Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education
School of Art
College of Arts and Sciences
The Art Education major is designed to support the development of art teachers for children and adolescents in pre-K through 12th grade education settings.
Having a variety of in-depth field experiences with diverse student populations and a 16-week student teaching internship with both elementary and secondary school students, graduates of the BFA Art Education program are well prepared for employment at all grade levels in both public and private schools. BGSU is well known for the quality of its art teacher preparation program, and graduates have an excellent placement record throughout Ohio and the nation. Graduates also obtain employment in museum and community arts education programs as well as other alternative educational settings.
When making graduate school decisions, BFA graduates in Art Education have more options as they consider a Master of Fine Arts degree with a studio art concentration or a Master of Arts in Art Education degree that offers studio concentration alternatives.
Admission to the School of Art as a BFA student is a two-step process. In addition to your application to the University, you must successfully complete a portfolio review through the School of Art. While it is not necessary to be fully accepted by the University at the time you schedule your portfolio review, it is recommended that your undergraduate application be on file when you come for your review.
Please visit the School of Art website for more information regarding the policies and procedures: www.bgsu.edu/art/
Students acquire strong knowledge and skills in both art and education in this BFA Art Education program. In the art component of their studies, students develop skills in a wide range of art media and processes in either a Two-Dimensional or Three-Dimensional Studies Specialization. Students gain a conception of art education that integrates art making, art history, art criticism, philosophy of art and social-cultural influences.
Also included in the curriculum are a selection of required courses in the College of Education and Human Development that contribute to the breadth of academic experiences necessary for quality preparation of future art educators.
Five specific courses in the College of Education and Human Development are part of the degree requirements and, upon passage of the national Praxis II teacher education exam, lead to visual arts licensure in Ohio for multi-age (ages 3-21, pre-school through grade 12).
The requirements necessary for licensure are available in the undergraduate catalog and through the academic advisor.
Throughout their coursework in art education and education, students have a breadth of experiences in a variety of educational settings with diverse student populations. They observe and assist elementary and secondary specialists, plan and teach art criticism lessons in an area secondary school, prepare and teach art lessons to children of various ages in the School of Art’s Saturday Art Program, and teach in alternative education settings for young people with physical or mental disabilities, or behavioral problems. There are also opportunities to volunteer in various community and after-school programs in the Bowling Green and Toledo area.
Students are encouraged to become active in the Student Art Education Association, an organization affiliated with the student division of the National Art Education Association. Through this organization, students organize and conduct workshops for youngsters from area schools, organize local art exhibits and field trips, and volunteer for special projects in area schools and community organizations. They also organize and conduct programs that include guest speakers, sharing of art curriculum ideas, studio demonstrations and other projects of interest to the members who share information with each other in a cross-collaborative environment.
Completing the requirements for high school graduation is necessary for admission to BGSU. To enhance your future college experience in art, consider taking two to four years if the same foreign language, a course in computer use, and courses that provide exposure to the visual and performing arts.
BGSU's website for future students contains University highlights, admissions procedures, financial aid information and many department profiles. It can be accessed at www.bgsu.edu.
Bowling Green State University is a vibrant university that engages, challenges and prepares students for meaningful futures. At BGSU, students enjoy an education that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A mid-size residential university, BGSU has an enrollment of approximately 20,000 and a full-time faculty of more than 900 on its main campus. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered as well as master's and doctoral level programs.
NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study for Art Education, please check the undergraduate catalog online at www.bgsu.edu/catalog/A_S/A_S33.html.
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