The Department of Art offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education,
which provides a liberal arts program of study while preparing students as
teachers of the visual arts. Completion of this NCATE approved program leads to
certification as an art teaching specialist in the State of Maine, grades K-12,
as well as preparing students for employment in a variety of community-based
sites where formalized art instruction occurs. Many students go on to further
study at the Graduate Level.
The BA in Art Education includes coursework in the social and behavioral
sciences, arts and humanities, natural sciences and mathematics as well as in
focus areas of the visual arts and education. Study in the visual arts includes
33 credits of art studio (24 in required courses, 9 in studio electives); 21
credits of art history (9 in required courses, 12 in art history electives); and
18 credits in art education (required). In addition, students are required to
complete 24 credits of professional education coursework and practicum
experience. In order to complete the 125 credits required for graduation, art
education students may need to take 6 - 9 credits of coursework as an overload (over 15
credits per semester) or during summer sessions. Students completing the BA in
Art Education also receive minors in Studio Art and Art History.
Options in Art Education:
Art education is a field of research, study, and practice, which has expanded
beyond public school art teaching. Undergraduate study in art education not
only prepares a student for teaching certification, but also for graduate work
in specialized areas of art education and related fields of study. Some art
education majors choose careers in museum education, art therapy, community arts
education, arts administration, or other fields, which involve working closely
with people and art. The Department of Art offers students an opportunity to
concentrate in developmental disabilities through enrollment in the
Developmental Disabilities Interdisciplinary Concentration in affiliation with
the Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics Center at Eastern Maine Medical
Center and its cooperating agencies. (See the University Affiliated Program in
the Index.)
Students working toward degrees in studio art and art history who wish to
prepare for certification as an art teaching specialist in the State of Maine
may fulfill the requirements for teacher certification by completing required
studio, art history, art education, and professional education courses,
including the student teaching practicum.