Art school or university?

**its42wallabyway** · April 1st, 2013, 08:35 AM

Hi!
I'm strongly considering majoring in animation in college (I'm a junior right now, so I've got a little time), and I'm hoping someone'll have some advice for me.

My problem is that I'm just as into science (especially chemistry) as I am animation. Therefore, while an intensive art school such as CalArts or Ringling sounds amazing, I'm worried about the complete focus on the arts. I'm pretty sure animation is what I want to do, though I don't know if I can leave so many other hobbies of mine behind. I've been looking at the Brown/RISD dual-degree program; but I also know RISD's animation isn't the best, so is it worth it? I've also looked into Carnegie Mellon's dual major program. Is their animation department that great? How about that program?

Basically, is art school really worth it? I have the attitude that if I'm going to drop science and whatnot, I want the art school I go to to really be the best. And from my research on here and other sites, Ringling or CalArts really are the best.

Yep. Any advice/words of guidance?

**Meloncov** · April 1st, 2013, 11:03 PM

What exactly do you want to do with art and science? Both are extremely demanding fields; as a general rule, you're not gonna be able to study both and be able to work at a professional level at either. There are some exceptions, though: medical illustration and other types of scientific visualization, and the film and games industry always needs people with both an understanding of Comp Sci and aesthetics. I'm sure there are more unorthodox ways of combining the two as well, but if you're gonna get a double major, go in with some sort of plan, don't just do it because you're indecisive.