Students Flock To GMU For a Degree In Video Game Design 225
Hugh Pickens writes "The Washington Post reports that officials at George Mason University are quickly finding out that they have vastly underestimated interest in the school's new bachelor's degree in video game design. 'We've been overwhelmed,' says Scott M. Martin, assistant dean for technology, research, and advancement at GMU. 'Our anticipated enrollment for the fall is 500 percent higher than we expected.' George Mason first offered the program last fall, when officials anticipated that it would enroll about 30 full-time students, but currently 200 students are enrolled and that number is increasing. Course titles under the program include 'History of Computer Game Design,' while other courses focus on computer programming, digital arts, and graphics and motion capture. Although many colleges offer courses and degrees in computer gaming in the United States, GMU offers the only four-year program in the DC area, an important market for gaming because serious games — those used to train military and special operations, doctors, and others who use simulators — are becoming a market force in the region because of the proximity to federal government centers."
All because of the scouts viral marketing (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Numbers (Score:3, Funny)
to be fair, it's really only two numbers. ;-)
Re:won't take long... (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, everyone told me to stay away from Computer science lest I become a zombie at a cubicle staring at code all day.
But I did some research, and I know one day I want to be just like Steve Ballmer.
One day, I'LL be the one sweating on stage shouting developers over and over until people give in and start clapping. Who doesn't dream of a life like that?
Re:Know what this means? (Score:4, Funny)
Between applications from recent grads that can't find jobs, ex-grads currently working at Starbucks, and those folks laid off to increase CEO paychecks, EVERY job market is already flooded. Might as well do something you enjoy for 4 years. You're going to be fucked after that no matter what field you go into.
Yes, and this way you get to carry around a large non-dischargeable debt to remind you of all the good times!
Re:Numbers (Score:3, Funny)
Re:won't take long... (Score:1, Funny)
You do realize that's a Masters of Business Administration, not a Masters of Computer Science you needed, right? :D
Ooops shoot, I missed that detail as well. Now I'm stuck in a cubicle writing the next Astro Chicken game for Scumsoft while scary looking managers crack whips over my head!
P.S. Send help soon! Coordinates will be supplied to the first player to beat Astro Chicken: The clutchling continues!
Re:Tell me about it (Score:3, Funny)
...am I the only one who went into a programming degree realizing that C++ and Java programming are nothing like playing Halo 3? I mean come on, not even on Legendary.
Clearly you're not using vi to do your C++ and Java coding.
Re:Know what this means? (Score:3, Funny)
> After my first year in the program, I never saw that in my Physics classes.
Wait, so you're saying someone actually became a physics major because "there's money in physics"? :)