Bachelor of Arts in Art Education
Department
Department of Visual Arts
College
College of Education and Human Development
Overview of the program
Art Education majors, just like Visual Arts majors, focus on a particular media that we call “specialty area”. Specialty areas include: painting, drawing, sculpture, digital art, digital design, ceramics, printmaking and photography (students must select one and take a four course sequence to graduate with the degree). In addition, students must have a 2.5 GPA to enroll in courses in the College of Education and Human Development. Students must pass three national standardized tests to be certified to teach Visual Art K-12. These tests are: (1) (2) (3)
Strengths of the program
This program offers individualized attention due to its size. Students often work one-on-one with their advisor, the program Director, throughout the entire process. Students may take their degree and certification anywhere in the United States to teach art.
Preparing for a job in the program
Students are encouraged to consider gaining a “Add-On Certification” in a secondary content area (i.e. English, Social Studies, History, etc.) that interests them, in order to be certified to teach that area in the high school. Students must either pass the Praxis in that content area or take 30 hours in the add-on content area.
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
A National Federation of Teacher’s Survey done in 2001 found that the national average for a first year teacher is $27,900. Obviously geographic regions have variations as do Louisiana parishes.
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
The Visual Arts Society(VAS) is a student group of art students that is available departmentally. Students are also encouraged to join the National Art Education Association (www.naea-reston.org) as students. Students are also encouraged to join the State Chapter of NAEA where they desire to teach (they are automatically admitted to Louisiana Art Education Association (www.laea.net) once they join NAEA).
Related fields that might interest you
Management in education is often called "Supervision" or "Administration." Students may eventually move into Arts Curriculum Supervision with an additional degree (an MA in Art Education). If students wish to teach Talented Art in Louisiana, they are strongly encouraged to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts Degree (MFA) an area of Fine Arts (i.e., painting or drawing). If students want to teach Art Education at the college level, they will need a MA and a Ph.D. (Doctorate) in Art Education with a minimum of three years teaching at the K-12 level.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Students who love art and enjoy working with people, especially kids, would be well suited for this program. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and maintain it throughout the program as well as pass three standardized tests in order to be certified to teach Art, K-12. Helpful qualities for art education majors include:
- Creativity
- Problem-Solving
- Flexibility
- Organization
- Caring
Contact Information
Department of Visual Arts
College of Education and Human Development
SLU 10765
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: East Stadium, Room 116
Telephone: 985-549-2193
Fax: 985-549-5316
Dr. Kim Finley-Stansbury, Associate Professor, Art Education Program Director
Telephone: 985-549-2299 or 2193 (leave a message)
E-mail: finlstansbury@selu.edu
