Program(s) Available: B.S.Ed.
Expand your love for art and help others discover their own. When you complete this program, you'll have the skills to turn your knowledge and experience into a teaching approach. You'll learn how to analyze and question art and, most importantly, how to inspire your students through creativity and design.
The art education major is designed for students who want to teach art in schools, museums or community centers. There is a common misconception that it is difficult to enter the workforce with an art degree. This isn't true! Even if you don't want to teach art, you could dabble in graphic design, photography, animation, illustration and more. Plus, creativity and confidence are skills that employers always appreciate!
The art education program focuses on children’s artistic development, two- and three-dimensional art, and the basics of managing a classroom. You'll also learn how to think critically about images in pop culture, including logos, advertisements, television shows and memes.
This degree path also offers hands-on learning opportunities. The Art Association is a student-run organization designed to provide students with additional educational opportunities in the arts outside of the classroom. In addition, the Society of Art Educators brings Northwest students interested in Art Education together for activities, mentorship and community outreach. They partner with local schools to bring art programs to K-12 students.
Department of Fine and Performing Arts
660.562.1326
nikkiy@nwmissouri.edu
Career Ready
Art Education
“Everyone on campus is extremely helpful, really involved, and they want to get to know you. Northwest is incredible at providing networking opportunities for students. Take advantage of them.” — Hannah Woodson
Did you know you could pursue the following careers with an art education degree?
Horace Mann Laboratory School, an elementary school, consisting of grades transitional kindergarten through six, is a clinical teaching environment on the Northwest campus where students gain profession-based skills.
In addition to providing field experiences at Horace Mann, Northwest faculty network and collaborate with elementary schools in the region, state, nation and even internationally to ensure the availability of experiences in various settings.
Northwest art students spend most of their time in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building and Fire Arts Building. The Fine Arts Building houses many classrooms, offices and the Olive DeLuce Gallery!
The Fire Arts Building is dedicated to the Ceramics and Sculpture programs that require “fire and fume.” Students can utilize this building to create unique and exquisite works of art. The building is equipped with various sophisticated safety, fire prevention and ventilation systems, so students are also safe.
