Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education explores the art and craft of writing and teaching curriculum that connects socially engaged, contemporary art and visual culture with the lives, memories, identities and communities of students in a range of educational settings. To give you the most comprehensive teacher preparation possible, we partner with organizations and schools throughout the region, offering you diverse sites to develop your own reflective, resourceful and resilient art teacher identity. When you leave our program, you will have the knowledge and skills you need to teach anywhere you like.
In addition to top-notch studio preparation in a wide range of media, our students focus on urban issues and art education for social justice. Theory is integrated into practical early field and student teaching experiences. Throughout the program, assessment is aligned with the requirements for licensure under “PI-34,” the state law governing certification in Wisconsin. Students who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of professional educators during student teaching are recommended to the Department of Public Instruction in the State of Wisconsin for a PK-12 teaching license.
A pillar of our program is ArtsECO (Arts Education/Community Ecosystem), which develops teachers as change-makers. This network of arts organizations, nonprofits and schools wraps your education in support through internships and a variety of career-connected learning experiences, as well as a vibrant student organization. It also supports you after graduation through mentorship, networking and professional development during your early years as an art educator and beyond.
Request Info | Visit | Apply
Faculty and Staff
Our inspirational faculty and staff make sure students feel welcome and empowered to think outside the box and explore all possibilities of making art at UWM. Visit the Peck School of the Arts directory to meet these artists, explore their biographies and engage with recent work.
Scholarships and Aid
Financial constraints shouldn’t hinder your artistic dreams. Our comprehensive range of scholarships and aid programs is designed to empower and support artists like you.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must meet general University admission requirements in addition to specific program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
Post-Baccalaureate applicants must first apply to the Peck School of the Arts and meet program requirements found on the Peck School of the Arts apply page.
Undergraduate Advising
Academic advising is a collaborative process that empowers students to realize their maximum educational potential. Students are encouraged to visit the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page to meet with your advisor prior to each semester’s registration period. Advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist with degree requirements, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and more.
Laptop Requirement
Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.
Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all students. However, it’s required for most majors. For more information, please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.
Advance to Major and Retention
Once students enter the Art & Design program they can declare Art Education as their intended major. Art Ed Intended students receive priority registration in art courses over non-art majors and may apply to the program upon completion of 30 credits, fulfillment of the freshman year art foundation courses and completion of ART ED 227 with a grade of B or higher. After successful completion of the above, students should contact the PSOA Advising & Student Services Office by April 15 to request permission to enroll in ART ED 327.
Credits and Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | 45 | |
| First Year Program | 15 | |
| Art & Design Core | 39 | |
| Major Requirements | 28 | |
| Total Credits | 127 | |
University Core
The minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education is 127. Students who need background preparation courses in math, English, and foreign language may need additional credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements 1 | ||
| Compentencies 1 | ||
| English Parts A & B 2 | ||
| Math Parts A & B 2 | ||
| Foreign Language 2 | ||
| Distribution Requirements 1 | ||
| ARTHIST 101 | Ancient and Medieval Art and Architecture (counts as Humanities GER) | 3 |
| ARTHIST 102 | Renaissance to Modern Art and Architecture (counts as Humanities GER) | 3 |
| Social Science 3 | 6 | |
| Natural Science (1 course with lab) | 6 | |
| Cultural Diversity 2 | ||
| Electives | ||
| General Elective outside PSOA | 3 | |
| Art & Design History | ||
| ART 509 | Art & Design Seminar: | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Design Survey | ||
| Photography Survey | ||
Advanced Art History Course 4 | ||
| Select 2 areas in PSOA outside Art & Design | 6 | |
| Art in PSOA | ||
| ART 309 | Issues in Contemporary Art: | 3 |
| Education Courses | ||
| ED PSY 330 | Introduction to Learning and Development | 3 |
| CURRINS 343 | Teaching of Reading | 3 |
| or CURRINS 545 | Reading in the Content Areas: Middle, Junior, and Senior High School | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| The Exceptional Individual | ||
| Inclusion for Secondary Educators: Humanities, the Arts, Foreign Language | ||
| Child, Learner, Disabilities | ||
| Total Credits | 45 | |
- 1
Learn more about the General Education Requirements.
- 2
Credit may be utilized in required curriculum areas.
- 3
Can be satisfied with COMMUN 101 and ACT 31.
- 4
Any ARTHIST course above ARTHIST 102.
First Year Program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 cumulative GPA required: | ||
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106 | Art Survey: Creative Practice, Culture and Context | 3 |
| ART 108 | 2D Studio: Concept, Color and Composition | 3 |
| ART 109 | 3D Studio: Form, Idea and Technique | 3 |
| ART 118 | Digital Arts: Culture, Theory, Practice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Art and Design Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Courses | ||
| ART 201 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 342 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
| Select 21 credits of the following: | 21 | |
| Introduction to Creative Technologies: Computer Games and Interactive Art | ||
| Moving Images and Sound in Art & Design | ||
| Introduction to Design | ||
| Introduction to Typography | ||
| Introduction to Fibers | ||
| Introduction to Painting | ||
| Introduction to Photography | ||
| Introduction to Sculpture | ||
| Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing | ||
| Introduction to Digital Fabrication | ||
| Introduction to Making for Digital Fabrication | ||
| Introduction to Ceramics | ||
| Introduction to Printmaking & Book Arts | ||
| Introduction to Community Art | ||
| Studio Electives (choose 12 credits) 1 | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
See academic advisor.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART ED 227 | Introduction to Art Education | 3 |
| ART ED 228 | Learning Processes in Art Education | 3 |
| ART ED 327 | Art Education Theory and Practice: Elementary | 6 |
| ART ED 328 | Art Education Theory and Practice: Secondary | 6 |
| ART ED 425 | Student Teaching in Art I - Elementary Levels | 5 |
| ART ED 426 | Student Teaching in Art II: Secondary Levels | 5 |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
K-12 Teacher Certification and Licensing
This degree prepares students to teach the arts in schools and community settings with a path to WI teacher licensure. Once admitted, students can apply to their intended arts education program which includes a criminal background check. Courses which include clinical or field experience or internships, require a criminal background check and negative Tuberculosis (TB) test result for placement in a field experience. Students are responsible for obtaining the information necessary to become knowledgeable about the requirements below and plan their studies accordingly. Please refer to the Credits and Courses section and connect with the PSOA Advising & Student Services Office for further information.
Communication Competency
A grade of C or higher in: COMMUN 101 or COMMUN 103 (or THEATRE 260 for Theatre majors).
The communicative abilities of students remain under constant review as a factor for retention in the program. Students experiencing communication difficulty may be remanded for remedial work. Students who have satisfactorily completed an interpersonal course at another college or university may request an evaluation of their communication status through the Department of Communication.
Developmental Reading Course
All teachers of special subjects (e.g., music, art, theatre) wishing to be certified by the State of Wisconsin (K-12) must complete one course in developmental reading (CURRINS) with a C or better.
Human Learning and Development
Students must demonstrate an understanding of how pupils grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas. Completion of an approved course in Ed Psych with a C or better meets this requirement.
ACT 31
Students must have knowledge of the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin to meet the ACT 31 requirement. Successful completion of ANTHRO 213, ENGLISH 276 or ACT 31 workshop through UWM Continuing Education or other approved courses meet this requirement.
Exceptional Education
Students must complete a course in exceptional education with a C or better to be eligible for a license.
Certification
Students are required to keep a portfolio of evidence to document satisfaction of PI 34 teaching standards. Portfolio content is defined, evaluated, and reviewed by individual programs. Successful completion of K-12 required classes with a C or better and a recommendation of program faculty are required before admission to student teaching. Students are also required to meet a 3.0+ GPA on specific content knowledge coursework or pass the content test (Praxis II) prior to student teaching.
Student Teaching
Eligibility for student teaching is determined by admission to the Peck School of the Arts program, departmental recommendation, completion of all prerequisite courses and fulfillment of any departmental requirements.
In general, education methods courses are not transferable from other institutions. These courses must be taken in residence. Other criteria include removal of all incompletes in required courses, compliance with the Human Relations Requirement, satisfactory class standing, negative TB test passing Criminal Background Check, recommendation by the department, and submission of the student teacher application. Specific dates and directions for applying are available from each program by request.
Teacher's License Applications
Students eligible for graduation are not automatically recommended for certification to the State Department of Public Instruction. They must first be approved for certification by their departments.
After all requirements have been met for the undergraduate degree with Teacher Certification or the post-baccalaureate degree certification program and the departmental approval is obtained and the degree is posted, a student may apply to the WI Department of Public Instruction for a state teacher's license.
The Department of Public Instruction conducts a criminal record check of each applicant for a teaching license, like that used for admission to the arts education program. Based on this information, an applicant may be denied a license even if recommended for certification by UWM.
Sample Plan of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| (Includes OWC-A and QL-A Requirements) Students must be aware of the prerequisites for the 200-level course they wish to take in the second semester of the First Year and enroll in the appropriate First Year Program courses in fall. | ||
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 106 | Art Survey: Creative Practice, Culture and Context | 3 |
| ART 109 | 3D Studio: Form, Idea and Technique | 3 |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 201 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 108 | 2D Studio: Concept, Color and Composition | 3 |
| ART 118 | Digital Arts: Culture, Theory, Practice | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
200-level studio in Art | ||
University Core 1 | ||
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Students are reminded that admission to the Art & Design Program requires completion of the 36-credit Art-Intended requirements and that all First Year Program courses must be completed in the first 45 credits (usually in fall semester of sophomore year). Admission to the Pre-Art Ed Program requires completion of the 30-credit First Year Program and two 200-level studio courses. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
200-level studio in Art | ||
| Introduction to Art Education | ||
| 200-level studio in Art | 3 | |
| 200-level studio in Art | 3 | |
| ARTHIST 101 | Ancient and Medieval Art and Architecture 2 | 3 |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| All Art Education intended students are required to participate in a proficiency review after completing ART ED 227 Introduction to Art Education with a grade of B or better. Students submit a portfolio of work from ART ED 227 to be reviewed by Art Education faculty. A review of the portfolios determines whether a student will be admitted into the Art Education Teacher Certification program, and enrolled in ART ED 327 Art Education Theory and Practice. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Art Education | ||
| Learning Processes in Art Education | ||
200-level studio in Art | ||
| 200-level studio in Art | 3 | |
| 200-level studio in Art | 3 | |
| 200-level studio in Art | 3 | |
| ARTHIST 102 | Renaissance to Modern Art and Architecture 2 | 3 |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART ED 327 | Art Education Theory and Practice: Elementary | 6 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Learning Processes in Art Education | ||
200-level studio in Art | ||
| ART 342 | Figure Drawing | 3 |
| Art & Design History Choice | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART ED 328 | Art Education Theory and Practice: Secondary | 6 |
| Studio Depth Elective 3 | 3 | |
| ART 309 | Issues in Contemporary Art: (subtitle) | 3 |
| Advanced Art History choice 2 | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Studio Depth Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Studio Depth Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Studio Depth Elective 3 | 3 | |
| ART 509 | Art & Design Seminar: | 3 |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| University Core 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART ED 425 | Student Teaching in Art I - Elementary Levels | 5 |
| ART ED 426 | Student Teaching in Art II: Secondary Levels | 5 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 127 | |
- 1
Consult your academic advisor in the Peck School of the Arts Student Services Office for requirements in the Core Curriculum. PSOA Arts Distribution Requirement for Art Education is part of the 45-credit Core: 6 credits outside of Art & Design, in 2 of the 4 other departments in PSOA: Dance, Music, Theatre, or Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres.
- 2
The 12 Art History credits count in the Core Curriculum. Six credits (ARTHIST 101 and ARTHIST 102) count as Humanities GER.
- 3
300+ level Studio Course
Art Education, BFA Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with the BFA in Art Education from the Art & Design Department will be able to:
- Identify and describe artistic practices and artists across cultures.
- Apply technical proficiency in a range of art disciplines, with fluency in at least one medium.
- Research, critically analyze, and design advanced curricula that reflect current quality curriculum and art education theories, broader contexts of contemporary art, and an emphasis on urban education and social justice issues.
- Develop and implement state-of-the-art management and instructional strategies in art educational settings.
- Explain approaches that support child development, diverse learning needs and preferences, and responsiveness to urban students and learning environments.
- Design and use a range of effective assessment strategies to analyze student learning, inform teaching, and communicate evaluation of learning outcomes to school and community stakeholders.
- Embody and enact professional dispositions and expectations relevant to the field of art education and educational settings.
Policies and Regulations
Academic Regulations
For information on University-wide Academic Action Policy and honors for scholarship, see Academic Policies.
Auditing Courses
No studio or performance courses may be audited.
Declaration of Submajor
In most instances, after two years of basic preparatory courses in the major, students choose an area of specialization within their respective departments, known as a submajor. Students must declare a submajor after they have accumulated 45 to 75 credits to assure completion of the appropriate curriculum requirements for graduation.
Grievance and Appeal Procedures
If you have concerns about a class or a grade, or if you’ve been dropped from a program and would like to appeal, follow the grievance procedures found under the resources section on the Peck School of the Arts Advising & Student Services page.
Independent Study
Under special conditions, juniors and seniors are permitted to take courses in independent study. For regulations on independent study, see the departmental advisor.
Program Changes
All program changes must be signed by the instructor and the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services. Certain other courses may also require this approval indicated in the semester's Schedule of Classes.
Second Bachelor's Degree Candidates
Students with good scholastic records who wish to earn a second bachelor's degree in the Peck School of the Arts must obtain the recommendation of the Peck School of the Arts department in which they wish to major before they can be accepted. Upon acceptance, students must earn in residence a minimum of 30 credits beyond the studies for the first degree and must satisfy all curriculum requirements.
Semester Credit Load
A full-time Peck School of the Arts student is one who takes a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Typically, Peck School of the Arts students are not permitted to carry more than 18 credits per semester. Students who have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA may, with the permission of the Peck School of the Arts Office of Student Services, carry up to 21 credits per semester.
Transfer Students
Transfer students from other universities and colleges or UWM units are accepted by the Peck School of the Arts provided they meet the UWM admissions criteria and have a 2.0+ cumulative GPA.
Honors in the Major
- Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or greater in the major and the academic department's recommendation.
- High Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or greater and the academic department's recommendation.
- Departmental Honors are granted to students recommended by their academic department for Honors excellence in performance not reflected in the GPA.
- Dean's Honors are granted to students with major achievements in one or more of the arts.
College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.