<p>how's BU and Northeastern's graphic design and advertising major program?? should i choose to attend to one of those schools if i decide to major in one of those, or just at an arts college?</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Hi! I’ve visited both just this summer, as I’m interested in graphic design as well–coming away from that, I’ve decided not to go anywhere near BU, but to definitely apply to Northeastern. Neither are known for their arts–Northeastern, I think, less so–so that could be a set back in the big picture. It really depends on what kind of education you want. At Northeastern say, versus MICA, you’ve got tons of computer science geeks and nursing hopefuls, and a very strong liberal arts department. But at, say, RISD, you’re surrounded by artists (and, of course, Brown, but diff subject), in a very different (and smaller) environment. It is, as everyone says, what you make of it.
Just random tidbits about the two: at BU, the quality of the department seemed like it had been neglected. There was one computer lab in the entire building, and it was shoddy. They plan to revamp the arts department–at a “to be determined” date. Likely, anyone’s education in the next few years would be funding it, but might not see the results.
Northeastern, on the other hand, had three nice, up to date, computer labs. I got shown around by a professor, and saw their work. Seemed top notch. Though, I’ll admit–I went into the administration office just to see if I could get a map, and a student volunteer asked if I was there for orientation. I said no, just to see the arts department. His reply? “Arts…?” He had a very blank look on his face. It’s really not one of the better known areas. But I still was really intrigued by the program. They’ve always got the coop program, which is a plus in my book.</p>
<p>Just as a bit of a disclaimer, this is just my opinion and how I viewed it on a very shallow level. I’m sure both are great, as long as you put work into it. And I love Boston, so. 
(I also hope this made sense, haha, I always worry my brain goes off on random tangents)</p>
<p>thanks, that was really helpful! but isn’t northeastern’s art program joined with SMFA? ive heard that you can do a dual degree with northeastern and SMFA.</p>
<p>This is the answer from the guy in the NU admission I got when asked about their joint program last winter. I have not confirmed with SMFA, though. </p>
<p>Students who apply to the studio art program take studios at smfa and academic and art history courses at NU.</p>
<p>Students who apply to the BFA in digital art or Graphic design or the BA in art take all courses at NU. Each term a limited number of smfa courses have openings for which these students may apply.</p>
<p>if you visit NU, i can arrange for you to sit in on art history or NU studio courses depending on your interest. You would arrange the visit to smfa separately. I beleive their tours are weekdays at noon.</p>
<p>oh hmmm. What other universities, art colleges or LAC have you considered if you dont mind me asking?
Im still struggling to decide whether universities are better for my decision in majoring in graphic design or just plain art colleges :/</p>
<p>NU has a program with SMFA, yes, but it also has a stand alone art program that has graphic design. The SMFA program has a “text and imaging” program, which I believe is the closest to graphic design. The SMFA is also through Tufts as well.</p>
<p>Something you also want to decide is if you want a BA or a BFA. A BA is about 2/3 generic academic classes and 1/3 your major. A BFA is flipped–2/3 arts classes, and 1/3 generic academic. (These are ballpark, the percentages easily change) Art schools likely offer BFAs,</p>
<p>I’ve decided I really love the art aspect of it, so all of my schools are BFAs–Northeastern (not SMFA), Washington University in St. Louis, Carnegie Mellon, RISD, SUNY Purchase, CCA, Pratt, and Parsons. I actually have about half and half–half art schools, half universities. Though I’m also applying to the Brown/RISD dual degree. :)</p>
<p>Maggled
why purchase? I like it for what it is but not brainy.
If you are local and $ is the issue, I almost think better to go to good CUNY with honors and skip gen ed with your stat, save money for grad school.
If you are out state, I found people outside have rather rosy view of NYC’s (it’s not in the city) only public art college but it’s not, like, massart neither in quality nor location.</p>
<p>justalexx</p>
<p>In case you are asking me, I am an immigrant parent with Asian graphic design education from the time before degital-ing and my kid is on somewhat fine art track, so you don’t have to listen to me.
From what I saw in Unis so far graphic thing wise,
DAAP is nice if you don’t mind the location. Here is this guru, taxguy can tell you all about it.
CMU is brainier but I liked the feel better than Cincinnati.
UCLA is the place I would have wanted to go, though hated LA.
Upenn is bit weird and cold, not art-y.
Art schools has better facilities and access to more resources but kids are generally pretentious or too focused on art but not much else, like, gave up other academics long ago – I know there are more brainy schools and kids, I am saying generally- you don’t meet much different kind of kids. </p>
<p>I work at somewhat design-sh job and noticed that people who had square proper education addition to the arts are better suited for our sort of job in the long run,
like, get involved in NYer articles talk or to meet people from abroad. (you’d better know where –in the map and culture -they are from) then count money in your portfolio and know all jargons, get out and vote for the guy’s policies not the tie or wife’s look. (I am serious!)</p>
<p>My take is that, any skills could be taught but deep-rooted “ interests” is hard to come by unless one was in the environment that nourish such things and taught how to think, write and talk during your mind’s growth period. That’s the reason I doubt stand alone art school education for kids with other stuff going on unless you are all done learning during HS: I mean, software would be updated from what taught by the time you’d start real job but what you have in you will stay for the future whatever you are going to do.</p>