The School of Art offers a four-year degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Art Education.
Art Education blends studio art practice with a strong foundation in education theory and pedagogy. Students begin in our First-Year Foundations Program which nurtures their interests and skills through classes in drawing, 2D, 3D, and 4D. In Art Education courses, students learn about curricula and teaching methods in art studio, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics, providing them with practical tools to teach art in a range of situations and contexts.
Students engage in hands-on art creation, while learning how to teach and mentor students of all ages and skill levels. With courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital media, and art history, students develop a well-rounded understanding of the visual arts.
Students participate in observations of real teachers in the field, teaching experiences with real students in a range of settings, student teaching placements, and collaborative projects where students work with experienced educators and diverse student populations. From lesson planning to classroom management, students gain the expertise needed to foster creativity and critical thinking in their future students. Art Education students plan and teach Saturday Art Classes each fall for community students in grades 1 through 6. This practical experience is invaluable in readying students for careers in teaching.
The Art Education major meets Indiana state K-12 licensure requirements, ensuring students are ready for a successful teaching career at the elementary, middle school, or high school levels. Many states—including Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky—honor Indiana’s certification, allowing students many location options for jobs after graduation.
Our Art Education graduates are prepared for careers teaching visual arts in public or private school settings as full-time art teachers. Students are also prepared for careers that combine both artistic practice and teaching, including as educators in art museums, galleries, or community art centers. With an added minor in psychology, students are ready to pursue study and licensure in art therapy after graduation.