Art Education Certification, BA
Must pass the Praxis I: Basic Skills proficiency from the Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Observe classes in elementary, secondary and community colleges
Grace B. Luhrs School is a member of the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS)
The Art Education Certification, BA enhances career options for art majors by preparing them to teach art in grades K-12. Shippensburg University has a rich history in teacher education with the only public elementary lab school in the state and students benefit from excellent hands-on experiences.
On top of a comprehensive art curriculum, this program gives you the knowledge, skills, experience and compassion to be an effective teacher in public, private and commercial settings.
Graduates will:
- Understand the psychology of artistic development and know how to integrate that knowledge in teaching art to people of differing ages and ethnic backgrounds
- Develop methodology for effective teaching
- Create lesson plans appropriate for a variety of academic venues
- Learn how to communicate effectively
- Demonstrate effective technical skills
- Understand the role of art education in human development
The Art Education Certification, B.A. meets Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements/mandates for certification in the teaching of art in grades kindergarten-12. Still, some students may pursue other positions. Skilled artists find jobs in virtually every field where goods or services are present. Careers in art also include graphic design, gallery direction and illustration. You can also find employment as a:
- Web designer
- Videographer
- Animator
- Ceramicist
- Illustrator
- Product designer
- Make-up artist
- Lighting designer
- Special effects artist
If you choose to pursue a career in the fine arts, your options include:
- University art professor
- Art critic
- Conservator or restorer
- Art therapist
Other fine artists continue to make their artwork, exhibit it in galleries, museums, in other types of exhibitions and may apply for grant funding.
Upon receiving their bachelor's degree, some students decide to move into a master's degree program to further their education and continue to grow their experiences.
4+1 Program Available
With careful planning, you may be able to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Education Certification and a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership with only one additional year of study through a 4+1 program. For more information, contact the Political and Social Inquiry Department.
Course Work for Art Education Certification, BA
All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.