Ingrid, Chicago

AddedTuesday, March 22, 2016 at 1:01 AM

I was thinking about majoring in civil engineer and minoring in architecture

Hi my name is Ingrid! I am currently in high school and I was thinking about majoring in civil engineer and minoring in architecture. I love both math and art. However, I read on some sites that computer science classes are recommended for civil engineering and I was wondering if I should take it. I really wanted to continue my art class though, but because of my tight schedule I'm gonna have to pick between advanced art studio or AP Computer Science. So is it worth it to take AP Comp?
  • Kara Kockelman , University of Texas at Austin
    Answered Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 1:01 AM
    I remain a huge fan of art in general, and 20th Century art, in particular, Ingrid. I took several art classes in high school, as well as drafting once.  I'm delighted you're enjoying a schedule that allows you to use both sides of your brain! Balance is incredibly valuable, and top minds and successful people regularly pursue such balance. If you feel you may "burn out" a bit with the computer science class on your list, then it's really important to keep the art and/or another very relaxing or enjoyable class in there for you. 
    Many top engineers & scientists do have a very creative side, since these skills are somewhat complementary or related, at least neurologically, from what I've read. So you'll find classmates & colleagues performing music or other activities on the side. It's important to protect such balance in one's life, to stay energized.
    I do find that computer programming is a terrific skill for graduate students to have (to pursue big simulations, data analyses, and such), and one such (semester-long) course is typically required of undergraduates. So you will get the opportunity as an undergraduate to do that, but you may want more before then and you can pursue informal courses online, often for free (via Kahn Academy & such) & over the summertime.  You also can learn to program artistic displays: like fractal-type structures, MC Escher-type works, & so forth. So you may find that kind of application of interest, if you do take the programming course or study such things in your own time.
    Finally, I might mention that engineering & other professions also often allow some time for one's artistic side. There are many opportunities to provide graphics, for one's reports, presentations, report covers, special events, etc.  So you'll be able to find little opportunities that weave your interests, if you want that.  Of course, architectural engineering also offers some very visually-oriented design courses & long-term professional activities, so I believe that will be of interest to you too.  But whatever field you do go into, there is always time in one's "off hours" to meet those artistic needs and interests.  Good luck to you!