Education: K-12 Education, Art (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree leads to licensure for Colorado K-12 Art Education. The visual art emphasis includes coursework in theory, art history, and studio art. Art teaching methods courses in Elementary and Secondary Art are an integral part of the degree plan.

About This Major

As a student, you will gradually accumulate over 200 hours of classroom experience before beginning student teaching. School districts throughout western Colorado provide opportunities to gain experience with children of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of school settings.

Important Information for This Program

• 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• K-12 Art licensure candidates are expected to show proficiencies in State of Colorado Performance-Based and Art Model Content Standards.
• Candidates are expected to earn a minimum grade of "B" in all licensure classes (EDUC prefix courses), which must be taken in sequence prescribed by the Center for Teacher Education.
• Professional dispositions for teaching are measured throughout the licensure sequence and include qualities such as ethical and responsible behaviors, personal presentation, ability to work in collegial capacities, ability to manage time, paperwork and resources, and an aptitude for elevating the academic standing of the Art Education field.

Admission to the K-12 Art Licensure Program

Completion of admission to the K-12 Art Licensure program includes:

• All requirements and prerequisite courses are met for the Center for Teacher Education's application for admission (usually completed during the sophomore year).
• A meeting with Art Education faculty to discuss professional goals and establish a timeline for completion of requirements.
• Must pass all studio and art history courses with a grade of "B" or higher.
• Completion of specific courses within the first 60 hours.

Additional Fees

Additional fees are required through the licensure program and range from $200-$300, covering basic proficiency tests, fingerprinting, and content exam, in addition to the cost of textbooks and art materials.

Student Requirements

• Students are required to participate in exit examinations or other programs deemed necessary to comply with the college accountability requirement.
• Students must pass the PRAXIS II exam in the content area prior to beginning the student teaching internship.

Institutional Degree Requirements

The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU baccalaureate degrees:

• 120 semester hours minimum.
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
• 40 upper-division credits (an alternative credit limit applies to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree).
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree.

Specific to This Degree

• 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.

Essential Learning Requirements

(31 semester hours)

• English Composition I and II
• Mathematical Investigations
• History
• Humanities
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Natural Sciences

Other Lower Division Requirements

• Wellness Requirement
• Essential Learning Capstone

Foundation Courses

(18 semester hours, must pass all courses with a grade of "B" or higher)

• Two-Dimensional Design
• Three-Dimensional Design
• History of Art, Prehistory to Renaissance
• History of Art, Renaissance to Present
• Foundation Drawing I and II

Program Specific Degree Requirements

(30 semester hours, must pass all courses with a grade of "B" or higher)

• Introduction to Photography
• Beginning Hand Building
• Beginning Wheel Throwing
• Sculpture I
• Printmaking
• Painting I
• Art Theory
• Upper Division Certification Specialty

K-12 Licensure Requirements

(32 semester hours, must earn a grade of "B" or better in each course)

• What It Means To Be An Educator
• Teaching as a Profession
• Pedagogy and Assessment: Secondary and K-12
• Teaching to Diversity
• Elementary Art Education Methods
• Secondary Art Education Methods
• Integrating Literacy Across the Curriculum: Secondary and K-12 Art
• Classroom Management for K-12 Educators
• Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Elementary for K-12
• Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Secondary for K-12

General Electives

All college level courses appearing on your final transcript, not listed above that will bring your total semester hours to 120 hours.

Plan of Study Grid

A suggested course sequencing outline is provided for each year of study.

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing.

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.