Art Education

Have you been dreaming of a career that will let you exhibit your love of art in the classroom or in the community? It can begin with your undergraduate degree in Art Education from PennWest Edinboro.


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Why Edinboro Stands Out.

At Edinboro, we pride ourselves on our 100-year history of instruction in the visual arts and art education. In addition, our B.S. Art Education program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), as well as the the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

This new interdisciplinary program not only allows you to earn a K-12 teaching certification, but also gives you the opportunity to share your talents in the community while you stand up for social justice.

Thanks to a well-balanced curriculum, you will grow as an artist and an educator. You'll gain a breadth of art-studio skills and in-depth knowledge in a medium of your choice. You will experience coursework that includes drawing, design, studio arts, art history, art education and digital visual culture. If you opt for the Community Arts concentration, you can also explore other topics that interest you such as sociology, anthropology and communication.

You will graduate prepared to take the National Teacher Examination or to tackle the rewarding work of a community arts professional.

How Edinboro Supports You.

At Edinboro, accomplished faculty will instruct, guide and inspire you to achieve and lead.

You will enjoy field experiences that range from classroom teaching to internships with community and nonprofit organizations. Along the way, you will become comfortable working with people from all backgrounds, including those in struggling communities, individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and victims of racial, domestic or commercial exploitation and abuse.

You'll have access to a network of hundreds of alumni who can offer tips and support to help you reach your goals. In addition, you'll enjoy:

Access to a variety of visual arts studios, as well as music and theater facilities
Certification reciprocity with most states
Close proximity to cultural sites like the Erie Art Museum
Opportunities in community arts programming and art therapy
Student teaching experience in public schools
Two field experience courses in a variety of settings, including schools

One Degree, Many Paths

Choose the path best suited to your interests.

Prepare to Teach in Public or Private Schools.

Most alumni with a B.S. Art Education degree take the National Teacher Examination to receive their K-12 art education certification and become teachers in public and private schools. You can either obtain a B.F.A. in a specific studio concentration and then earn your teacher certification by taking one additional semester of classes or complete the Art Education degree with a minor in Psychology.

Work in a Community Setting.

Choose to follow the Community Arts concentration and work closely with community groups or nonprofits to implement projects that bring the arts to people who might not otherwise have that opportunity. Round out your education with minors in areas as Sociology and Communication Studies.

Your Future

Want to take your career to the next level? Consider one of these excellent graduate programs at Edinboro University:

Master of Art Education

Master of Arts in Counseling - Art Therapy