Art Education
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 157 Credits
Art education combines art making, criticism, historical analysis, and visual culture to inspire and educate future generations through the visual arts.
Overview
This program offers a dynamic focus in both art and teaching methodologies, equipping students with the skills needed to become effective art educators. It emphasizes the development of artistic techniques, art history knowledge, and pedagogical strategies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to teach art in K-12 educational settings. The curriculum integrates studio art practice with education courses, fostering a deep understanding of both disciplines.
Core curriculum includes courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and digital media, alongside art history and art education methods. You will have a solid foundation in artistic skills and knowledge, while exploring hands-on teaching experiences through student teaching placements and classroom observations. The program encourages the development of your own artistic voice while learning how to effectively communicate and teach art concepts to diverse student populations.
Art education students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a woodshop, digital print shop, metals studio, computer labs, and more. Experienced faculty with strong connections to local schools and art organizations offer guidance from your first semester to graduation. The program's emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement ensures that you are ready for successful careers as art educators with a commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Admission Information
Students admitted to Grand Valley who are pursuing the art education degree will receive a materials packet explaining the portfolio entrance. The student is then responsible for following the instructions in the packet. In addition, film and video production, graphic design, and illustration require a secondary admission. Students can find details on the website or consult with their academic advisor. More information regarding application for studio art and art education admission is available online at www.gvsu.edu/vma/.
Department of Visual and Media Arts
gvsu.edu/vma
1105
Alexander Calder Art Center
(616) 331-3486
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Top skills- Instructing
- Learning Strategies
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 44,572.09 | 10% |
| $ 47,890.62 | 25% |
| $ 61,254.73 | 50% |
| $ 77,716.90 | 75% |
| $ 95,011.04 | 90% |
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Top skills- Instructing
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 45,704.82 | 10% |
| $ 50,097.25 | 25% |
| $ 63,858.29 | 50% |
| $ 79,296.78 | 75% |
| $ 96,115.63 | 90% |
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Top skills- Learning Strategies
- Instructing
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 45,756.01 | 10% |
| $ 49,502.69 | 25% |
| $ 62,102.74 | 50% |
| $ 77,951.83 | 75% |
| $ 91,660.87 | 90% |
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Students Participated in Experiential Learning
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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