<p>Hi! I'm currently a junior looking into school programs for graphic design (aka visual communications). But I'm trying to figure out if there are any liberal arts programs that have a foundation year.
By foundation year, I mean something like RISD, or MICA, where students are accepted into the art program and choose their major later.
I suppose I'm thinking of something similar to CMU, where the year is just design, and then you differentiate between communication design or industrial design, but maybe a broader year with more than just design.
Does this even exist? I haven't decided yet whether I want to go to a liberal arts or arts school--I'm hoping this summer at the RISD pre-college program, I'll get a better idea. But I'm trying to keep my options open for now (which brings my list to about 20 schools, hah). </p>
<p>I would definitely suggest looking into Syracuse University! In highschool, I had similarly decided that I wanted to major in art but at a University. CMU was one of my choices as well but I will definitely say that Syracuse's art program is probably better. It's interesting because most Universities don't offer specific art majors (most only offer general BAs/BFAs instead of things like "Illustration major") but Syracuse has a very large college of art and design. Also, they do a foundation year freshman year where you take such general courses such as Foundation Drawing, Time Arts, 3D, and 2D design. Plus, if you did well academically in high school then you're very likely to get a scholarship as Syracuse is pretty good about giving those out.</p>
<p>Overall, I'd definitely suggest you go to a University versus an art school. I know people at art schools and their college experiences are just so different from what you experience at a University. And not all of college will be about your major. A lot of it has to do with your experience.</p>
<p>So yup. Definitely do your research and be sure to find a school that's good for YOU. Good luck!</p>