what Degree should a game programmer have

[hoshi711]

I am a Junior in High school and I want to eventually be a game programmer. I have found a number of schools that offer degrees specifically for game programming and I have also seen a number of game programmers who have degrees in computer science. My dad wants me to look at learning programming through electrical engineering. I'm not really sure where to go.

[yaustar]

Computer Science is the default answer for programmers. Game programming specific degrees can sometimes miss out of some CS base theory but at the same time, it is usually has more practical work.

Why does your dad want you to look at electrical engineering?

[hoshi711]

because it opens up a gazillion other job opportunities should i ever say become disinterested in game programming

[yaustar]

What if you become disinterested in electrical engineering?

[tsloper]

In other words (adding to Steven's response), computer science also opens up a gazillion other job opportunities should you ever become disinterested in the game industry.
An EE major can get hired programming games, but a CS major in general will find it easier to get hired programming games.

[jqueeng02]

I agree that you should just take up Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

[OCacc]

Having started studying an Degree in Engineering:Robotics, I gave it away to do a degree in Science:Games Development. The engineering was to broad based and more focused on engineering, the games development means I will still be able to get into normal programming if I can't get into games programming. From what I can see the main difference between normal programming and games programming is the physics and maths subjects in games programming.

[deoni]

Computer Science and/or Computer Animation would be perfect degree!