<p>I’m interested in studying computer science in college because it sounds interesting and it’s a useful major, but from what I’ve seen, computer science majors require a ton of credits so they can be a bit restrictive when it comes to the rest of my education. If I get into a really good school like Stanford and I decide to major in, say, English (my dream is to become an author, actually), and minor in computer science, would that be practical in helping me get started with a job in CS?</p>
<p>I was about to say “yes” until I read “something with graphics.” Here are the Stanford math and CS courses I would recommend for a CS job in graphics:</p>
<p>Math 19-20-21: single-variable calculus
Math 51-52: multivariable calculus + linear algebra
CS 109: discrete math
CS 205: math for vision and graphics
CS 106: intro to programming
CS 161: data structures
CS 148: intro to graphics
CS 248: more graphics
CS 268: geometric algorithms
CS 348A: geometric modeling
CS 348B: image synthesis
CS 348C: animation</p>
<p>That’s the graphics sequence only. If you want a minor in computer science, you’d have to take another 4 CS classes to get the requisite theory and breadth. </p>
<p>Or maybe you were not thinking of hard-core graphics and more along the lines of graphics design? You can probably get a job as a web programmer/web designer with just a handful of CS classes. Maybe add one or two art classes (e.g. digital art or design) to sharpen your artistic design skills.</p>