<p>I am considering a dual degree program in which I would study Computer Science (considered to be part of the engineering college at my school-Notre Dame) and Graphic Design. What kind of careers are out there for this type of combination?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>It seems like an odd combination. What are you trying to accomplish with this combination?</p>
<p>well i know that web design and special effects are two of the big ones but I was wondering what else was out there. Given the rise of technology and having a computer and interactive screen in an increasing amount of products, I wouldn't think this would be an odd combination. I'm more or less interested in the specific careers and/or companies that would be interested in individuals with such a background.</p>
<p>Graphic design is the use of tools in creative ways. Computer Science is the math and theory behind creating those tools. Programming and software engineering, usually some part of the CS degree, can be used to create those tools.</p>
<p>Below is a link to a number of homework assignments to a typical CS course, often called Foundations of Computer Science. Take a look at a few of the assignments to get an idea of some of the things that you'd be doing in Sophomore/Junior year of a CS program.</p>
<p>The only person that I can think of off the top of my head is that guy at Google that does the artwork on their search page for certain holidays. He has a bit of a background in fine arts I think in addition to computer science.</p>
<p>The one career that really pops into mind with that dual degree combination would be PC/console game industry. You could be the game designer or programmer.</p>
<p>I used to own a company with a guy that went into the multimedia area and the projects that he told me about had separate experts in each area. If you have teams working on different pieces of a project, they each have different milestones and reporting structures. Splitting time means that one has to set priorities and that often doesn't work so well. Management winds up saying that both projects are top priority.</p>
<p>That is why I said "or" for programmer or designer. Having those two degrees would be a good combination for providing a perspective from an artistic and a computational standpoint. I have met many designers that don't know anything with regards to the physics of the games, and have met many programmers that could not design the actual game if their life depended on it. </p>
<p>I do not think it would be productive to do both areas, unless it is your own start-up and even then you have to know your limits. But in this case I honestly believe it would add a solid foundation for anyone in the game or multimedia industry.</p>
<p>Would it be worth the extra year or two of college to do the two majors though? I don't think that there's a lot of overlap between these two majors.</p>
<p>My D worked at a web development company as a software engineer and that company had different resources for the graphical design of the website (graphics designers) and the development of the underlying code to actually make the website functional (software engineers). The graphics designers had no idea how to actually make the website work but they were very good at visual/graphical design. The software developers may not have been very good at graphical design but they were good at software development and knew how to make the website work. The software engineers had CS degrees whereas the graphics designers might or might not have had a degree. The software engineers were really the more valuable asset and commanded much higher salaries than the graphics designers - yet another reason for the separation of the two.</p>
<p>If you're interested in both, then maybe consider something like a minor in graphics design if they have one or maybe even just take a few courses in it while you're pursuing the CS degree. If you're really less interested in the technical aspect of a CS degree, which will require a rigorous schedule heavy in math, coding, algorithms, etc., and more interested in the visual design, you might want to pursue something other than a CS degree.</p>
<p>Tough question BC since it would be too subjective with regards to "worth," but if it did not add too much time than I would say go for it. </p>
<p>I, myself, transferred into the university from a JC and only needed to complete my major courses, but they went in sequence. So instead of just twiddling my thumbs and only taking the engineering courses I supplemented them with additional math classes since I am paying the same tuition. Granted, the minor in math helps with my engineering degree, but I do not see how it would be any different for CS and graphic design. I know companies such as Disney would love that background. </p>
<p>I always value a broad solid foundation over anything else. I have met too many people that have only focused on one area and are clueless when it comes to others. IMHO, it never hurts to have a creative and an analytical perspective to see from.</p>
<p>"I know companies such as Disney would love that background."</p>
<p>I just checked the Disney jobs database. They list one job for Graphic Artist in Durham, NC working for the local ABC affiliate. No CS skills required. I also looked at the one Software Engineer II job and that's working for ESPN in CT. Typical software engineering stack of skills required.</p>
<p>"I always value a broad solid foundation over anything else."</p>
<p>I have both arts and sciences degrees. Not everyone has the time, opportunity or money to get both.</p>
<p>"I have met too many people that have only focused on one area and are clueless when it comes to others."</p>
<p>The people that I work with are typically good at getting up to speed on a variety of topics.</p>
<p>"IMHO, it never hurts to have a creative and an analytical perspective to see from."</p>
<p>Perhaps you haven't seen the creativity in engineering but it is there. It just takes a solid background to appreciate it.</p>
<p>Not sure what your issue is BC, but I was merely answering the OP's question about careers that that combination can be used for. </p>
<p>I don't really care what the description that Disney provides on their website for job openings. The only reason I used them as an example was because I worked in their corporate office in North Hollywood and know first-hand what type of people work there.</p>
<p>But, I apologize, I did not know that there was an expert on this forum. So please go right ahead, I'll leave all the advice giving to you.</p>