USC has once again Revamped Computer Science Curriculum

psydent
Fri, 18 Jul 2014 09:01:45 +0000

@GamerGal27‌ Definitely skipping as many math classes as possible is a good idea. All 3 math classes are useless compared to the ITP classes that are great at teaching the important linear algebra and physics for 2D and 3D games. 8 units is very valuable.

Lol. I wouldn’t recommend EE 241 because it’s harder. Both EE 241 and Math 225 are relatively useless for game programming, so I recommend EE 241 because it’s easier and is 1 unit less. The student has more important Games classes to focus on, so if they can get through the class easier it’s a logical decision. Also if the student gets a not-so-good grade then it factors into GPA 1 unit less. Also, the profs of EE 241 have always seemed chiller than the MATH profs, who seem to be full of themselves. That’s more of an observation/impression thing.

AP USH counting as credit is great. The more units you can use for electives/fun classes the better. ITP, CTIN, and CSCI have the most relevant courses. Professional C++ ITP 435 is one of the top rated courses and will be useful to any programmer. If someone wants to do mobile, then any of the iOS or Android courses are great. Things just for fun include the student-favorite Film Symposium THTR 466, where you get to watch movies every week and directors and actors come in to answer questions.

A Game Design minor won’t do much on paper, so I’d say it’s only worth locking up those units if the student really wants to take those classes. If the classes are near the top of the ‘Want to Take’ list, then the minor is a great end-result of that. I don’t think it does much on paper because a CSGM student will 99% of time be applying for programming-focused roles and if employers see USC Games on a resume then they’ll know the candidate has some design background. Having the Game Design minor is less important than having a good design sense because a programmer who can design will be able to have input in a collaborative workplace, which I think is ideal. For the 1% who go for designer-focused roles, they will still have to take design tests, so having more design classes under the belt is useful for knowledge, skills, and experience.