<p>Hi Everyone,</p>
<p>I am quite new to this thread, however I have been viewing posts for several days now. Thank you so much for this wonderful resource. I apologize if my questions are repetitive, however with my registration deadline steadfastly approaching, I find myself puling my hair out with both fists. I am somewhat late to the game in that I have just found out that I hate what I do (Finance) and I should have gone down the graphic design route as an undergrad ten years ago. As a background, I already possess a B.A. in Economics (Minor in Psychology) from NYU, and have zero desire (or financial ability) to enroll in another undergrad program for 4 years. I have experience designing brochures and ads for local real estate firm, and more recently have created marketing pieces for a few resumes, and a marketing for a travel magazine my sister is creating in Atlanta, GA. With that, I have finally decided this is where I need to be and I derive great satisfaction out of it. I also dabble in photography. However with both, it has just been self-teaching and I definitely want to become serious about it. I also want to learn web design (Dreamweaver), Flash & Programming…I’m very left-brained as well and can pick up prog languages w/ ease. With all that said I am in CT, a commutable distance to Manhattan, and have limited my search down to the School of Visual Arts or Parsons. Both seem to be great schools from what I have read thus far, however today I spoke with representatives from both schools and came away with mixed feelings. A few observations:</p>
<li><p>Being that I am already familiar with Photoshop, & InDesign, I asked SVA for a syllabus to compare their beginnner classes against my knowledge to see if I need a more advanced class. SVA was more than willing to provide me that info on more than 5 of their classes, while Parson’s said they could not provide that information. That didn’t sit well with me, based on how expensive Parson’s is vs SVA.</p></li>
<li><p>Second, as I was researching the instructors/faculty at SVA & Parson’s it seems to me that SVA had more designers who are experts and well established in graphic/digital design and have their own successful companies. Whereas several of the courses at Parson’s are taught by Artists. That doesn’t mean they’re not successful and good at what they do, I’m just wondering if the approach at SVA is more practical & real-world applicable? I’m sure there are positives on both sides. </p></li>
<li><p>Thirdly, with respect to instruction, SVA has more faculty teaching the CE classes than Parson’s. One could argue, that the CE education might be closer to Undergrad level at SVA as opposed to Parson’s, and possibly more real-world practical based on my comment above.</p></li>
<li><p>Lastly, Parson’s has a certificate program that is more structured, whereas SVA is more flexible allowing you to pick and choose what you want to take. While in the beginning, my head nearly popped off from SVA’s catalogue, now I am comfortable picking what I need. As it turns out, even with Parson’s cert program, I am going to go beyond the requirements anyway taking classes in Dreamweaver, Flash, & Programming. </p></li>
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<p>So based on these observations, my questions are these:</p>
<li> Can anyone shed any light on the differences in backgrounds of the faculty; artist vs graphic designer?</li>
<li> Benefits of faculty teaching more of the classes at SVA vs Parson’s?</li>
<li> Does a certificate from Parson’s carry any weight on a resume? Or will my portdolio speak for itself?</li>
<li> Does anyone have any experience with Parson’s certificate program? Was it comprehensive? Did you feel prepared? Did you feel you had practical knowledge to hit the ground running?<br></li>
<li> Any experience taking courses at SVA? Did you feel prepared? </li>
<li> How available are the professors? Is there any advising?</li>
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<p>Sorry this is so long winded, I’m trying to be thoughtful & thorough! A HUGE thank you to anyone that can provide any insight into this pivotal decision making process! Good luck to everyone awaiting decisions or set to embark on the next chapter of their life.</p>