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
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
Communications & Media
Advertising
Creative and strategic communication designed to persuade.
Typical courses
- ✓Principles of Advertising
- ✓Copywriting
- ✓Consumer Behavior
- ✓Media Planning & Buying
- ✓Creative Strategy & Campaign Development
- ✓Advertising Design
Skills you'll build
Creative concept developmentCopywriting and persuasive messagingCampaign strategy and media planningUnderstanding consumer psychologyBuilding and presenting a creative portfolioBasic design and visual communicationData-informed creative decision-making
Good fit if you...
- ★Enjoys combining creative ideas with strategic thinking
- ★Likes pitching and defending creative concepts
- ★Interested in branding, media, and consumer psychology
- ★Comfortable building a portfolio of original work
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.