What should I major in if I’m creative? Best degrees for creative people

And at UC, there’s no shortage of degree programs, hands-on experiences and courses that foster your artistic and innovative senses. 

What creative major is right for you depends on what kinds of creativity you prefer. In this blog, we’ll dig deep into all the artsy and innovative avenues UC has to offer. 

Getting a college degree doesn’t have to mean you have to spend hours with your nose in textbooks, cramming for exams. For many creatives and performers, that’s exactly the opposite of the environment they need to learn and thrive. 

UC’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is world-renowned for its faculty and alumni. Students have access to hundreds of performance opportunities every year, with CCM producing more performing and media arts events than any other organization in the state of Ohio. And as part of UC’s urban campus, students get to experience and collaborate with Cincinnati’s vibrant arts community up close. 

CCM's BFA Musical Theatre program was the first of its kind in the U.S. and continues to be a leader in the industry. But CCM offers more than just performing arts degrees. Arts administration, musicology, and media production barely scratch the surface of what CCM has to offer: On stage, in the wings and beyond. 

Recognized among the top art and design schools in the world, UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) immerses students in real-world experiential education.

DAAP covers a wide range of artistic and innovative career paths with 40 programs ranging from fine arts specializations, to horticulture, to industrial and communication design, and much more.

DAAP students explore their passions and transform ideas into impactful designs and experiences that have real world impact. Most DAAP programs integrate cooperative education so students graduate with not only a well-rounded portfolio, but a strong resume. 

UC’s College of Arts and Sciences (A&S)  is the place to be if your passion is in literature and writing. Creative writing, journalism, classics, philosophy and liberal arts are all potential fits for you if storytelling drives your creative pulse.

A&S also offers programs in the intersection of tech and the arts – digital media, film and even game design. Be sure to check out both film opportunities at CCM and game design programs at DAAP to see which one would be the best fit for you, as their areas of specialty are a bit different. Students looking to double major or focus more on scholarly research and technicals may prefer the programs at A&S. 

At UC, creativity isn’t just for those locked in on a BFA. Through idea generation, developing designs and solving problems, your creativity can show up and shine in many fields, not just the traditional arts. 

For students on a STEM track, there’s no shortage of courses where your creativity is an incredible asset. In fact, many of DAAP’s architecture and planning programs are heavily STEM-focused. 

And don’t doubt the real-world impact of your own imagination. If your creativity manifests through new ideas and problem solving, check out programs at the College of Engineering and Applied Science, where innovation and creative design projects are baked into your education. 

Maybe your creativity fuels your drive toward entrepreneurship or creating the next viral ad campaign. The Lindner College of Business builds students into creative problem solvers as part of its central ethos, bringing hands-on opportunities to the business leaders of tomorrow.

No matter what you decide to pursue as your degree and career path, UC has your back to fuel that creative spirit. CCM offers electives for all students, regardless of major, ranging from taking ballet lessons to learning the history of experimental rock music. Or if you’re more interested in interior design, gardening or photography, check out DAAP’s non-major offerings.

As a creative, you can probably imagine yourself heading down a multitude of career paths.

Think about what kind of creative work you enjoy most: Visual, verbal, problem‑solving… A little bit of all of these? Also, think about the kind of environment you thrive in. Do you prefer working solo, in small teams or with a large collaborative group? Deciding a major involves weighing a lot of factors beyond what academic tracks pique your interest. Think about what kind of career you could see yourself thriving in the most. 

Here are some tips on what to do to help you decide what track is right for you:

• Take the My Majors quiz: Get personalized recommendations based on your strengths and interests. It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly spot-on.

• Meet with an academic adviser by setting up an appointment in My Bearcat Network.

• Join a student organization related to the creative hobbies you enjoy.

• For questions about potential income and job flexibility, meet with a career coach at Bearcat Promise Career Studio.