Students interested in pursuing a career in art now have two new options.
Beginning in the fall of 2006, the Department of Art and Design at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, will begin offering two new degrees – a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design as well as a B.F.A. in studio-art.
“These two new degrees will really help our students,” said Doug Waterfield, chair of the Department of Art and Design at SAU. “They are a great addition to our department and the University. These degrees will better prepare our students for a career in art.”
According to Waterfield, the main difference between the degrees is that the B.F.A. will offer a higher concentration of art classes.
“The B.F.A. degree is a more professional degree and is the preferred degree for art majors,” said Waterfield. “The B.A. in art is kind of a general degree and not as specialized.”
The Department worked closely with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to make sure all changes would be in compliance.
“We added seven new art classes and took away other classes,” said Waterfield. “The degree now requires fewer hours.”
Students currently seeking an art degree at SAU will have the opportunity to switch to one of the two new B.F.A. programs or continue pursuing their B.A.
Waterfield feels that the new degree program will allow SAU students to become more competitive in the work force and better prepare them for their field.
“We feel like this change will be a draw to the University. It will give our students more options after they graduate.”
To learn more about either of the new B.F.A. programs offered at Southern Arkansas University, call Waterfield at 870-235-5081 or visit SAU online at www.saumag.edu.
