Art major at UCSD - Yay or nay?

Hey, future artist here! I’m thinking about majoring in Art at UC San Diego but I don't know much about their Art program. If there’s anyone here who's an Art major at UCSD or knows about it, could you please shed some light on this?

UC San Diego indeed has a robust Art and Art History Department offering undergraduate programs in Studio Art, ICAM (Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts Major), and Art History, along with a minor program.

UCSD's faculty features a variety of esteemed artists and scholars engaged in a wide range of art practices and intellectual pursuits. This ensures you're learning from professionals on the cutting edge of their fields. Additionally, the UCSD Art + Design space hosts numerous events throughout the year, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work and gain exposure. There's also a healthy mix of class sizes, from large lectures to small studio groups to maximize learning and engagement.

One of the unique aspects of UCSD's Art program is its distinct interdisciplinarity. The ICAM major, for instance, merges computing, music, and visual arts studies, ideal for students interested in new media art.

However, while UCSD offers numerous resources and a strong faculty, it's important to remember that satisfaction with a program often depends on personal fit. How important is the campus art community to you? Are you interested in UCSD's more experimental emphasis? Do you like the fact that the program is relatively small compared to departments in larger art schools? These are all important questions to consider when making your decision.

Visiting the campus, if possible, or attending virtual open houses or tours could also help you get a better sense of the program and campus atmosphere. The best thing is to research more about the curriculum, check the works of the faculty, and perhaps talk with current or former students if possible for their personal experiences.

Remember, the deciding factor should not only be the school's reputation but also whether or not its offerings align with your own artistic and career goals. In the end, there's no universal 'yay' or 'nay' — it's all about what fits best for you.