Art Education
Students who intend to become visual arts teachers in PreK-12th grade education settings and/or Community Arts Education establishments enroll in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art Education. They acquire strong knowledge and skills through both Studio Arts and Art Education curricula, employing a wide range of 2D and 3D as well as digital art and graphic design media and processes. Students gain a conception of art education that integrates art making, art history, visual culture, art criticism, philosophies of art, art education theory, social-justice influences, and community-based artistic engagements. Also addressed in the curriculum are the ways interdisciplinary aspects of art education can affect societal beliefs, values, and behaviors. A selection of required courses at the College of Education and Human Development contribute to the range of academic experiences necessary for quality preparation of future art educators.
There are several advantages to completing the BFA degree in Art Education, which requires approximately 15 semester credits beyond the typical Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at colleges of education. Because of the greater studio emphasis in the BFA program, students are more qualified for internship placements in schools with specialized art courses. Studio expertise also serves our graduates well when seeking employment and/or making graduate school decisions. Holding a BFA degree positions graduates to apply to Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in the visual arts as well as Masters of Arts (MA) programs in art education.
Having experienced a variety of in-depth field experiences with diverse student populations, a semester teaching in our Saturday Art program, and a 16-week student teaching internship with both elementary and secondary school students, graduates of the art education program are well prepared for employment at all grade levels in both public and private schools. BGSU is well known for the quality of its art teacher preparation as our graduates have an excellent placement record – nearly 100% – throughout Ohio and the nation. Art Education graduates have also obtained employment in museum and community arts education settings.
Student Art Education Association
Students are encouraged to become active in the Student Art Education Association, an organization related to the Student Division of the National Art Education Association (NAEA). Through this organization, students organize and conduct workshops for K-12 students, organize art exhibits and field trips, host guest speakers, share studio demonstrations and curricular ideas, and volunteer for special projects and community organizations. This student-led group regularly surveys the interests if its members determining projects for the cross-collaborative professional association.
Students and faculty members in the Division of Art Education activate two expansive classrooms and ample storage spaces. BFA students in Art Education also enjoy some of the best art facilities in the region including classroom studios for Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Drawing & Painting, Sculpture (including a woodshop and a metals shop), Ceramics, Glass, Photography, Printmaking, and Digital media. The School of Art facilities contain lecture halls for Art History and three galleries including the Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery, Hiroko Nakamoto Gallery, and the Willard Wankelman Gallery.
For more information visit the Art Education Studio page.
News and Stories
Bradley Scherzer's Interactive Exhibit - POOF! - Being Selected for BLINK Cincinnati!
Bradley is a current Master's candidate in the field of Arts Education, and also holds a Bachelor's degree from BGSU (Class of 2010, also Art Ed). He credits the guidance of BGSU educators for laying the critical foundations that have made his multifaceted creative career of today possible; Scherzer has found success as a muralist, installation artist, and high school art teacher.
Read MoreLearning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Art Education are expected to be able to:
- Examine the relationship and influence of the visual arts in social, historical, cultural, and aesthetic contexts;
- Demonstrate proficiency in technical, conceptual, and critical abilities within studio media;
- Plan and teach art curricula, based on theories of child development and first-hand experience with individual students, for pre-kindergarten through young adult learners;
- Design art curricula that reflect the purposes of art education, the breadth of art, and the goals of a general education;
- Demonstrate critical and reflective thinking, oral and written communication abilities, and management skills; and
- Exhibit professional behavior when working with students, parents, other educators, and community members.
Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
Art and Design programs (including Art Education) at BGSU are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design NASAD) and are in good standing.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Art Education program does not lead to professional licensure.
Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The Art Education program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.
Updated: 09/06/2024 04:55PM