2018-2019
Arts
School of the Arts
Concentration(s):
Art Education
Program description
The Department of Art Education supports instruction in art that encourages the construction of meaning. Faculty and students are actively involved with the Art World, education, and local and global communities through art-based service-learning, visual culture studies, critical thinking, exhibition, assessment, curriculum, critical theory, and emerging digital technologies (virtual and interactive). Through our own research and instruction we engage students and ourselves in traditional and non-traditional forms of inquiry.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Arts with a concentration in art education is an approved teacher preparation program that complies with the professional standards of the Virginia Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is further accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. All of these agencies assure the highest professional program standards.
Career opportunities
With emphasis on diverse approaches to artmaking and instructional practices, the BFA program in Art Education prepares highly capable and effective visual art educators.
The Art Education Program is an approved teacher preparation program that complies with state and national professional standards. The curriculum is further guided by the professional standards of the National Art Education Association. All of these agencies assure the highest professional program standards. Graduates of the program are eligible for teacher licensure in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Most art education students enter the teaching profession and teach art in either elementary, middle or high school. Others pursue further education to work as art consultants, art therapists, arts administrators, museum personnel, college instructors, and in other art-related business positions.
Change of major requirements
Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.
Bachelor-level job titles
- Art Director
- Art Museum Educator
- Art Teacher (more requirements for K-12)
- Artist
- Creative Writer
- Education Administrator
- Program Manager/Director
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- MATH 131
Science required
- Core only
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- Transfer students and students currently attending VCU must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be considered for departmental admission; however, there is a higher cumulative GPA requirement of 2.8 for departmental admission to teacher preparation. If a student’s GPA falls below a 2.8 or if a faculty member raises concerns about a student’s professional disposition at any point, the student will be put on cautionary status. The chair will review students designated with cautionary status each semester to determine continuation in the program. Students will be notified if they are placed on cautionary status.
Contact information
Department name:
Department of Art Education
Building/room location:
Franklin Terrace, Suite 200
Phone:
(804) 828-7154
Email:
https://arts.vcu.edu/arteducation/contact/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
- Take UNIV 291: Maximizing & Advancing in AFO.
- Apply to University, VCUarts, and external grants and scholarships.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s museums, parks, festivals, and events!
- Check out university art spaces and attend visiting artist events listed in the VCUArts Calendar.
- Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
- Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Digitally archive your studio and personal work.
- Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor to identify experiences in support of your professional inclinations and career options.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss courses and progression towards graduation.
- Enroll in ARTE 310, 311, 250 and EDUS 301.
- Apply to Teacher Preparation on March 1st.
- Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your degree program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Join the National Art Education Association.
- Attend annual events like the SPEED Symposium, visiting artist lectures, Teach Appreash, the Student Teacher exhibition, and ArtE Party.
- Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA)
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Plan a Study Abroad for summer or junior year and apply for a VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant to fund your creative exploration.
- Attend special events at local schools to increase your understanding of local cultures.
- Discuss strategies for working with diverse and differently-abled students with faculty.
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Have a draft of your resume reviewed at VCU Career Services.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events.
- Mentor a local elementary student.
- Consider volunteering with Investigation Now, or other art in the community opportunities.
- Support your upcoming summer internship and apply for a VCUarts Internship Support Grant.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Take and pass Praxis CASE Math and VCLA Exam prior to spring semester.
- Observe and conduct informational interviews with art teachers in the community.
- Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review course sequencing.
- Enter Teacher Preparation and enroll in the practicum sequequence ARTE 401 and 402.
- Continue taking studio, Art History and general education courses.
- Consider a credit internship in Art Education.
- Build your best work through supportive critique in practicum based peer feedback groups.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Attend an Art Education professional conference such as NAEA or VAEA.
- Help plan and organize annual departmental events and shape future events.
- Create a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Enroll in ARTE 450 Art for the Exceptional Student.
- Teach in diverse classrooms through practicum.
- Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Engage in practica with Art Education faculty and mentors in public school art classrooms.
- Develop a research project and apply for an Undergraduate Research Grant.
- Apply for an internship with a community art space or art museum: VMFA, Art 180, Visual Arts Center.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Talk to your advisors and faculty about whether graduate school or a job will be best for you.
- Take and pass Praxis II: Art Content Knowledge (recommended during ARTE 401 semester).
- Complete online training modules: Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition, Dyslexia Awareness
- Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
- Apply to Clinical Internship (student teaching) September 1 for spring semester/February 1 for fall semester.
- Complete all remaining coursework prior to enrolling in Clinical Internship courses TEDU 485/486 and Student Teaching Seminar ARTE 404 in final semester.
- Apply to graduate in eServices during your final semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization.
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
- Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Student Teach: a semester-long, full-time teaching experience in public school art classrooms at the elementary and secondary-levels.
- Apply to teach with the VCU Art Education Creative Arts Day Camp.
- Complete Emergency First Aid/CPR/AED certification course.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Research employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Create teaching portfolio during Clinical Internship.
- Review application materials and set up a mock interview with Art Education faculty and Career Services.
- Become a professional member of national and state professional organizations: NAEA and VAEA.
2018-2019
Arts
School of the Arts
Concentration(s):
Art Education
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Explore | Year 1 |
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| Experience | Year 2 |
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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