About
Do you want to be an art teacher? The Art Education (K-12) (BFA) degree at Appalachian State University prepares students for careers as art teachers in primary and secondary schools, museum education and community education. This degree leads to licensure to teach art in North Carolina public schools.
In this program, you will study visual culture, personal artistic expression, historical theories and practices of art education, community service, art for the exceptional learner, and the culture of the child and the teen. It is studio based and recognizes learning as co-constructed, ever changing and interdisciplinary.
All art education coursework includes practicum experience either in area schools, community venues, and/or the Turchin Community Arts School on campus. A semester of student teaching occurs during the final semester. The final month of student teaching has an optional international experience.
After Graduation
Employment: Students start careers as art teachers in schools across North Carolina and beyond.
Graduate School: Students have gone on to Harvard University, San Diego State University, University of Illinois, East Carolina State University and University of Chicago.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required. Popular choices are Studio Art with Portfolio Review, Studio Art without Portfolio Review, and Art History.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
AIGA | ASU - The student-led affiliate of AIGA, the Professional Association for Design.
Art History Club - An environment in which to discuss issues related to art history, and to prepare for careers in art history and related fields.
Arts Management Organization (AMO) - Seeks to promote professionalism and networking within the arts fields by increasing the awareness of the arts on Appalachian’s campus and in the community.
NAEA (National Association of Art Educators) Student Chapter - Promotes arts advocacy, professional development and leadership opportunities in visual arts education for the benefit of emerging educators in diverse communities.
Student Art League - An organization bridging the gap among the Department of Art’s many disciplines.
The Peel Literature and Arts Review - The university’s student-run literary arts publication that is produced three times a year.
Admission Requirements
A portfolio is required upon declaring this major, which includes 10 images that document previous successful artwork.
Art Education majors must also be accepted to Appalachian’s Reich College of Education before their junior year.
Why Appalachian?
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Students gain practicum experience in area schools, community venues, and/or the Turchin Community Arts School on campus before their semester-long student teaching.
- Students can participate in Art Haus, a residential learning community where those interested in the visual arts live together during their freshman year.
- The Department of Art offers high-quality facilities for all of its degrees.
Number of Students
Approximately 65
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
Some of these jobs may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
- Art Teacher, Pre-K
- Art Teacher, K-12
- Art Therapist
- Author, Children’s Books
- Children’s Museum Director
View more career possibilities
Contacts
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Clif Meador
Department chair
meadorck@appstate.edu
828-262-2220