Saint Joseph's University Saint Joseph's University

Education - Art Education

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Overview

The art education major at Saint Joseph's University prepares future teachers with the skills necessary to be successful educators in the field. You'll earn a broad understanding of the arts and learn to use your skills in thoughtful, expressive and creative ways as a teacher.

What is an Art Education Major?

The major in art education at Saint Joseph's University allows you to explore artistic ideas in studios and the classroom while learning how to teach the concepts of art to others. As an art education major, you will study painting, sculpture, ceramics and various other media, in addition to learning how to be an effective teacher. Along with expanding your artistic knowledge, you will study effective communication skills and educational techniques that will help you teach your future students how to turn their creative ideas into works of art.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Art Education?

While many students who graduate with a degree in art education go on to become art teachers at the elementary, middle or high school level, there are numerous other career paths you can pursue. Graduates have found careers in a wide range of art-related areas, including:

  • Advertising
  • Commercial photography
  • Gallery and museum work
  • Graphic and web design
  • Interior design
  • Fashion design
  • Architecture
  • Teaching

How Will Saint Joseph’s University Prepare You for a Career in Art Education?

STUDENT TEACHING

You will complete a full semester of student teaching at a school in the Philadelphia area, where you will apply your knowledge and educational techniques in the classroom.

CERTIFICATION

Students who successfully complete the program, maintain a GPA of 3.0 and pass the required PRAXIS exam (a knowledge and skills assessment exam required for certification) can apply for Pennsylvania Level 1 teacher certification. This certification is good for six years of teaching before renewal. With level 1 certification in secondary education, teachers can take the content exams for teaching other grade levels, in addition to other content areas. The certification exams for reading specialist, special education or health and physical education require completion of their respective programs.

EXHIBIT YOUR WORK

The department's faculty have exhibited their work in prestigious galleries and widely published their writings. This diverse group of painters, ceramicists, photographers, sculptors and art historians are dedicated teachers who challenge and inspire you to develop your personal aesthetic. As a senior, you will enroll in a yearlong capstone course, which culminates in an exhibition of your work in the University's professional gallery or a presentation and paper representing original research.

Additionally, Saint Joseph’s University's ideal location in Philadelphia and close proximity to New York, Washington, D.C. and other major cultural centers expose you first-hand to important works of art at many renowned galleries and museums.

Continue Your Study in Art Education 

Saint Joseph's University offers a Master of Science in Art Education (PK-12). This 30-credit program offers a unique opportunity for you to advance your development as artists while preparing to be an art teacher. We offer a variety of graduate options to help you further develop your skills after graduation to help guide and advance your career, including:

Course Catalog Information

Related Programs

Education - Early Childhood, PK-4

Adult learners who major in early childhood education at Saint Joseph’s University focus their studies on child development, building educational foundations, the role of schools in society, and the assessment and evaluation of learning and progress.

Education - Elementary and Middle School (Grades 4 - 8)

For students aspiring to be elementary and middle grades teachers, Saint Joseph's University's courses emphasize instructional techniques, adolescent development, and the role of schools in society, child and adolescent development, and instructional techniques. Our distinguished faculty will challenge you to confront critical questions, learn pedagogical theories and practices, and understand the development of young minds. This program leads to Level 1 Teaching certification in Pennsylvania. With Level 1 certification in elementary education, teachers can test into teaching at other grade levels. 

Art History

The Art History program at Saint Joseph’s University covers major artistic developments in painting, architecture, sculpture, photography and new media throughout history and around the world.