Art Major - Concentrations

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>I haven't posted on here in awhile but I have a situation and I thought I would see about some folks thoughts.
I am currently an art major about to start the second semester of my junior year. I am actually a double major, the second being Design Technology with a print emphasis as well as a minor in Mass Communications. But this question relates to the concentrations because I have to pick one for my Art major.
(as seen on the site)</p>

<p>SELECT 9 SEMESTER CREDITS; AT LEAST 7 CREDITS MUST BE
TAKEN AT 3000 OR ABOVE (SEE CATALOG)
May be taken in graphic design, drawing, printmaking,
painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry/metals, art
history, Native American art, exhibit design,
community arts management, or a two-dimensional or
three-dimensional cumulative concentration.</p>

<p>Currently the areas I am considering are printmaking, art history, or photography (if I can get it approved). Originally I was thinking the 2d concentration or graphic design but since I have added the second major it doesn't seem necessary.
I am trying to think in terms of career options and trying to come off as well rounded as possible. I have all the required credits to choose printmaking but I am not sure that really adds anything since I will have a print emphasis already (traditional print is very different but I don't know if employers would really care). I love studying art history but I am not sure if I could really do anything with a BA in the subject. Also, art history is being cut completely so I am not sure I have the time (I have 3 courses but they are not 3000 level but they might let it slide since it is getting cut). And I love photography but it is not currently an option.
It would help if I had a career in mind but I am pretty open and have nothing specific planned. I am thinking graphic design, advertising, museum work, or photojournalism broadly.
Any input would be appreciated since I am quite lost in the options.
Also worth mentioning, Jewelry/metals and sculpture have already been cut so no 3d options anymore.
This turned out a lot longer than expected and a happy new year!</p>

2

<p>Hi there! Interesting question! I would have steered you toward graphic design or exhibit design based on reading your post several times. Are there some areas in graphic design you can explore that aren’t covered by your design tech classes? I also like exhibit design based on your post, since you express an interest in art history and have a design background. I don’t think I’d choose any concentration that included programs that are slated to be cut! Let us know what you decide, and good luck!</p>

3

<p>Thanks for responding! Exhibit Design is not included in my major so that might be a good choice since it is 3d rather than 2d.</p>

4

<p>bumping for more thoughts</p>

5

<p>Anything that would educate you more about art is going to be a plus in the design field. The more that you know, the more well rounded you will be. As for learning something that could prove helpful as a job skill though, graphic design might be the best choice. </p>

<p>Graphic design can help with so many different commercial aspects. It is what print ads are based on as well as computer graphics. Anything that can help you with computer graphics can help with finding a job.</p>

<p>Right now there are so many companies that are turning towards a website as a way to compete. The big companies have already done this and it is the smaller ones that are now catching up. People are starting to realize that a good website will give you an edge and put any sized business on the map. What a good website needs more than anything is graphics.</p>

<p>It doesn’t mean that you need to worry about the technical aspects of building a website, that is a completely different field. But, being able to use graphic design and then the ability to utilize that in a website design is very valuable.</p>

6

<p>Thank you! I think I will go for graphic design just so that I can take an assortment of classes. Also, I recently found out that if you are going for a BS and a BA at my school you have to take an extra 30 credits so I’m not sure if the double major thing is happening. But I am definitely still going for the BA in art so I still needed the concentration advice.</p>