(B.A.) in Art Education
At WLU, art teacher candidates are guided into leading personal and professional lives that are involved in and enriched by the visual arts. The creation and study of art represents opportunities to explore and learn about traditional, popular, and contemporary art forms within the community and within all cultures.
Expand Your Impact in
Art Education
Art teacher candidates recognize that learners of all ages, preschool to the elderly, can benefit from learning about the visual arts in a comprehensive way. The West Liberty University curriculum in Art Education values art making, art history, art criticism and aesthetics as integrated components of art education. Art Education candidates recognize that their own personal command of art is essential if they are to help students gain a deeper understanding of various approaches to making, studying, and talking about art. They are committed to knowing about how art relates to their students and the educational communities where they teach.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts in Art Education
Total Credits: 126
Outcome: Certification in Arts Education – Teaching Certificate
Format: On-Campus
Program
Overview
West Liberty University was founded on teaching and inspiring prospective educators. In our department, art teacher candidates are guided into leading personal and professional lives that are involved in and enriched by the visual arts. The creation and study of art represents opportunities to explore and learn about traditional, popular, and contemporary art forms within the community and within all cultures. Art teacher candidates recognize that learners of all ages, preschool to the elderly, can benefit from learning about the visual arts in a comprehensive way.
The West Liberty University curriculum in Art Education values art making, art history, art criticism and aesthetics as integrated components of art education. Art Education candidates recognize that their own personal command of art is essential if they are to help students gain a deeper understanding of various approaches to making, studying, and talking about art. They are committed to knowing about how art relates to their students and the educational communities where they teach.
Who This
Program Is For
The Creative Teacher
Students who are passionate about both art and teaching. They want to inspire creativity in others while building the skills to teach drawing, painting, design, and other visual arts in K–12 classrooms or community settings.
The Mentor & Role Model
Students who enjoy working with children or teens and want to make a positive impact through education. They are motivated by helping students build confidence, self-expression, and critical thinking through artistic exploration.
The Artist-Educator
Students who want to continue developing their own artistic practice while learning how to share their knowledge with others. They are interested in combining studio art skills with teaching strategies and curriculum development.
The Community Arts Advocate
Students interested in using art to enrich communities, support outreach programs, or work in museums, nonprofits, and community arts organizations. They are motivated by making art accessible and meaningful beyond the traditional classroom.
What
You’ll Learn
Build the artistic and teaching skills to inspire creativity through studio practice and classroom experience, preparing for careers in schools, community programs, and other educational settings.
Studio Art & Creative Practice
- Build foundational skills in drawing, painting, design, sculpture, and other visual arts
- Develop personal artistic style and creative problem-solving abilities
Teaching Methods & Curriculum Development
- Design engaging lesson plans and age-appropriate art curriculum for diverse learners
- Learn classroom management, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques
Professional Practice & Field Experience
- Gain hands-on teaching experience through classroom observation and student teaching
- Build communication and leadership skills for educational and community settings
- Prepare for teacher licensure and careers in K–12 schools, museums, or community arts programs
Curriculum
Overview
Our Art Education curriculum is designed to craft educational leaders and creatives. Our commitment is to shape our students into art and art education professionals, to craft open minded, hard working, self starting, organized, driven lovers of learning and knowledge.
Program Structure
- General Education & Prerequisites: 36 credits
- Art Education Coursework: 90 credits
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for careers in education, community arts, museums, and creative professions.
Many students within the Arts Education program continue on to graduate school or to work within a K-12 educational setting. Other students often follow career paths that are geared toward a non-formal educational setting, such as community or museum education.
- Become a certified art teacher in K-12 public or private education
- Work in a community based education setting within the arts or outreach director
- Become a museum or gallery educator
- Work as a studio artist or freelance designer
Our students are consistently prepared to begin their professional careers after graduation, being fully licensed and experienced through educational residential experiences during their undergraduate years.
Admission
Requirements
Students who are admitted to West Liberty University are able to begin coursework within Art Education.
Requirements:
- Admission to West Liberty University
- Admission to the Teacher Education Program
- Completion of required prerequisite coursework
An advisor will be assigned to you upon admission to help guide you through planning your coursework each semester.
Cost, Aid &
Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University
Step 2: Declare your Art Education major
Step 3: Apply to the Teacher Education Program
Step 4: Review the advising guide and prepare for enrollment
Step 5: Complete prerequisite coursework and admission benchmarks
Step 6: Prepare for enrollment and course registration
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.