js911

I would get a normal bachelor of science in CS and then learn the game programming on your free time. If you're interested in 3D graphics, you should also start learning that by yourself. You can't rely on your university to provide you with a specialized education.

Thanks for your advice, belowthree, we seem to share the same view on this matter. I think I'll stick with the plan unless I'm given a reason not to... perhaps if I feel the professors aren't interested in publishing or pushing me hard enough.

You're correct on the options I have. I just want to make sure spending my 5 years here won't hinder my long-term efforts.

I applied and accepted enrollment as an MS student at the same university I completed my undergrad at. I turned down all my other applications because I was offered funding for the MS, which apparently is rare. About a week after I accepted and signed everything, I was asked to join the PhD program instead - something I wasn't expecting at all. Nearly everyone I talked to said I should accept the offer, which I did, because there was no downside: I can leave after 2 years with a masters if I desire (the department told me this, since they realized I applied for an MS) and I get a slightly better stipend + health care. I also wasn't sure if I wanted a PhD yet (one of the reasons I didn't apply directly for a PhD anywhere), but this opportunity gave me 2 years to find out. I only had about a week make the decision to accept the PhD offer, and there are a few things I didn't consider. After reading grad school forums more, I have a few concerns: 1. Will obtaining all three degrees from the same school be looked upon unfavorably? I've seen mixed opinions on this, and I've even seen some posters say they would never hire anyone who hasn't changed programs. I think such a perspective is ridiculous, but the fact that an employer might possess such a view is enough to give me pause. 2. The department I'm at is not ranked and essentially off the radar, but the professors are all from top universities. I couldn't care less about rankings, and I think the quality of a student is infinitely more important than reputation; however, I'm afraid the rest of the world doesn't agree. Will receiving a PhD from an unranked program handicap me? I haven't decided on academia or industry, but I'd like to keep all doors open. Thanks

I recently applied for a master's in computer science for next fall, and I made the decision to take stay where I'm completing my undergrad for the MS. I'm at a recognized and respected university for undergrad, though the CS department is relatively new and is just starting to expand its graduate program. I chose this school over other more "prestigious" universities for my master's for three primary reasons: a generous assistantship / tuition waiver, a personal environment where faculty already know me and are interested in my work, and a unique project starting up that promises both research and work opportunities in my area of interest. Last week, the department surprised me by asking me to join the PhD program. A PhD was not in my original plans, but I'm definitely open to it; originally, I expected to apply at a more recognized school after my MS if I wanted to continue for my PhD. I'm trying to decide if I should accept this offer, and my main concern is the newness of the graduate program here. The professors are all very solid in their respective areas, but I don't know if I'll be "aiming low" by not applying to other programs. There are even more financial incentives to be part of the PhD program, of course, and I was told I can leave after 2 years if I want. From an ethical perspective, I'm not sure if I could do that, though. This could be a really exciting opportunity to be part of something new, I just need some other opinions to help make my decision. Thanks