The Art Education Program is an Approved Teacher Preparation Program that complies with the professional standards of the Virginia Department of Education and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Most students completing the program enter the teaching profession and teach art in elementary, middle or high school. Others pursue further education to qualify them for professions related to art therapy, arts administration, museum education, school administration and higher education.

Upon receiving passing scores on the state required PRAXIS I and II series of examinations, graduates of the program are eligible to receive a Collegiate Professional License to teach art in Virginia pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Reciprocity agreements with many states greatly expand job opportunities to locations throughout the country.

Art Education BFA Degree Requirements Content area - Studio courses and approved electives. 44 credits Professional Education - Art education courses and student teaching. 36 credits General Studies 43 credits Total: 123 credits Undergraduate Curriculum Checklist (pdf file)

 

 

 

 

Course Descriptions

Department of Art Education Course Descriptions (required undergraduate Art Education courses)

ARTE 250 Computer Technology in Art Education
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. For art education majors only. The use of computer as a tool for creating electronic imagery, as a filtering mechanism for traditional media and to develop teaching materials for the pre-K through 12th-grade classroom. The course includes an introduction to presentation technology, digital imaging and Web page design. Ethical and copyright issues related to new technologies will be addressed.

ARTE 310 Foundations of Art Education
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. For art education majors only or by approval of the department chair. An examination of art education within the curricular structure of educational programs and the developmental growth of children. Students will explore the historical, philosophical and sociological foundations of art in education, including art education's development and current roles.

ARTE 311 Art Education Curriculum and Instructional Procedures
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits.
For art education majors only or by approval of the department chair. Prerequisite: ARTE 310. A study of the principles of learning, instruction and curriculum in art education programs. Students will develop teaching competencies through micro-teaching experiences, analysis of instructional methods and teaching styles. Writing intensive.

ARTE 401 Art Education Elementary Materials and Practicum
Semester course; 3 lecture and 3 studio hours. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Art Teacher Preparation Program. Completion of ARTE 311. For art education majors only or by the approval of the department chair.
A preparatory experience with observation and participation in art programs in elementary grades prior to student teaching. This course explores art materials, techniques and teaching methods suitable for this level; and analyzes evaluation strategies appropriate for art. Writing intensive.

ARTE 402 Art Education Secondary Materials and Practicum
Semester course; 3 lecture and 3 studio hours. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Art Teacher
Preparation Program and completion of ARTE 311. For art education majors only or by approval of department chair. A preparatory experience with observation and participation in art programs in middle school, secondary school and nontraditional settings prior to student teaching. This course explores art materials and techniques suitable for these levels, examines developmental performance levels and analyzes evaluation methods appropriate for art. Writing intensive.

ARTE 404 Student Teaching Seminar
Semester course; 1 seminar hour. 1 credit. For art education majors only. Corequisites: TEDU 485 and 486. A seminar concurrent with student teaching that gives students an opportunity to discuss and evaluate their progress in teaching assignments and other related activities.

ARTE 450 Art for the Exceptional Student
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits.
Open to all majors. A study of the unique characteristics of exceptional students as related to involvement in the arts. The course examines disabled, aged, gifted, talented and other exceptional learners, and may include practicum and field experiences.