<p>My D. isn't quite sure what major she wants yet.
Possibly, fine art, fashion illustration , graphics.</p>
<p>Are there schools that don't make you lock into a major right away?</p>
<p>I think a lot of schools don't require you to declare a major until the end of freshman year. Everyone takes the same foundations classes.</p>
<p>I'm going to MICA next year and along with foundations, we meet with counselors and faculty to help us figure out what we want to do in art and to make our decision on a major easier. MICA also has a "General Fine Arts" major, in which you basically design your own course of study and you can be as varied or focused as you please. I know for a fact that the school is also very supportive of students being able to take classes outside their major department. MICA also allows you to have concentrations. I'm thinking about majoring in Painting, but having a studio concentration in Illustration. Basically it just gives me priority choice of illustration courses, over those who aren't an illustration major or concentrate in it.</p>
<p>SAIC is the same way; in fact it doesn't even have "majors," you pick your own classes. I mean it could be a problem if you end up taking a ton of different subjects and end up being moderately good at many things, but a master at no one particular thing. But I definitely like the flexibility of these two schools.</p>
<p>Just make sure to check up on what courses students are allowed to take, in or out of their majors. RISD for example doesn't allow you to take many classes outside one area.</p>
<p>EDIT: One last thing! If your daughter really wants to do Illustration AND Designs, you should look into Pratt's Communications Design program. It includes illustration, graphic design, and advertising design. :)</p>
<p>thank you so much for info. Actually, we're visiting Pratt over the break.<br>
Unfortunately, money seems to be a factor, so we're also looking into SUNY Purchase since we live in NY. F.I.T. doesn't seem to be in the cards because I know they make you lock into a major from the start.</p>
<p>again thanks</p>
<p>If you live in NY, she should look into Alfred University. It is a private school, but the School of Art and Design is part of the New York State system and is a major bargain.</p>
<p>thank you. My daughter doesn't want to go upstate and wants to be near the city for internships, etc.
I also heard good things about Alfred and a state school would be ideal. Maybe I can convince her to visit.</p>