College of Arts and Humanities
Art Education
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education
Inspire and make a lasting impact on students' lives as an art educator, helping them develop their own artistic talents and perspectives.
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 an 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 an art teacher. Your future as an art educator starts here.
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Department of Art + Design
Randall Hall 100
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What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Course Plan | Art and Design Website
Core Courses
- ART 150 - Introduction to Drawing
- ART 170 - Two-Dimensional Design
- ART 171 - Three-Dimensional Design
- ART 172 - Computer Fundamentals in Art and Design
- ART 250 - Figure Drawing
- ART 476 - Studio Project
Art History Series
- ART 235 - History of World Art I
- ART 236 - History of World Art II
- ART 237 - History of World Art III
Additional Art History Course Options
- ART 324 - History of Photography
- ART 414 - Recent Art
- ART 416 - International Experience in Art, Architecture, and Design
- ART 420 - Art and Architecture of the United States
- ART 434 - Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art
Studio Art Course Options
- ART 225 - Beginning Photography
- ART 241 - Beginning Wood Design
- ART 246 - Beginning Jewelry/ Metals
- ART 260 - Beginning Painting
- ART 265 - Beginning Ceramics
- ART 280 - Beginning Sculpture
- ART 325A - Intermediate Photography: Color
- ART 325B - Intermediate Photography: Analog Processes
- ART 325C - Intermediate Photography: Visual Narratives
- ART 341 - Intermediate Wood Design
- ART 346A - Intermediate Jewelry/Metals: Casting and Link Structures
- ART 346B - Intermediate Jewelry/Metals: Enameling
- ART 346C - Intermediate Jewelry/Metals: Form and Surface
- ART 350 - Mixed-media Drawing
- ART 360A - Intermediate Painting: Narrative and Representation
- ART 360B - Intermediate Painting: Color
- ART 360C - Intermediate Painting: Abstraction
- ART 365A - Intermediate Ceramics: Hand-Building
- ART 365B - Intermediate Ceramics: Wheel-Throwing
- ART 365C - Intermediate Ceramics: Mold-Making
- ART 380A - Intermediate Sculpture: Digital Fabrication
- ART 380B - Intermediate Sculpture: Installation Art
- ART 380C - Intermediate Sculpture: Materials and Processes
Visual Art Teaching Courses
- ART 330 - Art in the Elementary School
- ART 332 - Art Curriculum and Field Experience
- ART 430 - Components of Art Education
- ART 432 - Art in Secondary School
Secondary Education Program
Small Classes
Benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio that ensures you receive individual mentorship and guidance from nationally and internationally recognized artists and scholars dedicated to your growth.
Inspire the Next Generation
This degree leads to Washington State licensure, giving you the skills and credentials to teach visual arts at both elementary and secondary levels. You'll learn how to inspire creativity and make a lasting impact in the classroom.
Exhibition Opportunities
Share your work in the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery for the annual juried undergraduate exhibit in the spring each year.
Design Engaging Lessons
In ART 430, learn how to design and deliver engaging art lessons, while exploring effective strategies for teaching aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and hands-on art production.
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Community
Become part of a thriving community of over 350 art majors and minors, where you’ll collaborate with fellow creatives and learn from 20 dedicated faculty members.
Meets Education
Develop your artistic abilities while gaining teaching experience in classroom settings, through hands-on learning and mentorship.
Roots
Central was established more than a century ago as a teaching college and it remains one of our most important academic programs.
Why Study Art and Design at Central?
- Join a vibrant community of artists, designers, and scholars who are passionate about visual storytelling and creative expression.
- Showcase your work in student and professional galleries, participate in internships, and connect with industry professionals.
- Gain the skills and credentials to teach visual arts at the elementary and secondary levels. This program combines hands-on studio experience with educational theory and pedagogy, preparing you for Washington State licensure.
Become a Certified Teacher
The Bachelor of Arts in Art Education satisfies the endorsement for visual arts. It is a comprehensive K-12 visual art program that qualifies students to teach art at both the elementary and secondary levels.
The program adheres to the guidelines for endorsement compliance by the national Art Education Association Standards for Art Teacher preparation and is an approved endorsement by the Professional Educator Standards Board for Washington.
Students taking this major are required to apply to the Teacher Certification Program and complete the Secondary Education program offered through the Curriculum, Supervision, and Educational Leadership Department.
Learn more about the School of Education.