Looking for advice about majoring in graphic design

Hi, I am in high school currently but will soon be going to college. I am interested in graphic design and considering majoring in it. I know a small amount about graphic design based on what I have taught my self.

I an very good at science and math. I have taken ap biology, chemistry, and calculus in high school and enjoyed all of them.

What I would like to have advice on is, is getting a degree in graphic design profitable long term? I would like to combine it with minors in economics, business, or marketing. Is this a good idea? What kind of jobs would I be looking at after education like this?

Thank you

The dual degree will definitely increase your options in business and the the creative fields. You would be qualified in either and whichever you choose, your other degree would give you added depth and further options should you choose graduate school. It’s an excellent idea.

A couple of specific paths come to mind: work in branding and logos as a graphic designer with an eye toward brand management once you get your MBA. Or work in the business side of advertising. But there are more broad options as well. A BFA is a creative degree (graphic design would be your specialty but it by no means restricts you just to that specialty upon graduation) and becoming a creative director who understands the business side of things will serve you well if you ever run your own business someday (in any field). “Design” is much more than a job - it’s a way of thinking about how to solve a problem. Many current graduate business programs are incorporating “design” into their curriculum precisely because it encourages creative, entrepreneurial thought. “B” school might be taking a back seat to “D” school.

You don’t have to figure all this out in high school - all you have to do is to plan to pursue what interests you intellectually and/or drives your passion. Much more fun than majoring in something just because it’s supposed to get you a good job (which is what many young people do). However, do keep in mind that a visual arts degree in particular can be an intense process depending on where you apply and enroll, so make sure you have tested your commitment to that field of study with some precollege or similar studio classes. Also, if your program requires a portfolio for admission a precollege program can help you generate some wonderful pieces for that and/or merit scholarship consideration. Are you planning to take AP Art (not sure if you are still a Jr)?

Good luck!