I have a follower that primarily uses melee attacks, which generally complements my pure destruction mage very well. However, all of the later, more powerful destruction spells that I have been getting are all AoE, and they are basically impossible to use while my companion is attacking the same target as I am, because a dual fireball, for example, can take her out in 1-2 hits.

Is there a way around this? Are there destruction spells that aren't AoE that I can use (I'm stuck just using Firebolt for 99% of my attacks), or should I just not bother with a melee companion?

Expert spells like Incinerate are not AOE, so flanking an enemy is a good idea. Flame/Shock/Frost cloaks do not harm followers.

yah AOE are not good when u have followers

UNLESS u get the elemental golems where u can chose an elemental that suits ur style and then spam chainlightning/fire balls/blizzads until ur hands fall off

actually I use my storm golems (2 since I'm master conjurer) as lightning rods for my chain lightning or when I use my lighting beam of God

You could try giving your companion a spell staff to see if they use it.

Appreciate the advice. Most of the spells that I cast are projectiles, as I don't have a lot of health or defense. It's rough in the destruction level 50-75 range, as the best available skills all deal AoE damage. And since I'm mainly casting FireBolts and not Fireballs, I am levelling up more slowly.

One other suggestion is to get your companion magic resistance gear so that he takes far less damage from your AOE spells.

You could try giving them a bunch of armor and jewelry with elemental resist enchants on it.

Ninja'd in same minute