Degree Programs
Architecture — This program offers a fully accredited architectural education that seeks to provide the best possible education by advancing architectural education, promoting excellence in architectural education and working to enhance formal architecture education. The program currently offers two professional degree tracks; the five-year professional Bachelor of Architecture degree for students who started prior to 2002, and the pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree followed by the professional Master of Architecture degree for those students starting during or after Fall 2002. See NAAB Statement
Industrial Design — This four-year professional program offers a curriculum designed to prepare students for successful practice in the field of industrial design (product design). Industrial design, as defined by the Industrial Design Society of America, is “the professional service of creating and developing concepts that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of user and manufacturer.” The program focuses on global product design and emphasizes sustainable-cycle design. This is the only degree-granting program in industrial design in Louisiana. Students receive a Bachelor of Industrial Design upon graduation.
Interior Design — This four-year professional curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Interior Design degree. The Interior Design Program is accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research. The program combines architecture with interior design as well as exploring structural systems, space planning, heating and air conditioning systems, safety codes and other areas. The curriculum makes use of other art and architecture courses in order to assure that it’s graduates will be strong, contributing members of the design and construction team.
Music — The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers a Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in performance, music media, theory-composition, piano pedagogy, and jazz. The Bachelor of Music degree is a professional program with primary emphasis on development of the skills, concepts, and knowledge essential to the professional life of the musician. The Bachelor of Music Education degree is offered in conjunction with the College of Education. This degree prepares students to teach music at the elementary and secondary levels. Programs in both instrumental and vocal certification are offered. The School of Music also provides community services primarily in the areas of performance and consultation.
Performing Arts — Students pursuing a degree in Performing Arts choose an emphasis area in Theatre or Dance. Dance has studies in ballet, jazz, and modern dance as well as a two-year sequence of courses in choreography. Classroom studies and studio experiences in all disciplines of Performing Arts lead to performances on the University’s two stages. Studies in this department culminate with the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Visual Arts — This professional program offers concentrations in the traditional areas of art such as painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, metalwork and jewelry, photography, advertising design and in media arts (animation, computer art and animation, video, filmmaking and other technological media.) The curriculum places great emphasis on the basics of drawing, design and art history and leads to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Most students are required to produce an exhibition of their work as partial fulfillment of graduation requirements. Advertising Design students and certain other students produce a portfolio of work at the end of their studies.
