Art and Design

Bachelor of Arts in Art Education

About the Art Education, BA

The Art Education, BA goes above and beyond to meet the guidelines set by the national Art Education Association Standards for Art Teacher preparation, ensuring that you receive a top-notch education that aligns with industry standards. As a student in this major, you'll have the opportunity to apply to our Teacher Certification Program, which will guide you on your path to becoming a fully qualified art teacher. Your future as an art educator starts here, and we can't wait for you to teach the next generation of artists.  

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Why Study Art Education at CWU?

As an art educator, you have the power to inspire and make a lasting impact on students' lives.

You will be able to foster creativity, critical thinking, and visual literacy skills in your students, helping them develop their own artistic talents and perspectives. Moreover, we are proud to share that our program is an approved endorsement by the Professional Educator Standards Board for Washington, providing you with the recognition and credibility you need as a future art educator. 

My goal as a teacher and artist isn’t to make more artists but to encourage people to believe that they can create art and shouldn’t be ashamed of it in any way.” Art Education Alumni, Victoria Philip, graduated in 2023.

Where is this program offered?  

• Ellensburg

How much does this program cost?  

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU. 

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information. 

Careers and Opportunities  

Earning an Art Education degree opens a range of exciting career possibilities. Depending on your interests and aspirations, you can explore various paths within education, community engagement, therapy, administration, and beyond. 

• Art Teacher: The most common career path for Art Education graduates is becoming an art teacher at various educational levels, including elementary, middle, and high schools. With your degree and teaching certification, you can inspire and educate students, fostering their creativity. 

• Community Art Instructor: Many communities and organizations offer art classes and workshops to community members. You can become a community art instructor, teaching classes in painting, drawing, ceramics, or other artistic mediums to individuals of different age groups and skill levels. 

• Curriculum Developer: Your knowledge of art education principles and instructional strategies can lead to a career as a curriculum developer. In this role, you would create art curriculum materials, helping to shape art education programs. 

Highlights

Community Outreach 

Art and Design Professor Gregg Schlanger has created a host of community public art projects, including for North Thurston High School in Lacey, Washington, the city of Memphis, Tennessee, the city of Providence, Rhode Island, and a public library in Owensboro, Kentucky.