Can I have some thoughts on these majors? Art History, Media Studies, Arts Manag.,...

College Majors
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<p>So, I'm in quite a (probably typical) bind. School starts again in a couple of weeks, and I'm starting to rethink the classes I have chosen to take this semester. I'm going to be a sophomore at the College of Charleston in SC. I spent my first year experimenting with a ton of classes that I liked but just didn't seem right to major in. </p>

<p>So here I am: so stuck and frustrated that I've decided to ask strangers for their opinions. Not looking for you to decide for me, since you don't know me (obviously). But just have an unbiased outlook. </p>

<p>Ok, here's the majors (and minors) I'm considering. Don't worry about how many credits everything is, because I'm fairly certain I can fit it all into the next 3 (I hope to God) years.</p>

<p>-Communications, with a concentration in Media Studies- Such a vast major. I kind of want to have a job prospect when I graduate, and I hear that so many people with this major get kind of stuck later on, for whatever reason. But, I like to write, and I'll be able to take a few writing classes. Plus, one of my dream jobs is to work for a magazine some day (not necessarily writing, which is what gets me stuck-what about being a creative director or something?). Anyway, this major confuses me because I feel like there are too many and too little things to do with it at the same time. </p>

<p>-Arts Management, which I'll have to find another thing to major or minor in with- Pretty much so I could hopefully someday work at a museum or gallery or something and have both an arts education and a little business knowledge. But I'm not looking forward to the business classes I'd have to take. I'm not a big fan of math. But the other classes look good. And I like the prospects of this one. </p>

<p>-Art History- Probably to go along with Arts Management. I took Asian Art History last semester, and it was my favorite class and my hardest class at the same time. I love learning about the art but I hated memorizing everything, which I have a feeling will be a lot of this major. I think it'd be worth it, though, because I like it. What are some prospects with this, though?</p>

<p>-Historic Preservation- Another dream of mine is to own an antique and architectural salvage store. This would help with that. BUT I'm not sure if I should just major in Art History because I could take the same exact classes and have a broader major title. Any advice?</p>

<p>-Studio Art- Would love to minor in this, because I'd love to have an art background (even if it's small) and I love photography and would concentrate in that. I think this would open some doors for me. </p>

<p>OK, that's enough of my typing. If you read all of that, thank you so much. Please help me out and give me your opinions. See, I'm not completely lost as for what to do. It's just that I have so many ideas it's hard to choose one. </p>

<p>And since this is a long post, I might as well make it longer: Here's things I enjoy in life, so you get a better idea for who I am: travel, writing, photography, fashion, antiques, cities, art, books (and design of books- hello, publishing?), and that's all I can think of.</p>

<p>Ok that's enough. Just remember I can do basically any major and minor combo that would be beneficial. I'm even open to double minoring or something. Thanks again, so much.</p>

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<p>The Arts Management major sounds like the best combination of practical and interesting. If you plan some day to own an antiques or salvage shop, getting some business courses under your belt would be a good idea. You could do a double major in Art History or Historic Preservation along with Arts Management if that interests you; I would imagine that the combination would make you an attractive candidate for museum jobs.</p>

<p>Be aware that none of these majors lead straight into plentiful, high-paying jobs the way, say, engineering does. Entry-level jobs at museums, arts nonprofits, publishing, and so on are hard to get and do not pay well, at least at first. You will have to be imaginative and enterprising when you look for a job.</p>

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<p>Do college offer majors in Graphic Design? Or give a Graphic Design Certificate? Or Courses?</p>

<p>If so, maybe double up Art Management or Media Studies with Graphic Design, that way you will have a real skill to provide upon graduation, then over the course of your career gravitate towards things like the Arts.</p>

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<p>BIGeastBEAST: I’ve looked into graphic design. I wish my school offered classes in it because it is certainly something I’d love to try. Maybe I’ll take a class elsewhere in it?</p>

<p>Jingle: Thanks for the advice. That’s what I was thinking. It’s nice to hear from someone else. And I’m aware that I’ll have to work my butt off…I think it’ll be worth it!!..I hope!</p>

<p>Any other advice?</p>

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<p>Are you considering a second degree? If so, I would recommend holding off on historic preservation until a MA/MArch. Master level programs offer a stronger focus on historic preservation and will likely give you more connections/a more competitive resume. By the way, usually historic preservation masters fall under art history departments or architecture departments. </p>

<p>I personally majored in art history. It was the best decision I ever made. The major is truly challenging and teaches you how to think critically and quickly. It is also a respected liberal art. Currently trying to get those super competitive museum/art non-profit jobs. It isn’t easy, but is getting any job in any field easy in this market?</p>

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