229-333-2157 January 26, 2007
07-014
Director of Communications
New doctorate and an additional degree approved for VSU
This fall, Valdosta State University students will have two more
degrees to choose from when planning out their academic
careers.
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia recently
approved VSU to begin teaching curriculum for the Bachelor of Fine
Arts (BFA) in Dance and the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
degrees.
Currently, undergraduates studying dance must receive degrees in
theatre with either an emphasis or minor in dance. Due to the
approval, however, students will now have the opportunity to pursue
dance as an independent, professional degree program. It makes the
BFA in dance the only dance degree program of its type in south
Georgia, and the second BFA in dance offered in the university
system.
“It [BFA in dance] will really strengthen our performing arts
area,” Dr. John C. Gaston, dean of the College of Arts, said. “This
program is really an asset for this area of the state.”
In addition to the BFA in dance, VSU will also offer the Doctor of
Public Administration degree. The DPA will build on the current
master’s of public administration (MPA) degree program and allow
students to develop as professional public managers and leaders.
The mostly Internet-based program will allow non-traditional
students to complete the degree while continuing full-time
employment.
“We’ve been trying to get this program now for several years,”
Coordinator of the MPA program and Dean of Faculty at Kings Bay,
Dr. Nolan J. Argyle, said. “We are just pleased to have the program
going all over the state of Georgia; especially for those
site-bound educators.”
A needs assessment conducted by the MPA program, along with the
office of Institutional Research and Policy Analysis, found that
the demand for this degree in Georgia far outstrips the
supply.
“We’re very excited about the program, and we think it will be a
great service to the area,” Dr. Linda Calendrillo, dean of the
College of Arts and Sciences, said. “We’ve such a dynamic MPA
program, so this degree is the next logical step.”
Dr. Louis Levy, vice president for Academic Affairs, said that the
DPA and BFA in dance are both degrees which extend VSU’s reach into
the 41 county service area and beyond. Levy added, “These degrees
help us fulfill our mission for a more educated Georgia.”
For more information, please contact the office of Academic Affairs
at (229) 333-5950.
