A surge in art majors is leading Kennesaw State University to upgrade its art program. This fall, the Department of Visual Arts will become the School of Art and Design.

The new designation as a school of art and design reflects the department’s growth in scale and popularity. The number of art majors increased by 70% between 2004 and 2009, making it the fastest-growing department in the school.

Senior Graphics Communication major, Daniela Dewenbt, says the variety of courses has prepared her for the job market:

“I really appreciated since the beginning, the opportunity to take not just graphic design classes, but drawing and painting classes and photography, and I think that opened so many creativity windows for me and I think they made me a better graphic designer.”

Dr. Joe Thomas will run the new school. He says KSU’s new designation as a “School of Art and Design” helps it compete with other Georgia art schools:

“I think that’s because our main competitors are schools of art and design so students who come to Kennesaw are using choosing between UGA and GA State and SCAD, so it kind of puts us on par with our peer institutions in the region.”

The new school will offer the same four degrees: A bachelor of Fine Arts in both art and history, and Bachelor of Science in art education and a Master of Arts in Teaching Art.

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