Discover your passion of visual arts and inspire children to be creative. The visual arts education degree equips you to teach visual art to children in grades K-12 within a public or private school setting. This degree also prepares you for further graduate study.
This might be the right degree for you if you
- have a passion for art
- enjoy working with children
- are eager to serve
- are interested in a career in education
Why study visual arts education at Northwestern?
Since 1991, Education students have grown into their unique strengths as a teacher and servant leader. You will learn from seasoned, Christian teachers who share your faith. Faculty will help you learn to engage God’s children through artistic platforms and be a role model. You can grow your professional portfolio and showcase your art in exhibits throughout the year hosted by Northwestern.
Northwestern’s beautiful campus is only 15 minutes away from major art and design centers. Students visit the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Swedish Institute to view others’ work.
Northwestern’s School of Education provides you with four levels of classroom experience.
- The first allows you to find your personal “fit” within the teaching profession.
- The second level focuses on developing theory and skills related to diversity.
- The third level teaches you to apply methodologies by creating, teaching, and evaluating lessons in a school classroom.
- The final level is full time student teaching in a chosen licensure field.
The School of Education provides teacher education programs approved by the MN Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. As a result, we meet Minnesota’s standard adopted for licensure programs as defined in state rule 8710.2000 through 8710.8080. All licensure programs align with INTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) standards.
The School of Education has hosted Christian Educators Association International (CEAI) events, and is a member of CEAI.
The School of Education attends the Compass Educator Breakfast each fall (through Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN).
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I really enjoyed studying visual arts education at UNW. The major has the perfect combination of art and education, which prepared me to teach many different mediums to all different grade levels. What really makes UNW’s art education program stand out is the small studio class sizes, as well as the skilled and intentional art professors who care about you and want to challenge you to grow as an artist. Having the time in college to work on my own art skills and style helped me be equipped to go on and teach my students how to create confidently.
Careers in visual arts education
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in visual arts education.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Teaching in your area of specialty
- Private tutoring
- Creating/directing educational programs
- Curriculum development or textbook editing
- Instructional design (technology training may be required)
- Online education
- Student life/student affairs
- Corporate or business training and development
- Private or community education instructor
- Administration/management in the fine arts
- Art gallery or museum research or exhibits
What will I learn?
You will learn to analyze, problem solve, and be able to teach visual arts to children in grades K-12.
EAR 4345
Art Methods for Elementary Teachers
A basic course in art education with emphasis on a comprehensive approach to practices and appreciation of art experiences for elementary school children. Pre-student teaching required.
ART 3265
Art Since 1945
A survey of contemporary fine art since WWII. Emphasis is placed on learning key artists and art movements, as well as understanding their impact on the history of art and the broader culture. A variety of images and films will be discussed.
ART 1035
Design Concepts
An introductory course in understanding and application of principles and elements of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. A $100 course fee required.
ART 1011
Drawing I
A foundational-level drawing class focusing on landscape, still life and the figure, using traditional materials and techniques. Emphasis is placed on visual sensitivity and basic technique, with specific studies in anatomy. A $100 course fee required.
ART 2031
Painting I
An introductory studio course in acrylic painting that focuses on the visual qualities unique to painting. Basic concepts include designing two-dimensional work, exploring color and creating texture. The history of painting is integrated with an examination of painting styles. A $100 course fee required.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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Discover the School of Education
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
