B.A. Art Education
The art education program at Western Kentucky University is designed to equip the pre-service art teacher with a wide range of theoretical as well as practical experiences for careers in teaching art at the primary, middle, and secondary levels.
The WKU art education program is dedicated to the training of P-12 art teachers who are prepared to meet the needs and standards of State and National markets. The prospective art teachers will study the Methods of teaching art and Learn ways to impart the joys of creating and studying about art for students of all backgrounds.
Applied Field Experience
Throughout their program, Art Education students complete field hours in a school setting and receive hands-on training in their field. This includes but is not limited to planning curriculum, leading instruction, and additional special programming and activities as part of WKU's Art Ed program.
The BA Visual Studies, Art Education Concentration, consists of 44/45 hours of general education, 66 semester hours of studio, art history, and art education methods classes, and 22 hours of professional education courses. Upon completion of the WKU art education program, the student is eligible for initial Kentucky Teaching Certification, P-12 Visual Art. The total semester hours for BA Visual Studies, Art Education Concentration leading to P-12 certification equals 132/133.
Program Code: 509
Students pursuing a BA in Art Education should strongly consider completing the Graphic Design Certificate Program.The Graphic Design certificate is open to all students with an interest in graphic design. It is a slightly shorter version of the current 24-hour minor in graphic design, for students who would like an official certificate on their transcript or who want the increased flexibility in their overall curriculum.
Combining the Graphic Design Certificate alongside a degree in Art Education provides an enhancement for employability as well as an additional endorsement towards teaching credentials. Additionally, the certificate provides basic foundations in design and is designed to aid those interested in pursuing freelance creative efforts.
Practical Applications + Skillsets in an Educational Setting:
- Basic Understanding of the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.)
- Ability to develop and create custom course materials (for example: a classroom website or blog)
- Ability to assist and direct students working with technology (for example: Yearbook Staff, digital-based courses, etc.)
Check out the latest activity of our program, read blog posts, and see videos of our recent events.
Art Ed Facilities
The classroom that serves Art Education (425) is well appointed for studies with ample provisions for class assignments and seating for 20 students at worktables appropriate to a K-12 art room setting. The room has quality digital sound and projection equipment installed, adjustable lighting, and six computer stations available in the back of the studio for student use. There are two large sinks for wet media process, four cabinets, 32 small drawers specifically assigned for majors and non-majors to store their studio supplies and various instructional materials. Three classroom display cases are filled with previous studio examples, books, and completed student work as an exemplary showcase. Two additional display cases in the hallway are present that feature various art education programing and activities.
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