Art Education

This major combines the studies of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Education. Graduates of the Art Education program are certified to teach art in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Graduation credentials are also recognized in most other states.

The art education program at Kutztown University is one of the most highly regarded in the United States. Your education consists of general studies courses, studio art courses, visual studies courses, and art education courses. In addition, you will have student teaching and other hands-on clinical experiences to enhance your academic experience.

Program of Study

The undergraduate program has a specific sequence of courses found on the Art Education Check Sheet that include the study of Studio Art, Visual Studies, Art Education methods, Clinical Field Experiences, and General Education. Art Education students begin their first year taking the same studio Foundations program as other visual arts majors. Students are required to obtain a wide range of studio skills and to concentrate on a single studio area. The Visual Studies offerings provide students with opportunities to understand art, design, and visual culture from historical, critical, and philosophical positions. Student will be introduced to schools through classroom observations, arts days, and field and clinical experiences. The Art Education Program Check sheet provides information regarding the organization of the entire program.

Double Major Opportunities

Once accepted, students may choose to Double Major in Crafts or Double Major in Fine Arts, a program of study that normally takes five years and leads to both the B.S. in Art Education and a B.F.A. in Fine Arts or a B.F.A. in Crafts.

Field Experience Opportunities

The Art Education program provides its graduates with clinical experiences (student teaching) in K-12 teaching in elementary, middle, and high school settings. The program provides opportunities for experiences in rural, suburban and urban locations. The program offers Museum Education opportunities through museums in the region.

Equipment and Facilities

Art Education students take studio courses in the same studios as other visual arts majors. These include facilities for Fine Metals, Fibers, Woodwork, Ceramics, Sculpture, Watercolor, Painting, Life Drawing, Photography, Digital Media, and Printmaking. Art education field experiences take place in a wide range of regional schools and museums. The region provides a wide variety of school settings for students to obtain a rich array of experiences related to K-12 teaching.

Faculty

The Art Education Program has a faculty dedicated to their students and their areas of research in studio art, art education, art history and criticism. In addition, art teachers from the region contribute to the success of our program through their generous mentoring of Kutztown University students through their roles as co-operative teachers.

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate with an Art Education degree can find employment in:

• public and private schools
• colleges and universities
• community programs
• museums

The Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program in Art Education and The Master of Education in Art Education are also offered by KU's Art Education & Crafts department.