Starcraft 2 Armory

Hello Armorians, I was wondering if I could ask your advice about post-secondary education.

I just finished highschool last year and I am currently taking a year off to work and gather funds to go in to university next year. I'm trying to find the university, best suited for me, and one that offers the right program, for me, and all that jazz.

I'm interested in the graphic design industry. Anything from 2D graphic art to computer coding. I'm not quite sure what all the options are and what they all look at. If I had to choose a specific topic it would be 3D graphic design. Something to do with map/level design and 3D models of any size. As of right now i have the programs Unity and Autodesk 3D studio Max and I am playing around with them and learning them.

So a couple questions I have are:
1. Do you know a university/university degree would either encompass a general stretch of skills or a specific set of skills (keeping in mind I am a Canadian resident).
2. What exactly is computer science? What does this teach me? What doors does it open.
3. What programs will I need to have when I am a student.
4. What insight/expirence do you have that could benefit me.

Anything to add would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Computer Science and Engineering is more for people who want to innovate and improve existing technology. The prerequisites are usually high level math (linear algebra, differential equations, etc), knowledge in the sciences (bio, chem, phys), and a general love for computers. The field is extremely competitive so you'll have to do well in your math classes, take programming classes, and participate in internships. Pretty much, you create the software that people use depending on their needs. Research the nearby University Computer Science program and see if it fits for you.

If you're interested in graphic design, you could attend an art school. I'm not sure about the specifics, but I've seen the work that some of the students produce from my nearby institute and it is amazing. Usually to get accepted or graduate, you'll have to have a portfolio of your work. You could do some research on nearby schools to check on the specifics.

In your free time, you could go to the library or bookstore and borrow/purchase a book on programming languages such as Java, C, etc. I've never programmed so I have no idea what to start out on. I plan on taking programming and engineering classes next quarter so we'll see how that goes.

So just mess around with your current software and if you think it looks good, save it, because it may be handy in the future.

3D design software are costly..........
I know PS can do 3D now...and that's also costly...unless you buy the student edition (I think it's roughly USD 200 from Amazon).

And if you are interested in the design/art side..........all you need to do is practice, try to draw everything, tried out different texture, tried out different background, tried out different color theme.

do you have any sort of experience in graphic design? because if you don't or you feel you need more experience I would recommend trying a semester at a community college durring your year off because in some states it is cheap to take classes. you'll also meet people and get an insight on what's needed to start a career... but since you are in canada i suppose that wont happen. sorry but i dont know any canadian universities.