Ignite creativity in future artists!

Art, a conduit for emotion, a beacon in darkness, a showcase of skill, a source of hope, and a catalyst for joy. Make a difference by imparting the gift of art to the upcoming generation!
If you possess a love for children and a fervor for art, University of the Cumberlands’ Art Education Program is tailor-made for you. This program provides a robust foundation aligned with your future aspirations and career objectives. Explore a spectrum of artistic techniques and mediums, challenging yourself under the mentorship of faculty members who themselves excel as accomplished artists.
Our Art Education Degree program offers a comprehensive education merging the traditional and innovative, grounded in a robust liberal arts framework. Upon graduation, you'll be equipped with certification essential for pursuing impactful art education opportunities, empowering you to shape and influence the next wave of young artists!

Anchor: Stats
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science with a Teaching Major in Art

Want to study art and pass on this knowledge and appreciation to the next generation? This program will equip you with everything you need to do just that! You’ll study the history of art and learn about great artists of the past and present. You’ll also get hands on experience with the craft, working with different mediums such as drawing, painting, design, and more, to develop your own artistic talent! You’ll combine courses like these with education courses that will give you the tools you need to effectively teach young people and influence their view of art and the world forever. 

Course Requirements

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The purpose of the art education degree program at UC is to prepare you to pursue a fine arts career and obtain a teaching certification. We’re here to help you develop your unique artistic style and teach you to be a competent and caring educator.

Develop your individual creative ability and exhibit artwork in campus exhibitions.
Investigate humanity’s cultural heritage as revealed through visual art.
Learn to create lesson plans, manage classrooms, create assessments, and more.
Learn to make intelligent and qualitive judgments about visual artwork.
Complete the courses required for certification by the Kentucky Department of Education to teach art in public and private schools.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Art Education Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

High School Art Teacher: $61,620

High School Art Teacher: $61,620

As a secondary art teacher, you will mostly work in high schools, teaching art to older students, creating safe and productive classroom environments, organizing learning activities for students, upholding school rules, giving and grading assignments, and supervising students, all while instilling in them an appreciation for art.

Elementary Art Teacher: $61,350

Elementary Art Teacher: $61,350

Description: As an elementary art teacher, you will mostly work in elementary schools, preparing lessons for elementary-aged students, teaching drawing, painting, photography and other studio arts, helping uphold school rules, moderating behavior of students in the classroom, and instilling aesthetic appreciation in children early on. 

Curriculum Designer: $63,740

Curriculum Designer: $63,740

As a curriculum designer, you will work behind the scenes, creating the lessons, materials, and learning plans that teachers and students will use in the course of their art education. You’ll use your skills to create curriculums and ensure their success.

Recreational Art Therapist: $47,940

Recreational Art Therapist: $47,940

As an art therapist, you will use your knowledge of the art world from your degree in art education and combine it with a master’s degree so you can apply these skills to helping individuals by using art as a therapeutic and healing process.

Museum Educator: $50,120

Museum Educator: $50,120

As a museum educator, you’ll have the opportunity to work in art museums and galleries, hosting lectures and workshops, teaching museumgoers about exhibits, artifacts, and art history, while working alongside curators, owners, and prominent artists in your community.

Art Director: $100,890

Art Director: $100,890

If you’re interested in art education but want a career outside the classroom, this could be a good option for you. As an art director, you will have opportunities to work with magazines, newspapers, movie and tv productions, product packaging, and more, helping these companies to create aesthetically pleasing images and curating visual style.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

"As an art student at UC, I’ve learned not only how to express my passion as an artist, but to see every artistic and beautiful aspect of the world around us."

Rachel Wade
Title / Department
Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Learn more about our art and education professors!

Dr. Andrew T. Alexson

Dr. Andrew Alexson

Adjunct Professor
Education

Dr. Andrew Alexson

Contact Information

andrew.alexson [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Ashton Leach

Ashton Leach

Field/Clinical Coordinator | Assistant Professor
Education

Ashton Leach

Contact Information

ashton.leach [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building
Melissa Evans

Melissa Evans

Director of Certification | Assistant Professor
Education

Melissa Evans

Contact Information

melissa.evans [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building

Request Information

Have questions? We get it. Send us a message, and we'll help you out as soon as possible!

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