What should I do with my Computer Science degree?

What's the benefits of a Visual Effects degree and a Computer Science degree?

• I've applied to multiple schools. A lot of those schools offer a BS degree in Computer Science. So far, SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) is the only art-heavy school that I applied to. If I were to go to SCAD, I would probably major in Visual Effects. If I were to go to another school, I would choose Computer Science. I see myself going into the animation/visual effects field after school. In my eyes, computer science is a major component of visual effects so I would be fine there. But SCAD's offers the visual effects degree itself. If I go to SCAD, I would be able to get the experience hands-on instead of learning visual effects while majoring in computer science at another school. Which degree would you suggest?

• Answer:

  I preface this by saying this is ultimately a decision that you need to make yourself, but I would strongly suggest that you go for a Computer Science degree vs. a Visual Effects degree. I personally, am very skeptical of a College that offers a degree in Visual Effects. I would ask you first, do you see yourself leaning more towards the artistic or technical spectrums of Visual Effects? A visual effects artist is always both, but typically leans one way or the other. Animators for example, would describe themselves as more on the artistic side; they typically have backgrounds in acting and performance in addition to figure drawing and modeling. FX artists on the other hand are much more technical; they have backgrounds in computer science and physics. The jobs are always both technical and artistic, but each specific job typically leans one way or the other. The question is, what are you interested in? Visual Effects is also in a very tough place right now - veterans are leaving the industry frustrated, VFX Houses are chasing tax incentives across the globe and still facing bankruptcy, and the industry as a whole is thought of as mistreated by the film industry (google R&H, Life of Pi, Academy Awards). If this is still an industry that you want to work in, I applaud you because you definitely know what you want to do. I would suggest though, the versatility of a computer science degree to protect your future. Some of the best Lighting TDs, Compositors, FX TDs, Cloth & Hair, Pipeline TDs, and CG Supervisors I have ever known all came from a computer science background. I honestly feel that more doors will be open to you as a computer scientist with an interest and specialty in visual effects than with a visual effects degree. That said, if you pursue computer science, be sure to supplement your education with visual effects related courses, projects, etc. I hope some of this helps & good luck!!