<p>I applied to SUNY Purchase nearly a month ago to the Graphic Design program, however, recently I've noticed their Media, Society and the Arts major, which is essentially a fusion of social-sciences and an art concentration, which you choose. After discovering this major, which seems absolutely perfect for me, I've become torn.</p>
<p>Basically, I'm concerned that I will be at a disadvantage compared to the GD students, as they will have way more depth than I would if I switched my major to MSA. I would rather have a breadth of liberal arts courses (I'm really eying this course on James Joyce that Purchase offers...) than ~100 art credits, which seems ridiculous. Combined with the required general ed. courses, I would have nearly no free electives, which seems terrible.</p>
<p>I recently e-mailed my regional admissions counselor at Purchase, and she said that if I were considering a career as a Graphic Designer, that I should choose the GD program. Would it be wise to take the non-professional path and become well-rounded instead? I would not mind going to grad school eventually, so I intend to get a professional education in GD sometime, but I'm just so confused and undecided.</p>
<p>tl;dr I'm not sure whether I should change my intended major at SUNY Purchase from Graphic Design to Media, Society and the Arts, an interdisciplinary program. Btw, the GD program is a BFA, and the MSA program is a BA.</p>
<p>I'm terribly sorry that this is all over the place. Any advice would be appreciated. =)</p>
<p>There is no person that will be able to tell you what to do. This is a very personal decision you will have to make. You should ask yourself two things; what do I want to get out of a 4-year degree program? and 2. will it prepare me for what I want next? </p>
<p>If your heart is set on being a graphic designer…then majoring in G.D. is the wisest choice – as the counselor stated. I reviewed the MSA program and it is not going to prepare you for a professional career as a GD’er.</p>
<p>Suny Purchase does offer a Minor in MSA. Maybe you should take that route? It would probably extend your education an additional year, but ask a school counselor.</p>
<p>I was considering taking the MSA route, and take both GD courses for my major, and as electives. If the GD program was less than 100 credits, it would appeal more to me, but that part keeps bothering me. I don’t want a structured program, I want flexibility. </p>
<p>I would apply to both programs… but my mom doesn’t want to pay $80 in app fees for one school. Fail.</p>
<p>Oh well, I’ll try and think this over some more. If only their GD program was less credits. =/</p>
<p>Have you considered the new media major? It encompasses photography, computer art and graphic design and also allows you to pursue the social sciences. It affords a great deal of lattitude because it is interdisciplinary. My d was going to major in graphic design but decided to do new media instead after learning about that major.</p>
<p>I was looking into New Media… but it requires a film component. I really don’t like film. Btw, I switched my application to MSA a few weeks ago. =)</p>