Study Art Education at UNE
Fuse your passion for art and your desire to work with young people as you embark in the field of art education.
Combining courses from UNE’s School of Arts and Humanities and School of Professional Programs, the Bachelor of Arts in Art Education major introduces you to the theory and practice of education while developing your skills in both traditional arts. Some of these skills include drawing and painting, digital arts, animation, and photography.
You’ll graduate with a teaching certificate, on-the-job experience, and the artistic skills you’ll need to be a successful K-12 visual arts teacher.
Why UNE for Art Education
Because of UNE’s strong relationships with local schools, you’ll benefit from continuous fieldwork, beginning your first semester. The hours you spend working directly with students prepare you to be the best visual arts teacher you can be and often open the door to opportunities for permanent employment.
- Work closely with faculty who are professional scholars and nationally renowned artists
- Studio work that culminates with your own art exhibition
- Study abroad options, including overseas student teaching opportunities
Examples of Available Courses
There are many ways you can navigate the Art Education major. The following are some examples of the inspiring courses that you can take:
- Methods of Art Education
- Diversity Issues in Schools
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Exceptionality in the Classroom
- 21st Century Learning Through Technology
- Curriculum and Assessment
- Three Dimensional Fundamentals
- Graphic Design
- Scientific Illustration
Curriculum
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 42–43 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARH 210 – Art History Survey I or ARH 211 – Art History Survey II | 3 |
| ART 104 – Painting I | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| ART 110 – Ceramics I | 3 |
| ART 118 – Drawing & Design Fundamentals | 3 |
| ART 200 – Advanced Drawing | 3 |
| ART 230 – Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 270 – Art in the Modern World | 3 |
| ART 395 – Studio Concentration Seminar | 3 |
| EDU 105 – Exploring Teaching | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| EDU 202 – Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment | 3 |
| EDU 385 – Diversity Issues in Schools | 3 |
| EDU 441 – Methods in Art Education | 3 |
| EDU 484 – K-12 Internship (Art) | 12 |
| EDU 488 – Secondary or Art Ed Practicum | 3 |
| SPE 220 – Exceptionality in the Class | 3 |
| SPE 405 – Inclusive Methods and Data Based Decision Making | 3 |
| Total Credits | 51 |
| Open elective courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
This program requires an overall minimum 2.5 GPA in the major.
Field Experience
The faculty in the School of Education is committed to ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. The teacher education programs at UNE have a specific competency-based focus to meet the Maine standards for teacher certification. All students engaged in teacher preparation will spend time in a field setting in each of the semesters for which they are registered for professional education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., observation, teaching lessons, conducting experiments, administering assessments, etc.). Transportation to and from schools is the responsibility of the student.
ADVANCED STANDING
All students in education certification programs must apply for admission to Advanced Standing when they have completed approximately sixty (60) credit hours and completed at least three (3) education courses. To apply for Advanced Standing, students must develop a portfolio demonstrating how they have met proficiency in the following areas: a) teaching skills, knowledge, and disposition aligned with the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards; b) basic academic skills and c) professional skills. This portfolio is evaluated by a committee of education faculty and a pass/fail determination is made based on a holistic rubric.
Students not meeting the Advanced Standing criteria do not remain enrolled in a certification program and MUST change their major to a non-certification major. Students can reapply for Advanced Standing upon completion of each additional semester up until their second to last semester (i.e., students graduating in Spring must meet Advanced Standing by the beginning of the previous Fall semester).
STUDENT TEACHING
Without specific permission from the School of Education Academic Director, courses may not be taken during the internship semester, so all required coursework must be completed the semester prior to the internship. Admission to the internship is not guaranteed and students must have reached Advanced Standing to apply.
The selection of individual internship sites will be made by the Certification and Placement Officer. Geographical location relative to UNE is a consideration. UNE has a collaborative relationship with many districts and selects both schools and teachers based on their interest in and ability to assist interns in demonstrating mastery of the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards. Placement in an internship is not guaranteed. The School of Education reserves the right to deny requests for courtesy internship placement for reasons it deems appropriate or necessary. The University, at its discretion, will not place students in internship settings (1) where an intern's children or relatives are enrolled, or (2) where a spouse or relative of an intern is currently employed. The School of Education, through its Certification and Placement Officer, will make a good-faith effort to negotiate an appropriate placement. Schools have the right to refuse placement requests. The fifteen (15)-week student teaching experience must be done in a local Maine Public School that is in an established internship protocol with the University of New England. Students may not be permitted to accept a contracted teaching position (e.g., long-term substituting, yearlong internship) prior to completing at least half a semester of student teaching internship. However, student teaching interns may be permitted to sub on a day-to-day basis for their classroom teacher.
Professional Educator Review Board
All students enrolled in the internship must demonstrate their teaching competence with respect to Maine Common Core Teaching Standards before the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB). The Board is comprised of professional educators from area schools as well as UNE faculty. Students are required to develop a presentation reflecting their proficiency in meeting these state standards and present and defend the presentation in front of the Board. Passing PERB is a requirement for completion of the certification program and subsequently is recommended to the Maine State Department of Education for teacher licensure.
To learn more about the program visit the Academic Catalog.
Changes were made to this program in an addendum to the 2022/23 academic calendar. Please see the 2022–2023 Catalog Addendum (PDF) for the most recent information. As always, it is recommended that students seek the guidance of Academic Advisors for course and program planning. In this way, you will be able to access all the most up-to-date information available.
K-12 Teaching Certification
Successful completion of the major meets all requirements of the Maine State K-12 Visual Arts Teacher Certification Program.
Meet our faculty and professional staff
Discover UNE's Art Programs
Career Paths for Art Education Majors
While becoming a visual arts teacher is the goal of most Art Education majors, there are other fascinating careers that you may choose to pursue with your Art Education degree, including:
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Animator
- Private Art Studio Instructor
- Photographer
- Web Designer
- Fine Artist
Career Advising for B.A. in Art Education Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Arts Building
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor's Degree in Art Education Program
As an Art Education major, you’ll develop a wide array of expertise that includes more than knowledge of theories and principles. Through studio work and frequent teaching experiences, you’ll master artistic techniques and gain the confidence you need to share your love of art with a classroom of students.
Fieldwork in the Schools
- Support a visual arts teacher
- Help to run an after school program
- Lead art activities at family and community events
Student Teaching Internship for Art Education Majors
Your hands-on learning culminates with a 15-week student teaching internship.
- Refine skills acquired through coursework and fieldwork
- Become comfortable and confident in your teaching abilities
- Form close working relationships with students and school personnel
- Network and make connections that will increase your employability
Art Opportunities
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery on UNE's Portland Campus houses a permanent collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures by nationally and internationally renowned artists. It mounts six exhibitions each year in a variety of media that ranges from contemporary fine art to photography, to international themes, to works by women and by Maine artists.
From June through October, the gallery presents an Annual Sculpture Garden around its exterior. On occasion, different exhibitions are arranged at other locations on our Portland and Biddeford campuses.
Events
The Office of Student Affairs collaborates with our Art programs to bring a variety of arts events to the Biddeford Campus, ranging from lunchtime concerts at the Alfond Cafe to poetry readings, to gallery exhibits at the Campus Center and Engine gallery in downtown Biddeford.
Portland Art Scene
Portland's art scene includes the Portland Museum of Art, SPACE Gallery, and numerous private and nonprofit art galleries.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s B.A. in Art Education degree program? Get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to be an art teacher?
Becoming an art teacher requires a bachelor's degree, with specifics varying by state. The most direct route is a bachelor's in art education, blending art and education courses for K-12 teaching. In Maine, a state-approved teacher preparation program is essential, often integrated into a bachelor's degree program in education.
UNE provides a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art Education, encompassing the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Core Curriculum, required art and education courses, elective choices, field experience in art education settings, and an internship. This ensures students graduate with practical experience and the artistic skills needed for success as a K-12 arts teacher in Maine.
UNE's teacher education programs emphasize competencies to meet Maine's teacher certification standards. Completing the Art Education major satisfies all requisites of the Maine State K-12 Visual Arts Teacher Certification Program.
What are the requirements for a degree in art education?
Requirements for an art education degree vary by school. Generally, an art education major teaches you about education theory and practice while enhancing your skills in visual arts. Most colleges and universities will also require core academic classes that provide a foundation for your college education. Art education majors will usually also need to complete the required field experience and a student teaching internship.
At UNE, students must meet the following requirements for a degree in art education:
- Complete CAS Core Requirements
- Complete required Art and Education courses plus elective course options
- Complete field experience in art classrooms of various grade levels
- Complete Advanced Standing requirements at 60 credits
- Complete a 15-week student teaching internship experience at a local Maine Public School
- Demonstrate their teaching competence with respect to Maine Common Core Teaching Standards before the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB)
At the completion of their bachelor's degree, UNE art education students will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards
- Demonstrate professionalism through accountability and engagement
- Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats
- Demonstrate appropriate dispositions as defined by professional expectations
- Demonstrate expertise in a wide variety of modes and methods of creating in art
What can you do with an art education degree?
Many art education majors aim to be visual arts teachers, but there are other career paths you can follow with an art education degree. These encompass roles like graphic designer, digital animator, private art studio instructor, photographer, web designer, educator in an art museum setting, and fine artist.
As an Art Education student at UNE, you will have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
Are there scholarships or financial aid for art education majors?
There are scholarships available for art education majors. You will need to invest time and thought in seeking opportunities, crafting your portfolio, and managing your submissions. To aid in your search, ask the art department at your current school, reach out to local publications, or contact your top college choices to see what is available.
UNE offers merit-based scholarships independent of whatever degree path you choose. We are committed to affordability in education. Here are some relevant statistics:
- 98% of undergraduates receive merit-based scholarships
- The average total award package for our students is $24K
- $42M awarded annually in institutional scholarships
Learn more about grants and scholarships available for students at UNE
Student Financial Services at UNE comprises the Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices. Our comprehensive program makes the most of the institutional and federal monies available to you. To help you and your family find the financial means to achieve your educational goals, contact us at sfs@une.edu or (207) 602-2342. Our office hours are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
What is the best art education program for me?
Below are a few factors to consider when choosing the best art education program for you.
Faculty
Identify your priorities as a student and learn more about your potential teachers. Discover what kind of connections you can make there that will further your career.
At UNE, Arts programs are led by nationally recognized professional artists, while Education programs are taught by faculty combining real-world experience, teaching dedication, and scholarship. The UNE Arts Education program aims to foster individual growth, development, and expression, guiding students toward successful careers.
Meet faculty and professional staff in the School of Arts and Humanities
Meet faculty and professional staff in the School of Education
Curriculum
Learn about the types of classes you’ll be taking and the amount of field experience plus internships and student teaching opportunities. Ask about things that matter to you including class size and learning environment.
UNE’s Art Education K-12 program allows students to graduate with a teaching certificate, on-the-job experience, and the artistic skills they’ll need to be successful K-12 visual arts teachers. Program highlights include hands-on learning experiences. Students benefit from continuous fieldwork beginning in their first semester and a 15-week student teaching internship.
UNE actively participates in experiential learning. Through in-depth study in the studio, students master artistic techniques that culminate with their own art exhibition.
Learn more about UNE's full Arts Education curriculum including examples of available courses
Career goals
Determine if the program offers career advising and qualifies you for the art education career you want including the right accreditation and licensing or certification requirements you'll need to meet for professional practice. UNE has strong relationships with local schools which means our School of Education students benefit from continuous fieldwork, beginning their first semester. The hours spent working directly with K -12 students prepare graduates to be the best visual arts teachers they can be and often open the door to opportunities for permanent employment.
There is a need for general elementary school teachers in Maine. The Maine Department of Education reports a shortage for the 2023-2024 school year. Students will leave UNE’s Art Education Program as skilled and confident advocates for the arts with Maine state teaching certification (levels K-12) in the visual arts.
Overall, UNE offers Career Advising to help Art Education graduates plan their next step. 93% of bachelor’s degree graduates are employed or continuing higher education within six months to one year of graduating.
Location and environment
Ask yourself what kind of environment suits you best. Figure out if you want to stay in your state or if you wish to move. See if you will be inspired or challenged by your fellow students.
UNE School of Education students study on UNE's scenic Biddeford or historic Portland Campus. Portland's art scene includes the Portland Museum of Art, SPACE Gallery, and numerous private and nonprofit art galleries plus the Art Gallery on UNE's Portland Campus. Also, the Office of Student Affairs collaborates with our Art programs to bring a variety of arts events to the Biddeford Campus.
There are also study-abroad options available for UNE students. In addition to opportunities to spend a semester abroad, you may choose to enroll in our education-related or another short-term travel course.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Additionally, UNE boasts small class sizes. Overall, we have a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 20.
Learn more quick facts about UNE
Financial aid
Does the school you are considering offer financial aid or scholarships to help you in your education? A UNE undergraduate education is very affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE