Augustana University announced that it will launch a new bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree effective for the 2019-20 academic year.
The B.F.A degree prepares students for a serious professional degree in the visual arts and builds on Augustana’s strong reputation of art curriculum. It is expected that many students obtaining this professional degree will continue their education with a master’s of fine arts.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for our students to be able to offer this program,” said Lindsay Twa, department chair. “We’re responding to changes in the art industry and better preparing our students to enter the workforce or continue their education. The B.F.A. more clearly conveys to employers, galleries and graduate programs the depths of training our students have received.”
Similar to Augustana’s existing bachelor of arts program, candidates will select at least one emphasis area from the seven offered: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture.
Courses specific to the major will be available for current and future students starting in Fall 2019. The first cohort of majors will graduate in Spring 2021. With a thriving B.A. in art program, many current students have already taken some of the required courses with such regular faculty as John Peters, Scott Parsons, Gerry Punt, Anna Reich, Tom Shields and Twa.
“Augustana is committed to fostering great thinkers and innovative problem-solvers,” said Dr. Colin Irvine, Dean of the university and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Offering this degree reinforces our commitment to adaptable learning and preparing our students for success as they enter their industries post-graduation.”
For more information about the program, contact Lindsay Twa at lindsay.twa@augie.edu or 605.274.4010.