Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Art Education

Major Description

The BFA in Art Education offers a pathway for students to become licensed to teach K-12 art in Illinois public schools. Through hands-on experiences and coursework, students are taught to embrace multiple roles -- as artists, educators, and activists --- while engaging in a rigorous interdisciplinary study of contemporary art and visual culture in education. For teacher education requirements applicable to all curricula, see the Council on Teacher Education.

Courses That Introduce the Major:
  • ARTE 101—Art, Design, and Society
  • ARTH 110—Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture
  • ARTE 202—Facilitating the Art Experience

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities:

The question for us is not whether you want to teach art as your occupation. For us, the REAL question is: Do you want to be an art educator throughout your life? We believe that art education is a way of thinking and being in the world. 

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  • Creative Practice
  • Making
  • Collaboration
  • Facilitation
  • Coordination
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Imagination
  • Mentoring
  • K-12 Visual Arts Teacher
  • Community Arts Educator/ Programmer/Administrator,
  • Teaching Artist
  • Museum Educator

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
Further Information:

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Art Education, visit their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Art Education. These organizations include Illinois Art Education Association,  American Art Therapy Association and National Art Education Association.

For further student questions contact Jennifer Bergmark at bergmar1@illinois.edu.