PRESS RELEASE: APRIL 8, 2025
FloArts to offer bachelor’s degrees
FloArts student Lyle Lopez plans to continue his education this fall with the school’s new performance design and production program.
For nearly 50 years, students from all corners of the state and beyond have enrolled at Florida School of the Arts to prepare for successful careers in the visual and performing arts fields. Beginning this fall, students will have the opportunity to continue their education at the baccalaureate level.
The two bachelor’s degrees are affordable and accessible options for students studying digital art or design/production, said FloArts Dean Emily Schafer. “These programs provide students with the opportunity to gain specialized, hands-on skills in rapidly growing fields that are essential to today’s creative technology industries,” Schafer said. “By providing affordable pathways to education, these programs allow students to pursue their dreams without the heavy financial burden, ensuring they have the chance to thrive in their chosen careers.”
The crucial part of a live performance depends on the behind-the-scenes details.
The Bachelor Of Applied Science In Performance Design And Production will prepare students for a career in the realm of live performances using hands-on skills training in construction; stage mechanics; garment construction; projection and lighting technology; project management; performance and music direction; audio production; and video editing.
The growing fields of digital design, visual communication, animation and game design need creators with advanced skills and creative expertise. The Bachelor Of Applied Science In Digital Art And Media offers upper-level courses in digital design, imaging, photography, video production, 3D animation, and motion graphics that will prepare students for the dynamic demands of the digital arts industry.
FloArts student Lyle Lopez plans to continue his education this fall with the school’s new performance design and production program.
The former Filipino child star first enrolled at the college to earn his Associate in Science degree in musical theater, and now aspires to take his talent and experience beyond the stage and back into the classroom as an instructor. The bachelor’s degree will provide the necessary instruction, as well as the path toward a required master’s degree for teaching. Like many FloArts alumni, Lopez refers to the school as “home” and anticipates returning to the campus to “give back to the school.”
“FloArts really helped to cultivate my talent and taught me to understand the importance of a good attitude and work ethic,” Lopez said. “My professors were instrumental in how I transformed into the person I am striving to become.”
Lopez is also excited about the opening of student housing in the fall. He currently commutes 45 minutes to attend class. “It’s difficult because I’m working shows, and at times, it’s around 2:00 am when I get home,” he said. “I look forward to being able to go to my apartment and rest between classes.”
Looking forward to the kind of college life most students dream of, Lopez said he is ecstatic about the adventure and the deepening sense of camaraderie and connection between students. “That’s basically the essence of collegiate life,” he said. “To see SJR State grow into the college it is now, with its additions and programs, for me, I feel like I’ve grown alongside the college. As I build myself up, it’s building itself up as well. We’re growing together.”
In addition, St. Johns River State College announced in March three bachelor’s degree programs for the 2025 fall semester.
Learn more about Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences,
Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education K-12,
Bachelor of Science in Social and Human Services and apply today!
Programs launched fall 2024:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Applied Intelligence Studies
Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology
Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis
Associate in Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies
Florida School of the Arts, located on the St. Johns River State College Palatka campus, serves the entire state of Florida, is part of the academic and administrative structure of SJR State. FloArts awards associate degrees in acting, dance performance, musical theater, stage management, theater technology, graphic design/new media and studio art. For more information, call (386) 312-4300 or visit SJRsjrstate.edu/floarts.
The programs are pending approval by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).