About This Program
The Art Education B.F.A. provides you with the aesthetic and pedagogical training necessary not only to be effective K-12 art teachers, but also to engage in shaping the future of arts in education. The program includes experience in a range of art studio areas and art history, in addition to courses in arts education methodology. Grounded in the belief that teachers learn best by doing, field experience is central to the program, which includes arranged teaching in area elementary classrooms as well as in public and private agencies, in addition to extensive supervised student teaching. The program provides a foundation in a variety of studio areas, art history, and art education methods.
You may pursue K-12 art teaching licensure through this major, offered in cooperation with the College of Education and Human Services Professions, by applying for admission to the licensure program and completing the courses required by the State Department of Education and the Board of Teaching. The Minnesota K-12 art teaching license is reciprocal in most states.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
- Faculty create, exhibit, and publish research, in addition to teaching and providing mentorship and career guidance
Research & Experiential Learning
- Field experiences are an important part of the Art Education program and include observations and participation in community, museum, and elementary school programs; two apprenticeships in area public and/or private middle schools and high schools, concluding with a full semester of supervised student teaching (8 weeks at the elementary and 8 weeks at the middle or high school level)
- You will produce a body of work for the Senior Exhibition under the mentorship of faculty in your area
- Study abroad opportunities with our faculty
Student Internships
Museum internships are often available through UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art, along with experience through student teaching.
Potential Careers
- Art educator
- Lead community-based art programs
Scholarships
Several departmental scholarships are awarded to returning Art & Design majors after the first year; additionally, any student can submit creative pieces to the Student Exhibition each spring, which does include several small scholarships for outstanding selected artwork and/or research.
Get Involved
Student clubs in the Department of Art & Design vary each year according to interests but typically include:
- Art Education Club
- Student Photography Cooperative
- Mud Guild (Ceramics Club)
- Art History Symposium
- Media Arts Club
- Student Design Organization (SDO).
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.