COURSE CURRICULUM

The Art Education program at the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art follows a structured four-year sequence designed to integrate artistic skill development with professional preparation for P–12 teaching licensure. In the first year, students begin with foundational courses in drawing, 2D and 3D design, and arts orientation, alongside general education requirements in writing and mathematics, establishing a base for both creative and academic growth. The second year builds on these foundations with courses in sculpture, painting, photography, metalsmithing, and ceramics, while incorporating art history, public speaking, educational psychology, and courses on exceptionalities, preparing students for the pedagogical aspects of teaching. In the third year, students focus on teaching methodologies for middle and elementary school, typography, and literacy in content areas, supplemented by upper-level studio and art history electives and field experiences in art education, reinforcing practical classroom skills. The fourth year emphasizes secondary and early childhood art teaching methods, advanced practices for visual arts licensure, and culminating student teaching experiences with a colloquium, ensuring hands-on, supervised application of classroom theory. Across all four years, the program integrates general education, diversity, humanities, and science requirements, totaling 126 credit hours, to cultivate versatile, knowledgeable, and licensed art educators capable of contributing creatively and professionally to schools, communities, and cultural institutions.