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.