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Art Education

Art is an essential part of our culture and way of life. It is the act of creativity realized.

Paintings in a classroom
Paintings in a classroom

Types

Bachelor

Location

On-Campus

Credits

45*

Cost

$9,875

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

By the numbers

2nd

in KY, Education Programs

$61,820

Average Salary

5%

Industry Growth

No. 2

in KY, Master's Education Degrees
Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions in Art Education

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 in Art Education

The Art Education program combines comprehensive studio art training with professional teacher preparation to equip students for careers as licensed P–12 art educators. Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, design, and art history while developing the instructional strategies needed to teach visual arts in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Through coursework in art education, curriculum development, classroom management, assessment, and student teaching, students learn how to foster creativity, artistic expression, and critical thinking in diverse learning environments. Grounded in both artistic practice and educational theory, the program prepares graduates to inspire the next generation of artists while meeting Kentucky teacher certification requirements.

What You'll Learn

Students in the Art Education program develop knowledge and skills in:

  • Visual arts education and instructional design
  • Drawing, painting, sculpture, and studio art techniques
  • Digital art, photography, and creative technologies
  • Art history and analysis of artistic movements
  • Curriculum development for P–12 art classrooms
  • Lesson planning and standards-based instruction
  • Classroom management and student engagement
  • Assessment and evaluation of student artwork
  • Creative thinking and artistic problem-solving
  • Visual literacy and artistic communication
  • Educational psychology and learning theory
  • Inclusive teaching practices for diverse learners
  • Art advocacy and the role of arts education in schools
  • Professional ethics and responsibilities of educators
  • Student teaching and hands-on classroom experience

Graduates learn how to create engaging visual arts curriculum, teach artistic techniques across multiple mediums, assess student learning, and cultivate creativity in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. They gain the knowledge and practical experience necessary to become licensed art teachers while helping students develop artistic skills, self-expression, and an appreciation for the visual arts.

Course Requirements

Because school is so affordable, I do not worry about what I will have to pay once I start to work. I enjoy knowing that once I do have a "real" job, this money will go straight to me, not into school loans.
Logan Hurley
Frankfort, KY | Elementary Education

Take the Next Step

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: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Learn more about our art and education professors!

Geraldine Allen

Geraldine Allen

Assistant Professor
Art

Geraldine Allen

Contact Information

606-539-4263
geraldine.allen [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building
Alexa Brooks

Alexa Brooks

Assistant Professor
Art

Alexa Brooks

Contact Information

alexa.brooks [at] ucumberlands.edu
Russell Weedman

Russell Weedman

Department Chair / Professor
Art

Russell Weedman

Contact Information

606-539-4499
russell.weedman [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building
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