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My understanding is that a regionally accredited school is important for getting into other schools, such as when applying for a masters program. But considering a masters program is typically the end of the road, is the type of accreditation important when looking at schools for a masters degree?

If choosing between two schools:

  • A. Regionally accredited, but less desired degree
  • B. Nationally accredited, but more desired degree

(desired = more desired degree type by the industry)

For example:

  • A. Regionally accredited; MS in Game Design and Development
  • B. Nationally accredited; MS in Computer Science with heavy emphasis on Game design and development

To gain entry into the game industry as a programmer, a computer science degree probably goes further than a game design and development degree. Both schools would provide the networking.

Do employers care about accreditation type?

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    Are you referring to programs in the US?
    – ff524
    Commented Mar 16, 2015 at 22:52
  • @ff524 yes. updated question
    – Evorlor
    Commented Mar 16, 2015 at 22:53
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    I'm not sure this question can be answered here, since it asks about what employers in industry think (not employers in Academia). This site has experts with knowledge of Academia, not necessarily industry employers. (The Workplace is the place to ask about expectations of employers in industry, but similar questions have been closed as opinion based there, so I'm not sure how this would be received.)
    – ff524
    Commented Mar 16, 2015 at 22:58
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    "Do employers care about accreditation type?" - Does something give you the impression that they would? I would be surprised if they knew this difference even exists in the first place.
    – Brian Z
    Commented Mar 17, 2015 at 5:23
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    For those who didn't know the difference (such as yours truly) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_accreditation
    – Willie Wong
    Commented Mar 17, 2015 at 12:29

1 Answer 1

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The field of game design and development is relatively new and specialized. The best potential employers are quite likely to know the reputations of institutions that offer suitable degrees. Therefore, I would say that the reputation of the institution is probably more important than either the exact degree title or the accrediting agency.

You probably have a small number of target employers in mind. Try to find out where their employees went to school.

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