What to do? - Double Major

College Majors
1

<p>Hi all,
To be honest I'm a little uncomfortable right now heading into college.
Art is really one of the only things I'm really good at and while I enjoy it, I want to have financial stability in the future with a good job. So like a lot of incoming freshman or undergraduate students, I'm considering a double major.</p>

<p>I am currently thinking Digital Art & Computer Science? Is this a good combination? My main thought process through this journey is that while I want to pursue art, having another major might increase my chances of being successful. My family doesn't think I'm capable of doing it but I want to prove them wrong. Is this smart? Some people are telling me not to bother with it while others are telling me to wait a semester or year to find out if I could do it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Ideally I want to complete both within 4 years. I'm not sure what to do.</p>

2

<p>Have you taken a single computer science class yet? It’s one of those fields you can’t really decide to major in until you know what to expect.</p>

<p>If you are considering dry technical coding jobs in case you can’t get an arts-related position, the double major makes sense. However, I am not sure it adds much value to a digital arts major for the purposes of a multimedia career. A good digital art program should actually introduce you to a lot of the fundamental computer science concepts as they relate to arts. Some additional computer science classes might enhance your technical skills but a full CS major would be overkill. I can’t imagine that a multimedia artist would benefit from studying computer architecture or compilers or the linux kernel. If you find yourself pressed for time, focus on digital arts and don’t worry about finishing every last requirement for the CS major.</p>

<p>In fact, getting too distracted with the double major might even hurt you. Your employment prospects will be best if you pursue very targeted coursework and internships or freelancing opportunities in college. Keeping your options open for too long might leave you with less marketable experience.</p>

<p>Are you familiar with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the way? They release some interesting statistics. For example:
[Multimedia</a> Artists and Animators](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271014.htm]Multimedia”>http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271014.htm)
[Multimedia</a> Artists and Animators : Occupational Outlook Handbook](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm]Multimedia”>http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm)</p>

<p>Feel free to browse related occupations. Some ideas: graphics designer, web developer, desktop publisher, art director.</p>