Program Overview

Art Education, B.F.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Join the most established art education program in South Carolina and become certified to teach art in public schools. Grow your talents and gain hands-on classroom experiences teaching K-12 students.

Fulfill your passions for art and teaching with courses in studio art, art history and teacher education. Receive hands-on experience teaching art classes in local elementary and secondary schools and running our Young Artist's Workshop, which brings children from the community in for Friday afternoon art classes.

Program Highlights

• Ready to Work: Meet the teacher demand. Most students sign job contracts during their final semester of student teaching.
• Valuable Experiences: Learn while doing during hands-on experiences teaching in schools or community settings.
• Notable Faculty: Learn from award-winning artists, scholars and educators with teaching and research expertise across areas.
• Growth Opportunities: Network and build skills in our vibrant student professional development group and through conferences, workshops and other activities.

What You’ll Study

Learn to make art using two and three-dimensional materials appropriate for use with different age groups. Write arts instruction units on relevant themes with learning outcomes that match assessment. Gain expertise in curriculum development and lesson planning, plus motivational strategies for teaching. Core courses and electives are flexible to meet your interests.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Teaching: Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students
• Curriculum Planning: Designing educational programs, courses and learning experiences that align with educational standards
• Communication: Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression
• Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective
• Creativity: Thinking imaginatively, generating original ideas and expressing unique perspectives through art and innovation
• Cultural Awareness: Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• K-12 Art Teacher
• Art Educator
• Art Museum Educator
• Community Art Educator

Job Titles of Alumni

• Art Teacher
• Elementary Art Teacher
• Graphic Designer
• Marketing Coordinator
• Cinematographer/Filmmaker
• Assistant Director

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education: $53,765

Workplace Settings

• Education
• Museums
• Nonprofits
• Arts and Entertainment
• Health Care

Employers of Alumni

• University of South Carolina
• Lexington County School District One
• Walt Disney World
• The Phoenix Theatre Company
• Richland School District Two
• Trustus Theatre

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Master's: Art Education, M.A. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences)
• Master's: Art Education (PK-12 Certification), M.A.T. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education)
• Master's: Studio Art, M.F.A. (McCausland College of Arts and Sciences)