joint- or dual-degrees for art and math

<p>My d is a homeschooled sophomore, longtime art kid who immersed herself in math for a few years and now re-emphasizing art. She's thinking that she wants to major in it in college, but does not want to go to art school. She wants the experience of a liberal arts education and to keep her math going (she's currently taking Multivariable Calculus), to keep open options for employment later on. </p>

<p>Doing a double major in art and math at an LAC is no problem, but at larger universities with a separate art school granting BFAs, it looks like it gets complicated. At this point we're thinking mainly of schools in the Midwest and Northeast, with Rice, Vanderbilt and Duke thrown in. Stats will make HYP too much of a reach, and Brown/RISD is a longshot for anyone, but 'lower ivies' and a notch or two below that could work. Here's what I've found out so far:</p>

<p>Reach/Match range:
Cornell - allows 5-year BA/BFA
Carnegie Mellon - has their BXA programs; the BSA would work for her art/math combo
I know that there's a Tufts/SMFA program, but have read mostly negative things about SMFA
BU - BFA program; joint degrees sound possible
Case Western - has joint degree with Cleveland Institute of Art for Art Education, but anything else seems a no-can-do
RIT: BFA only; joint degree doesn't sound possible
RPI: BS electronic arts looks interesting; joint degree sounds like it might be possible</p>

<p>Safety range:
University of Kansas - art school gives option of BFA or BA; sounds like latter could be part of a double major
University of Illinois - BFA only; can't tell on joint degree but doesn't look promising
Miami Ohio - same as above</p>

<p>Suggestions/corrections/info/ideas appreciated. Thanks.</p>

<p>When I looked at schools, I was looking for schools where I could dual degree and get a BA and a BFA, which sounds similar to your daughter. The one that I didn’t see on your list was Wash U in St. Louis–I would definitely recommend looking into it. I really liked the feel of the campus, the less cut-throat nature of the students (everyone is so friendly and this was really important to me–I don’t do well in an environment where I feel like I constantly have to prove I belong there), the advising program. Also the art school is WONDERFUL, kind of mimics somewhere like RISD with core requirements, etc, but allows you to take classes at other colleges within Wash U as well. I actually ended up getting accepted early decision, and I couldn’t be happier. Obviously I haven’t gone yet (I’m still a senior) but I’m beyond excited and Wash U is definitely worth checking out :-)</p>

<p>Thanks so much and congratulations on your acceptance! At the time I wrote that, I wasn’t aware that WashU had the dual degree option, but learned subsequently that it did. It’s definitely on her list now. Thanks again.</p>

<p>My d who graduated from college several years ago faced this dilemna as she too did not want a stand-alone art school and was originally art/science. She was accepted at the dual degree from Carnegie Mellon however did not attend as you can only receive merit money (at least at that time) from both schools-Mellon College of Science and the School of Art. We did not qualify for financial aid and merit money was important to us which is why she did not apply to Brown/RISD. We do have a friend’s d who did the double degree Tufts/ SMFA but she only applied to SMFA while a student at Tufts requiring a 5th year. My d ended up with a double fine art/art history at Brandeis, did a post-bac program there and had several solid grad school acceptances from top art schools. She has an MFA in painting from Tyler School of the Arts/Temple University and so not having an undergrad BFA did not hurt her at all.
Freshman honor chem convinced her that doing labs was not where she wanted to be. I believe they offer a solid math department.</p>