College Majors

[rocket92]

Hey guys so I'm a freshman at Penn State and I'm not really sure what I want to major in, and I'm not even sure if I would consider doing magic professionally, but at this point I'm just sort of throwing ideas around in my head. That being said, for all you older folk out there who do professional magic: What was your college major?

 

[bentley]

I know Justin Kredible is a Journalism Major and Franz Harrary was going to be music major. Jason Bishop was a theatre major. I'm a journalism major. I think anything goes but my suggestion for you since you don't know if you want to perform professionally is do something like journalism or web design or something that is stable. IF you know you want to do magic I'd say theatre but hope I helped.

 

[Austin Fields]

I'm in college as a double major in psychology and communication - but I'm very passionate about both subjects, I read more books on those subjects outside of school than I'm required to for the classes I'm taking.

It works very well or me because my character is based off of myself, so my scripts and effects are spawned from my interests. The majors I chose were chosen out of passion for those majors, not because I thought they would help me in magic. Magic, Psychology and Communication are mutually exclusive, but I can't help them fueling each other. So, choose a major that fits you, and you can/will make it fit your magic.

 

[rocket92]

Thanks for the replies guys! Beans, I realize that I should choose a major that fits me. I'm just trying to see what others in the community have to say. I would do electrical engineering but I realized I can't deal with that much math and physics for 4 years. I'm actually looking into psych as one option. Thanks for your advice!

 

[notsoltd]

I have no passion except magic. There is nothing that fuels me like magic does. I have literally probably looked at EVERY major out there and I haven't looked at any and thought "I'd love to major in that." There have been a few (like psychology) that interest me, and I would like to major in but I don't because there are no jobs in that field that I could see myself enjoying doing for a living. I dropped my last class today, and I'm going to continue working for a private eye doctor and eventually become a licensed optometrist. Ultimately, this is my back up plan, and probably what my career will be if not magic. Ultimately, I've decided school isn't for me.

 

[JButterfield]

Started as an english major, transferred to Humanities and Classical Greek studies, went back this past year for Paralegal (and still busk from spring to fall).

Seriously, major in something you'd like to do. The entertainment industry is notoriously fickle.

 

[tokyoUW]

Just a heads up for those who think "school isn't for me." 99 out or 100, those people will get into their late twenties, and claim they would give anything to go back and do it all over again, study harder, obtain marketable skills. Even those who do graduate with a college degree end up wanting to go back to school to do things better, more properly, etc...

A little bit of hard-work and diligence and perseverance to keep up with school (even classes you do not like), will go a long way towards shaping a brighter future, one with more than just a single "fall back plan". And, these are not empty words, these are coming from someone who, even though graduated with marketable degrees and with very above average grades and recommendations, would love the opportunity to go back and study more.

 

[Mat La Vore]

I have no passion except magic. There is nothing that fuels me like magic does. I have literally probably looked at EVERY major out there and I haven't looked at any and thought "I'd love to major in that." There have been a few (like psychology) that interest me, and I would like to major in but I don't because there are no jobs in that field that I could see myself enjoying doing for a living. I dropped my last class today, and I'm going to continue working for a private eye doctor and eventually become a licensed optometrist. Ultimately, this is my back up plan, and probably what my career will be if not magic. Ultimately, I've decided school isn't for me.

That's great you're so passionate about magic, but do your "future self" a favor and consider tokyoUW's advice. Consider why you really feel "school isn't for you." School isn't for most of the people that graduate either, but they do it because they know how to work hard and get what they want. Is school not for you because you're lazy and unmotivated and you'd rather spend your time looking for an easy way to get ahead in life? Or is school not for you because you're not interesting enough to be interested in life? Usually the types of people you see greatly succeed in any field are usually naturally curious about all areas of life. Not trying to be harsh, but do yourself a favor and be honest with yourself and truly consider why you really feel school isn't for you. Was middle school for you? Was high school for you? Probably not. Are you glad you were forced to go and graduate through the grades? I'm willing to bet so.

Life is fascinating. If I had the time and money I'd never stop taking classes. Anyhow, to address the OP, I graduated magna cum laude with an English degree and am two semesters off from graduating with a Masters in creative writing.

 

[AsherF]

Be smart. We're living in an economy that can't even afford to pay its military. Downsizing is happening everywhere. Be smart about what you're getting your degree in and what you're going to do with it. Choose something you KNOW you can excel at but at the same time, know is marketable in the employable world. I'm passionate about my art... But I know it is not a wise idea for me to take something for the sake of my magic. That's stupid. Say magic fails for me, I just wasted a degree in underwater basket weaving for nothing. How will I support my family? While I agree it's important to chase your dreams and never give up, but you have to be smart with how you do it. I'll give up every material love I've ever had to support my loved ones. Right now, do what you can to obtain licenses, certificates, diplomas. MARKETABLE Diplomas. Like someone mentioned that they transferred from... Classical Greek studies... What will that do for you in a world that is struggling to hire. It's a competition. Think outside the card box for a moment. I would like to ultimately major in Psych... But not for magic. Now while it may help in some area magically, I'm interested in the fields it will open up to me. I hate to be a debbie downer, but it's a race in the real world and I advise you not to fall behind.

 

[RickEverhart]

I'm not going to type some long drawn out thread but I simply LOVE being an elementary school teacher. Each day brings something new. The kids think you are the greatest in the world. They respect you, laugh at and with you, and your schedule rocks. I have the weekends to do magic shows and to attend conventions. I get the summer off and the intrinsic rewards are unreal. To see kids reach their goals and know that you are a crucial component in their life is one of the greatest feelings ever.

 

[rocket92]

Thanks for all the replies guys! Yes, I don't plan on majoring in something simply because it is magic related. But since magic is such a big part of my life I thought it would be interesting to ask magicians about majors.

Also, I thought this might be a cool display of how so many people who all have magic in common have such different degrees and professions.

 

[tokyoUW]

Thanks for all the replies guys! Yes, I don't plan on majoring in something simply because it is magic related. But since magic is such a big part of my life I thought it would be interesting to ask magicians about majors.

Also, I thought this might be a cool display of how so many people who all have magic in common have such different degrees and professions.

I forgot to actually say what I studied.

I knew that I wanted to work abroad, so after giving up computer science, I majored in Japanese Socio-Linguistics and Technical Japanese (dual Degree). I moved to Japan a few months after graduating and have lived here ever since. I worked as a teacher in a top University for 5 years, and now I do global marketing and web design/ producing for a big fashion company. I of course still do magic on the side, as it is great for social networking!

 

[Josh Burch]

I think UNLV offers a degree in Casino managment. That's Lee Asher's degree.
Mac King made his own conglomerate degree and I believe he actually can say he has a degree in magic.

 

[Jacob L]

I took a year off after graduating high school to work on my magic business and make some money, and pretty much everyone I have talked to has said it was a good idea to make some money and get some real world working experience. I plan on attending school next year, but the major is a big thing for me. Making a living solely off magic is pretty difficult, and I'm probably going to want a day job in addition to magic on side, like what I am doing now, just on a bigger level. I don't want to be a lifeguard when I'm 35 haha. But what to major in is a big thing, because "business" is just so generic. I originally was going to major in theatre, but I feel like there's not a whole lot of options of where to go with that major.

 

[VagueTheory]

I'm not going to type some long drawn out thread but I simply LOVE being an elementary school teacher. Each day brings something new. The kids think you are the greatest in the world. They respect you, laugh at and with you, and your schedule rocks. I have the weekends to do magic shows and to attend conventions. I get the summer off and the intrinsic rewards are unreal. To see kids reach their goals and know that you are a crucial component in their life is one of the greatest feelings ever.

I am very glad to know that you enjoy reaching out to children! The field of education is very underrated nowadays and that causes for poorly trained teachers to enter the field and hurt kids lives. I wish your kids the best in all their endeavors!

Back to the topic, I'm a music education major. I just recently got back to doing magic after taking about a year off while transitioning from high school to college. I wish I had more time to practice my sleight of hand, but it's very hard for me to find time nowadays. No matter what, do not put your cards/coins/whatever down! You may be busy as a student, but keep the art form with you at all times. I didn't truly realize what I had missed until I picked up a deck of cards again recently.

Study hard my friend!

 

[moiseskline]

I’m not sure about magic majors but I do know that there’s a demand for technical degrees such as healthcare, business, IT, engineering, accounting and finance etc. I’m reading a few California College San Diego testimonials right now because I’m interested in pursuing a degree in healthcare myself.

 

[HaveOuts]

Go to theological college become an ordination member of the clergy, perform magic during your sermons while claiming to be Jesus, (Proof? You can do miracles!) become the next Jim Jones, start a magic camp in Guyana...but you'll only teach people key card tricks (because if you give them all the methods they won't need you anymore...and we can't have that.) for 3 years, and it won't even matter because they will only have each other to perform them for, because they left their families for your teachings...and they could show you, but you banned anyone showing you magic effects because it would be insulting to you all knowing, all powerful intellect.

Then 2 years afterwards do a mass vanishing act, in which you yourself do not actually vanish...no, you stay behind and claim it was rapture but you came back to help those who are lost.

Retire, move to Martha's Vineyard...the end.

Alright, I'm kidding...don't do that. I think a degree in psychology would be a great advantage concerning magic, it would give you an edge dealing with people, plus put an interesting twist on mentalism effects if your spectators knew you had a background in psychology.

- Steve

 

[RealityOne]

It all comes down to what interests you. You will do best in something that interests you.

I was a Political Science and Communications major with a minor in History. I then went to Law School. The substance of what I learned in my Political Science major and history minor have nothing to do with what I do for a living, but those studies taught me how to learn and how to think. My Communications major helped me learn to speak in front of groups (a essential skill for any profession) and gave me a strong understanding in the theories of interpersonal and group communication -- that is, how people communicate. The knowledge isn't as important as the skills.

Theater is an excellent training ground, but you don't have to major in it -- just participate in putting on the productions -- learn about acting, lighting, sound, scenery.

 

[Randy]

I have no passion except magic. There is nothing that fuels me like magic does. I have literally probably looked at EVERY major out there and I haven't looked at any and thought "I'd love to major in that." There have been a few (like psychology) that interest me, and I would like to major in but I don't because there are no jobs in that field that I could see myself enjoying doing for a living. I dropped my last class today, and I'm going to continue working for a private eye doctor and eventually become a licensed optometrist. Ultimately, this is my back up plan, and probably what my career will be if not magic. Ultimately, I've decided school isn't for me.

Like Mat said, you're going to NEED to have a back up plan besides magic. While Magic is great and fun, it's not going to fully support you unless you've studied things outside of it that also support it (Public Speaking, Acting, Business and Marketing.) Then it can be a decent career. But that will mainly be due to the fact that you'll have a education outside of card tricks or whatever.

 

[popchris3]

As someone who is going into college this year, I can honestly say that I VERY much understand where you're coming from. I'd love to give up everything and go into professional performing, but I'm waiting until after college to try. If you really love magic that much, go for a major that:

1) You wouldn't hate using for the rest of your life. If you HATE teaching, don't major in early education.
2) Could conceivably help your magic while still being a backup plan. I'm going into marketing because a marketing degree can help me market my magic, but also act as a way to get a job if the magic doesn't work out.