Art Education (Post-Baccalaureate Certification)

The Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Art Education is available to candidates with an undergraduate B.F.A. degree in the visual arts or B.A. in a related field who have an interest in teaching art in PreK-12 settings. As part of the application process, candidates must meet clearance requirements and have them on file prior to starting the program. For candidates already teaching art in private and charter schools and are required to earn PA certification, see the Art Education Intern Program.

The certification program culminates in a Pennsylvania Department of Education Level I certification in the visual arts. Students in art education have gone on to teach in public, private and charter schools, museums, and community settings. Information for prospective students who reside outside of Pennsylvania, or plan to relocate.

For full-time study, the program consists of three semesters of required courses that reflect current directions in art education and one semester of student teaching. In addition, candidates take EDU and SPU professional competencies common to all teacher certification programs. Most courses are taught in the evenings, weekends, summers, and online for maximum flexibility for those with busy schedules. See the suggested sequence of courses on the Post-Baccalaureate Certification Checksheet for Art Education.

While grounded in theory, the program focuses on contemporary practices in public schools and other educational settings. Students take coursework offered by professors who are nationally and internationally recognized artists, educators and scholars. During clinical semesters, students have opportunities to be mentored by experienced PreK-12 art teachers in local schools while being supervised by university professors.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program and filing paperwork with the PA Department of Education, students can apply for teaching jobs. Employers seek our graduates as potential colleagues because of KU’s long history and solid reputation for producing quality art teachers. By taking two more courses (both online), students can earn an M.Ed. in Art Education.

When you’re ready for a new career, choose wisely. Choose KU Art Ed.

• Related link: PA Instructional Certification Program