Art Education, B.A.

student teaching young child

Overview

Program Highlights

 

"Be an artist and teach art. Use creativity to support the next generation’s education."

The Art Education major is a specialized program of study that combines your passion for art with your interest in K-12 education. Through your coursework you will graduate with an education license that pairs with your Art degree so that you can work in a school setting teaching art.

You will learn from professional experiences in classrooms throughout Illinois as you work with children of varying ages and skill levels. Personal attention is given to each ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ student as both artist and teacher-learner allow for one to forge a path that best promotes the ultimate possibilities of personal growth and attainment of knowledge, skill, value, respect, and communication. Classes required include both traditional studio art such as painting, printmaking, and drawing, and digital mediums such as design, photography, and videography. 

Art courses are small, so students will have significant one-on-one time with faculty for feedback throughout the creative process. Being an education major at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ means you are part of a cohort of students who collaborate, grow, and succeed together. You will benefit innovative teaching strategies, co-teaching instruction, field experiences, and research projects.

• Majors have individual painting/drawing studio spaces, artwork storage space in 2D and 3D areas, and access to these areas 24 hours a day.

•&²Ô²ú²õ±è; offers three endorsements, which you may add to your choice of teacher licensure program: Bilingual Education (Pre K-Grade 12), English as a Second Language (Pre K-Grade 12), Special Education (valid for the grade range of the Professional Educator License).

Option 1) Students may also choose the B.A. in Art Education. The B.A. requires up to 3 classes in a foreign language and is the standard route for most art education majors. The B.A. program is lighter with 55 credits in art and 41 credits in education, fewer studio art requirements. This path is best for students wanting a broader arrangement of courses throughout the university and a more flexible schedule.

Option 2) Students may choose the B.F.A. degree in Art Education, which requires over 70 credits in art and a successful B.F.A. Thesis Exhibition. This is the professional option for fine artists. 

"Teach students to learn about the world and about themselves through the use of visual language."

Art teacher working with student