<p>Alright, so I know this sounds crazy but I want to double major in Theater Arts and Computer Science. Is this even possible?</p>
<p>I want to be an actor beyond all doubt, but I realize a Theater Arts degree won't get me any acting jobs, and it definitely wont get me any other jobs. However, a Computer Science Degree is something Im good at (I already work as a computer programmer for a company in the bay area but all my work is online) and the pay is good even for entry level computer programmers. I wouldn't mind being a computer programmer as my career, but it's not my absolute dream job.</p>
<p>Basically Im stuck between what I love, and what I know will be secure.
I love acting, but I also know its not a secure job, i mean, on average, most actors take in an income of $16,000 a year. That's hardly livable now a days, especially in LA. I'm good at Computer Programming, and it's a hot commodity, but I couldn't do it forever.</p>
<p>Is it possible to double major in Comp. Sci and Theater...or...no? And even if it's possible, would it be ridiculous to graduate in 4 years?</p>
<p>The one positive thing: Both the Theater Arts and Computer Science majors at UCSC are pretty darn good.</p>
<p>I would suggest skipping on the CS degree. You already have a foothold in the industry. That’s the important thing. Your work will prove just as much, if not more than a degree to any future employers. Not to mention if you know enough programming to hold a job you’d probably be bored to tears by all the intro classes, and there’s pretty much no way to get out of them. </p>
<p>If you’re intent on getting some kind of a degree, look at the CS minor, and also look at the CS B.A. The B.A. is meant to allow for double-majors, while the B.S. is hard to complete in 4 years on its own. You’re best off talking to an adviser about this after you start school. They can help you make a four or five year plan for graduation.</p>
<p>I was CS + Film for a while, until I realized that neither degree would get me where I wanted to be. Are you sure either degree will get you where you want to go?</p>
<p>I would look at the BA though, as Leisel said. That is, if you can’t do it in 4 years. How about making a little Excel schedule with the requirements, and see if you can?</p>
<p>As a former Theater Major, I would actually suggest doing a CS major, TA minor. There’s no requirement for those cast in productions to be a major (or minor, for that matter), and the minor will allow you more flexibility in your electives. CS is practical, and as you identified, TA is not. </p>
<p>A significant number of theater students are double majors or have another minor. Totally doable.</p>
Well I mean, I want to be an actor, and every summer I plan to move to LA and audition/do whatever I can there, and i’ll probably move to LA after I graduate too. But I do need to get a practical education in case acting doesn’t work out, so it’s like…im not sure if either one would get me where i want to be. So i’m sort of at a dilemma.</p>