What you will study
The course of study for a major in Art Education at UCM begins with laying a foundation
of technical skills and art history. As you progress through the Art Education bachelor’s
degree program, you’ll expand your expertise in different media while learning how
to successfully connect with and educate K–12 students. Your junior and senior years
include generous internship placements, ensuring that you have many opportunities
to gain hands-on experience teaching art in a variety of real-world classrooms.
Majoring in Art Education at UCM offers you the chance to take both studio art and
teacher training courses in nationally respected programs. Our Art Education program
is recognized by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and
the College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator
Preparation (CAEP). Your classes may include:
- Drawing, Photography, Fibers, Ceramics, Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking and Figure
Construction
- Methods of Teaching Art I: Media and Curriculum
- Methods of Teaching Art II: Management and Assessment
- Educational Psychology
- Education of the Exceptional Child
- Secondary Teaching and Behavioral Management
Excellence in Art Education
- Top 9%: Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Art Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Best Value Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2021)
- Art Education has been part of the University of Central Missouri since 1875.
- Continuously accredited by NASAD since 1986.
Unique learning opportunities in art education
Launching a career in teaching art requires hands-on experience as an educator as
well as an artist. The University of Central Missouri emphasizes experiential learning
in art courses and beyond. When you graduate with your Art Education bachelor’s degree
from UCM, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge necessary to engage students effectively
in your own classroom:
- Field experience: UCM’s Art Education degree program includes over 100 hours of field experience in
local classrooms to prepare you for a full semester of student teaching, then leading
your own art classroom.
- Community engagement: Art Education students manage a “Gallery Kids” program in conjunction with UCM's Gallery of Art & Design that offers art lessons to local school-aged children. You and your peers get to experience
the satisfaction of designing and implementing art courses that delight your students
and expand their horizons.
- Student clubs: UCM’s active, engaged student body maintains many social and content-area specific
clubs. Many students in the Art Education degree program are involved in groups such
as the Student Artist Coalition and the Art Education Club.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from UCM?
Your Art Education bachelor’s degree from UCM will qualify you to teach art classes
throughout Missouri at any level, from kindergarten through high school. Demand for
qualified art teachers is high, making it easier than ever to craft the career you
want.
UCM’s strong network of alumni and supporters mentor our Art Education students, who
have a reputation for excellence. Graduates regularly earn accolades such as Teacher
of the Year and take on leadership roles in organizations such as the Missouri Art
Education Association (MAEA), an affiliate of the National Art Education Association
(NAEA).
Learn more about jobs for Art Education majors
Teaching art is a career that offers many opportunities for you to refine your professional
and creative goals. Whether you look forward to teaching all art forms to young children
or providing highly skilled education in one medium to small classrooms of advanced
students, your UCM Art Education degree will prepare you for success. Use our interactive
tool below to discover more about art education jobs.
Financial assistance options for your Art Education degree
The University of Central Missouri has been offering affordable, high-quality degrees
for art educators for more than 150 years. Our commitment to accessible education
includes generous financial aid through scholarships, work-study programs, grants
and awards.
A financial advisor will work with you to determine the best way to finance your college education. UCM has been recognized by LendEDU as a top-ranked university for low student debt.
In addition to university-wide resources, you may qualify for scholarships reserved
for students majoring in Art Education, including:
- Virginia Anderson Bates Scholarship in Art Education
- Mattie and Mary Louise Hull Scholarship
- Fanita Marie Davis McCubbin Art Education Scholarship
- Kleppe Foundation Art Education Scholarship
Learn more about program- and school-specific funds by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Art School Experience
Grow as an artist while learning to be an educator
Majoring in Art Education at UCM means you don’t have to give up your passion for
your profession. The Art Education degree program is closely integrated with our Studio
Art classes, taught by practicing artists. Explore and refine your creative vision
while earning a career-launching degree for teaching art.
Meet Dr. Rahila Weed
Professor, Art and Design
Dr. Weed teaches art education, art history and studio bookbinding. Her research is
in the areas of art and autism, as well as co-teaching as best practice during student
teaching. She is an active member of MAEA and NAEA. UCM’s small class sizes and mentorship
philosophy give you the opportunity to work closely with experts like Dr. Weed.
Expand Your Horizons
World-class experiences at home and abroad
UCM brings top-flight artists to campus through programs such as the Kleppe Visiting
Artist Lecture Series and the Ovation Performance Series. You may also choose to enhance
your major in Art Education with one of our guided, faculty-led overseas Study Tours.
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