission to SCA or Viterbi. SCA requires an addition essay and possibly a portfolio.
Los Angeles is at the center of a huge entertainment industry. USC has a campus which is known for beautiful courtyards, fountains, flowering trees and tropical shrubs.</p>
<p>Ditto Georgia Girl on USC. My son wants to be a video game artist, and I regret that he didn’t apply to USC despite the long odds of being accepted. I think they accept around 16 people into the Animation and Digital Arts major; I hear the acceptance rate is between 5-10%. I remember the application process was pretty intensive and the deadlines were early.</p>
<p>I’ve talked to game company founders, and think you’re right to be suspicous of the “Game Design” majors touted by some colleges. From what I’ve learned, while colleges are promoting degrees that blend programming and art, in reality the game industry hires artists to do art, and programmers to do programming. It’s my understanding that “game designers” work their way up from either the art side or programming side eventually learning both aspects. Game companies aren’t going to hire someone fresh out of college with a BA degree in game development to jump into that position ahead of experienced people.</p>
<p>USC looks like an amazing school for what I’m looking for, but I have to admit that acceptance rating scares the **** out of me lol.</p>
<p>As for the salaries posted… I see that programmers get paid more but I don’t really think that I’d be better off programming over doing 3D animation and game art. I have way more talent as an artist.</p>
<p>In case you missed them on You Tube, the links to the videos regarding the School of Cinematic Arts have been posted here today on another thread. You can find them on the thread about taking courses in the School of Cinema if you were accepted to SC, but not SCA.</p>
<p>mecha- Im in the USC cinema school right now. What I suggest is just go for it, and if you don’t make it in, attempt to transfer after you get in to USC as another major.</p>