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2019-2020 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Art Education (Teacher Certification)

The art education program enables students to meet certification requirements for teaching visual art in Michigan elementary and secondary schools.

Degree Requirements

All students entering art education must follow the program leading to LQ certification (K-12 comprehensive with no teachable minor).

Entering students in art education or degree-holding students wishing teacher certification must complete 75 credits in art, including four introductory studios and a studio emphasis chosen from ceramics, graphic design, illustration, jewelry/metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, or visual studies.

General Education

In the GVSU general education requirements, the Foundations section lists ART 101 - Introduction to Art as a choice. ART 101 is not required for the B.F.A., B.A., or B.S. in visual and media arts programs. Some of the material in Art 101 will be duplicated in the required coursework. Studio arts and art education majors are advised to take one of the other classes in the general education Arts category.

Requirements for a Major in Art Education

B.A. Degree Requirements

  • Foreign language (third-semester proficiency in a foreign language).

B.S. Degree Requirements (Credits: 9)

Foundations Review and Courses

After completing the foundations program (ART 150, ART 151, ART 152, ART 153, ART 155, ART 157), all art students are evaluated for entrance into the design and fine arts programs. All art students are required to submit their collective work for faculty review.

Foundations Credits: 18 (Must be taken during freshman year)

Art History Requirements Credits: 12

Art Education Requirements

Note: Art methodology courses (ART 332, ART 333, and ART 335) must be taken before arranging for teacher assisting and directed teaching. Students should consult the College of Education for the specific requirements concerning teacher assisting and student directed teaching.

Note: Completion of the art history requirements (see above) of the B.A. or B.S. program is a prerequisite for ART 495.

Four introductory studio courses at the 200- level. Complete four courses by selecting the corresponding coursework from the following list:

Two drawing courses selected from:

Three studio courses selected from one emphasis area:

  • Two intermediate studio emphasis courses Credits: 6
  • One advanced studio emphasis course Credits: 3

Two studio art or art education electives Credits: 6

Additional Requirements

Prerequisite courses required prior to admission to undergraduate teacher education:

Note: These prerequisite courses require a 2.7 GPA or better, with no grade lower than a C.

Passing scores (reading and writing component must be passed with a score of 480 or higher, and mathematics component must be passed with a score of 530 or higher) on the SAT Evidence-based test will be required prior to admission to the College of Education. Passing scores on the Content Area (#095- Visual Arts Education) test will be required prior to obtaining certification. The Content Area (#095) test can be taken during teacher assisting, student teaching, or before graduation. MTTC website: www.mttc.nesinc.com.

Prerequisites to College of Education Application (9 credits)

A 3.0 GPA in the major, passing score on the SAT evidence-based test, and completion of EDF 315, EDI 338, EDI 339, and PSY 301 with a grade of C or better are required before admission to College of Education's Teacher Assisting semester.

Certificate requirement: Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) www.mttc.nesinc.com, #95 Visual Arts Education, in the content area before graduation.

Click here for the program description.



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