The Gemological Institute of America and the University of Seoul’s Materials Science and Engineering Department have joined efforts to teach a new master’s degree program called GIA Korea. Instructors from GIA Korea will teach two of the five semesters in the university’s new “Jewelry Expert Advanced Program.”

This is the first time that a degreed gemological program has been offered anywhere in the world, according to GIA Global Education Director Seung-Hae Moon.

In the first semester, students learn the special language of jewelry, product knowledge, and selling techniques through GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional program. During the second semester, instructors from GIA’s Jewelry Design program teach the creative and technical skills of designing jewelry, while Seoul University professors cover jewelry computer-aided design (CAD). Students will already have a working portfolio after the second semester.

Over the next three semesters, university professors will cover advanced instrumentation and supervise students’ final theses. There are seven students enrolled in the initial program, which began in March. A new group of students will begin the program each March.

For more information, or to enroll in the newly created master’s degree program, contact GIA Korea at 822-540-7637, or by e-mail at info@giakorea.co.kr. Or visit www.giakorea.co.kr.

JCK