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Art Education, BSE

Art Major - Bachelor of Science in Education

Inspire generations of students with your passion for the arts by majoring in Art Education at the ŷƵ. Explore your own creative expression with studio art classes while learning the best methods for teaching art concepts and techniques.

As a major in Art Education at UCM, you’ll have access to many aspects of an art school experience. With ample studio time and art courses taught by our experienced faculty, you’ll acquire the skills for teaching art that are in high demand in school districts around Missouri — and the country. 

UCM’s Art Education degree program offers a welcoming environment. Your learning and well-being will be supported by a close-knit community of artists and educators who truly care about your success and growth.

A respected Art Education degree

At UCM, we began training art teachers shortly after our founding in 1871. By majoring in Art Education at the ŷƵ, you’ll join a tradition of excellence that stretches back well over a century. Enjoy the best of modern tools and perspective backed by over 150 years of expertise in teacher training.

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NASAD-accredited Art Education degree

A certificate

Qualify to teach K–12 art classes

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Gain in-person teaching experience

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Student-centered learning

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Small class sizes, tight-knit feel

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Hone your skills in studio art courses

What you will study

The course of study for a major in Art Education at UCM begins with laying a foundation of technical skills and art history. As you progress through the Art Education bachelor’s degree program, you’ll expand your expertise in different media while learning how to successfully connect with and educate K–12 students. Your junior and senior years include generous internship placements, ensuring that you have many opportunities to gain hands-on experience teaching art in a variety of real-world classrooms. 

Majoring in Art Education at UCM offers you the chance to take both studio art and teacher training courses in nationally respected programs. Our Art Education program is recognized by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Your classes may include:

  • Drawing, Photography, Fibers, Ceramics, Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking and Figure Construction 
  • Methods of Teaching Art I: Media and Curriculum
  • Methods of Teaching Art II: Management and Assessment
  • Educational Psychology
  • Education of the Exceptional Child
  • Secondary Teaching and Behavioral Management

 

Excellence in Art Education

  • Top 9%: Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Art Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 10%: Best Value Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2021)
  • Art Education has been part of the ŷƵ since 1875.
  • Continuously accredited by NASAD since 1986.

 

Unique learning opportunities in art education

Launching a career in teaching art requires hands-on experience as an educator as well as an artist. The ŷƵ emphasizes experiential learning in art courses and beyond. When you graduate with your Art Education bachelor’s degree from UCM, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge necessary to engage students effectively in your own classroom:

  • Field experience: UCM’s Art Education degree program includes over 100 hours of field experience in local classrooms to prepare you for a full semester of student teaching, then leading your own art classroom.
  • Community engagement: Art Education students manage a “Gallery Kids” program in conjunction with UCM's Gallery of Art & Design that offers art lessons to local school-aged children. You and your peers get to experience the satisfaction of designing and implementing art courses that delight your students and expand their horizons.
  • Student clubs: UCM’s active, engaged student body maintains many social and content-area specific clubs. Many students in the Art Education degree program are involved in groups such as the and the .

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from UCM?

Your Art Education bachelor’s degree from UCM will qualify you to teach art classes throughout Missouri at any level, from kindergarten through high school. Demand for qualified art teachers is high, making it easier than ever to craft the career you want.

UCM’s strong network of alumni and supporters mentor our Art Education students, who have a reputation for excellence. Graduates regularly earn accolades such as Teacher of the Year and take on leadership roles in organizations such as the Missouri Art Education Association (MAEA), an affiliate of the National Art Education Association (NAEA).

Learn more about jobs for Art Education majors

Teaching art is a career that offers many opportunities for you to refine your professional and creative goals. Whether you look forward to teaching all art forms to young children or providing highly skilled education in one medium to small classrooms of advanced students, your UCM Art Education degree will prepare you for success. Use our interactive tool below to discover more about art education jobs.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Art Education degree

The ŷƵ has been offering affordable, high-quality degrees for art educators for more than 150 years. Our commitment to accessible education includes generous financial aid through scholarships, work-study programs, grants and awards.

A financial advisor will work with you to determine the best way to finance your college education. UCM has been recognized by LendEDU as a top-ranked university for low student debt.

In addition to university-wide resources, you may qualify for scholarships reserved for students majoring in Art Education, including:

  • Virginia Anderson Bates Scholarship in Art Education
  • Mattie and Mary Louise Hull Scholarship
  • Fanita Marie Davis McCubbin Art Education Scholarship
  • Kleppe Foundation Art Education Scholarship

Learn more about program- and school-specific funds by using the .

 

 

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Take your degree further.

To take your career in teaching art even further, return to UCM for an advanced degree:

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Make yourself more marketable.

Enhance your job potential by adding a relevant minor to your major in Art Education, such as:

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Explore programs related to art education.

If you are drawn to fine arts but not necessarily to becoming a K–12 educator, explore UCM’s Studio Art programs:

 

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

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