Do you need math to be a programmer?

How much math should I retake in college?

• I'm a sophomore in highschool (10th grade) and I'm planning for my future after highschool. I really want to be a programmer (probably C++ and/or C#. I'm not too sure on the difference but I'm taking an introduction to programming next year). I know I will like programming because I love problem solving and making macros for games. I'm not sure which field in programming I will take but I'm leaning toward game development because I've always wanted to make games (MMORPGs mostly). The problem is, I haven't tried in school this far, and though I could just jump into programming I think I will fail if I don't take math over... all of it. You see, I just learn what I need to know for the next test and forget it. That has been my mentality for most of my classes, and it works. Unfortunately I'm going to be behind and if I want to be a programmer (especially for game development with 3D environment) I'm going to need to know some advanced math. I passed baby algebra last year with a C and it's pretty pathetic. I know I can do well at math because this year in math I'm doing really well. I LOVE trigonometry, I could do trig questions for fun :P ANYWAY! With all these holes in my math I don't know what to take in college. I was thinking about taking Algebra all the way through Calculus again but I'm not too knowledgeable. My brother said it was a bad idea because all algebra is, is the ability to solve an equation. What should I do? BTW: I want to have a doctorate in programming. I want to make something of my life.

• Answer:

  The college will specify what math classes are required for the degree. Visit the website of the college you might attend, and review the Computer Science program requirements. Most do require Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra, and perhaps some other course. So take all the math you can in HS this will prepare you for college.