Art Education

Art is a critically important part of K-12 education. It stimulates development, fuels imagination, nurtures self-esteem and builds valuable life skills. With a Bachelor of Science in Art Education (B.S. Art Ed) from the University of Idaho, you will be prepared to teach art and inspire creativity in children in private and public schools, community centers, galleries, museums and other art-related organizations.

Expanding on the Department of Art and Design's century-old tradition of providing a quality art education, the B.S. Art Ed combines rich studio experiences and faculty guidance from accomplished artists with fieldwork and classroom internships offered through the College of Education. You will learn teaching methods and strategies, lesson planning, art history and concepts and various supplies and technologies used in art education. You’ll also further develop your personal artistic style and skills.

Prepare for Success

If you like art, and you like children, a career combining the two might be for you. To succeed, you should be organized, flexible, creative (as both an artist and a teacher) and enthusiastic. You should also have a positive attitude and excellent communication skills. To prepare for the program in high school, it is helpful to get involved in community art activities and school volunteer programs. We also encourage you to participate in high school art classes, community art programs and classes and/or private lessons. 

Your First Year

As an art education major, you will begin the four-year program with general university requirements and Department of Art and Design core art courses. During your first year, you will complete courses in:

• World Art and Culture
• Visual Communication
• Drawing I-II
• Design Process
• Art History

You will also choose a studio emphasis in one of the following areas:

• Drawing
• Graphic Design
• Interactive Design
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Photography/Digital Imaging
• Ceramics

What You Can Do

With a Bachelor of Science in Art Education (B.S. Art Ed), you will have the required certifications and training to become a K-12 art teacher in elementary and secondary public schools. You may also have a career teaching art in other organizations, such as galleries and community centers. You may become a:

• Middle school/junior high art teacher
• Elementary art specialist
• High school art teacher
• Charter school or alternative achool art teacher
• Private school art teacher
• Community art program teacher/director
• Parks and recreation art program teacher/director
• Art school teacher/artist
• Gallery/museum educator
• Independent artist
• Art nonprofit employee
• Summer camp/retreat art program instructor
• Summer school art program director
• Private business art consultant

The degree is also excellent preparation for related graduate degrees in art and education, such as the Master in Education and Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art. You may also pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching, an advanced degree for certified teachers that focuses on contemporary issues and new techniques and materials in the field of studio art. 

Opportunities

Most art teachers in Idaho schools are alumni of the University of Idaho B.S. Art Ed program. Your degree prepares you to teach not only students in Idaho, but to children throughout the country and world. Your art teaching certificate will take you wherever you want to go, and open doors for excellent art teaching careers in schools, museums, galleries, community organizations and parks and recreation programs.

Current Research

University of Idaho faculty members in the art education program are internationally and nationally recognized for their expertise and artwork. They are renowned practicing artists with solo and group exhibitions around the world. Their current work and research focuses on mixed media painting and collage.

Activities

National Art Education Association, University of Idaho Student Chapter

Hands-On Experience

Students in the art education program have a variety of opportunities to gain practical experience, including:

• Hands-on Studios: Studio experiences are at the core of the Department of Art and Design. You’ll develop your personal creativity and skills with guidance from our expert faculty, and collaborate with peers from all art disciplines on real-life projects.      
• Internship/Field Work: During your undergraduate coursework, you will have the chance to gain on-the-job experience through fieldwork in public schools and community art programs. In addition, all art education students are required to complete a one-semester internship in a public school art classroom.
• Technical Laboratories and Workshops: Tools and materials in our advanced technical labs and workshops will give you the resources (and expertise from the laboratory manager) you need to create. 

Online & Outreach

Prichard Art Gallery: An outreach facility of the University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture. Located in downtown Moscow, the gallery exhibits the work of regional artisans and art and design students.

High School Art Exhibition: Annual event hosted by the University of Idaho Department of Art and Design. Students from every high school in Idaho participate in this event. A committee of jurors selects best-of-show winners with awards and prizes.