Art Education, BA

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Art Education at Central Washington University prepares students to become certified art teachers. The program emphasizes art theory, practice, and pedagogy, providing students with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach art and foster creativity in students. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in art education, including teaching, curriculum development, and community art instruction.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Bachelor of Arts in Art Education at Central Washington University is designed to prepare students to become certified art teachers at various educational levels.
The program meets the standards set by the National Art Education Association and is an approved endorsement by the Professional Educator Standards Board for Washington.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with a strong foundation in art theory, practice, and pedagogy.
Graduates will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to teach art effectively, foster creativity, and inspire students' artistic talents.
• Program Description: The program includes coursework in art history, studio art, art education theory and methods, and psychology of art.
Students will gain practical experience through supervised teaching placements in local schools.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Art history and criticism
• Studio art (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, etc.)
• Art education theory and methods
• Psychology of art
• Curriculum development
• Assessment and evaluation
• Structure: The program consists of approximately 120 credit hours, including:
• Core courses in art history, studio art, and art education
• Elective courses in various art forms and areas of specialization
• Supervised teaching placements
• Course Schedule: The course schedule varies depending on the student's individual plan of study.
However, most students will take courses in the following sequence:
• Freshman year: Introduction to art, art history, studio art foundations
• Sophomore year: Intermediate art history, studio art courses, art education methods
• Junior year: Advanced art history, studio art courses, curriculum development
• Senior year: Supervised teaching placements, art education research

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Written assignments (essays, research papers, lesson plans)
• Creative projects (artwork, portfolios)
• Oral presentations
• Class participation
• Assessment Criteria: Students are evaluated based on their:
• Knowledge of art history and theory
• Artistic skills and creativity
• Teaching ability
• Communication skills
• Professionalism

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Studio work
• Field experiences
• Individualized instruction
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced art educators and artists.
Faculty members are actively involved in research and professional development.
• Unique Approaches: The program features several unique approaches to art education, including:
• A focus on community outreach
• A partnership with local schools for supervised teaching placements
• Opportunities for students to participate in research and creative projects

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the Art Education program can pursue a variety of careers, including:
• Art teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools
• Community art instructors
• Curriculum developers
• Art museum educators
• Art therapists
• Other careers in the art field
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of art-related careers.
Graduates are well-prepared to enter the teaching profession or pursue further education in art education.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the Art Education program have a high success rate in finding employment in the field.
Many graduates go on to teach art in local schools, while others pursue careers in art museums, community art centers, and other art-related organizations.