>Schooling and Qualifications > >Though the majority of gaming-specific schools have only been relatively recently established - or, at least, only recently accredited to award degrees - there's no doubting their growing popularity. The Computer Research Association revealed in 2005 that intended enrolment into more "traditional" computer science degrees by incoming students had fallen by 60% from 2000 to 2004. While Computer Science isn't exactly a games-industry specific degree to begin with, and the statistics are far from an indication that the enrolment is transferring to game specific degrees, the organization did point to the growing popularity of other options for students looking to study in the field as a probable reason for this decline. > >Additionally, of course, there are no figures stating exactly how many arts students are viewing their degree as an entry-point into the games industry. However, all gaming specific institutions offer courses in arts and design, which allows for a more focused learning outcome. > >McCreary notes that she feels "not all students are suited for the traditional academic experience and it's nice for those students to have options," though adds that EA encourages students "to pursue more traditional academic degrees that allow for an emphasis on game development." > >"Our concern with for-profit institutions is that students may not learn the fundamental the tools for understanding and solving complex issues," she says. "We are most likely to hire someone who has a BFA or MFA from a traditional art college and a BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science for our entry level artist and software engineer positions."

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