TAMIU Adds New Degree in Art

Laredo and area students who have yearned for the local option of a higher education in art can now pursue their dream with the addition of a Bachelors of Arts in Art degree at Texas A&M International University.

The new degree was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in action last week. Offered in two distinct tracks, it affords the student the opportunity of a major in art or a major in art with all-level certification for those wanting to teach art.

Dr. Dan Jones, TAMIU provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the University is now poised to address an important and growing area in new student population.

"Our research in support of this degree showed considerable interest in the degree program. With an impressive range of faculty and facilities support possible with our new Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, we are convinced that this is a program that will flourish here," Dr. Jones said.

Dr. Gilberto Soto, chair of the department of fine and performing arts, concurred.

"For entirely too long, students wanting to secure a Bachelors degree in Art have had to leave Laredo to complete their studies. With this degree, that is no longer the case. We predict that the level of interest in this program will be just as impressive as that we have seen for the offering of music degrees, that saw enrollment in those programs double," he explained.

Coursework for the new degree will be in place beginning this Spring 2004 semester.

University offices will reopen for Spring 2004 Registration at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5.

Registration may be accomplished throughout these days and prior to General Registration on Friday, Jan. 16. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 20. Registration information is available by calling the Office of the Registrar at 326.2250.