Compare two majors
Pick any two majors to see courses, skills, and typical career roles side by side. Useful if you're weighing two options that sound similar, like Computer Science vs. Data Science, or Biology vs. Biochemistry.
Arts & Design
Fine Arts / Studio Art
Developing an original artistic practice across media.
Typical courses
- ✓2D Design Fundamentals
- ✓3D Design Fundamentals
- ✓Drawing I & II
- ✓Painting or Sculpture (concentration)
- ✓Art History Survey
- ✓Printmaking or Mixed Media
Skills you'll build
Technical skill in chosen mediaDeveloping and articulating a personal artistic voiceGiving and receiving critiqueConceptual development and visual problem-solvingPresenting and exhibiting finished workArt historical and contextual knowledgeSelf-directed studio practice and discipline
Good fit if you...
- ★Has a strong pull toward making original visual art
- ★Comfortable with open-ended, self-directed projects
- ★Open to critique and willing to revise extensively
- ★Interested in developing a distinct artistic voice over time
Roles this could lead to
Arts & Design
Graphic Design
Visual communication through typography, layout, and imagery.
Typical courses
- ✓Design Fundamentals
- ✓Typography
- ✓Digital Design Tools (Adobe Creative Suite)
- ✓Branding & Identity Design
- ✓Web & UI Design
- ✓Illustration Fundamentals
Skills you'll build
Visual composition and typographyProficiency with design softwareBranding and identity designGiving and receiving critiqueBuilding and presenting a design portfolioClient communication and brief interpretationBalancing creativity with practical constraints
Good fit if you...
- ★Visually oriented and detail-focused
- ★Enjoys both creative work and technical software skills
- ★Open to critique and iterative revision
- ★Interested in branding, publishing, or digital design
Roles this could lead to
This comparison covers what each field of study typically includes. It's not a ranking, and it isn't a guarantee of course availability or outcomes at any specific school. See our disclaimer.