Skip to main content

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University
Advanced search
Information For...
  • Current Students
  • Parents & Family
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
Quick Links
  • COVID-19
  • Give
  • Maps
  • Employment
  • Library
  • AppalNet
  • AsULearn
  • A-Z
Main Menu
  • Why Choose App?
  • Visit
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Campus Life
  • About
  • Home
  • Academics
  • Undergraduate Programs

Art Education (K-12) (BFA)

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.

See students’ work

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.

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

People

  • Faculty Profile: Vicky Grube
    Faculty Profile: Vicky Grube

    Appalachian art education faculty member Dr. Vicky Grube is known nationally and internationally for her research and has extensive teaching experience in K-12 and higher education.

  • Student Profile: Sope Kahn
    Student Profile: Sope Kahn

    Spending a summer teaching collaborative portraiture to people in prison and presenting the link between feminist materialisms and clay at regional women’s studies conferences — these are among just a few of the undergraduate experiences of Sope Kahn, who plans to teach K-12 art in North Carolina.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Art and Visual Culture (BA) - Art Management
  • Art and Visual Culture (BA) - Art History
  • Art and Visual Culture (BA) - Studio Art
  • Commercial Photography (BS)
  • Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Cross Media Production
  • Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Print / Packaging Production
  • Graphic Design (BFA)
  • Studio Art (BFA)

Minors

A minor is not required. Popular choices are Studio Art with Portfolio Review, Studio Art without Portfolio Review, and Art History.

View all minors

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.

Learn more

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.

apply

Apply

visit

Visit

connect

Connect

programs

Degrees

Want to learn more?

Register for Info Session

Why Appalachian?

  • Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
  • 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.

Location

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

Department of Art

Dr. Jim Toub
Department chair
toubja@appstate.edu
828-262-2873

  • Department of Art

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression and creative problem-solving while challenging them to go beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, commercial photography and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, commercial photography and graphic arts and imaging technology.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

  • Accessibility
  • Bookstore
  • Contact Us
  • Emergency
  • Employment
  • Equal Opportunity Policy
  • Maps
  • Pay Bills
  • Policy Manual
  • Title IX

Connect

Facebook logo Twitter logo Youtube logo Insatgram logo

Connect with Appalachian's social media accounts from university programs, departments and administrative units.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

287 Rivers St., Boone, NC 28608 | 828-262-2000 | Copyright 2022 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer | Privacy | Website manager: waterworthae (wycoffdn) | Website feedback