BA in art education
Inspire creativity in the classroom and beyond. Rowan’s art education major prepares you for K–12 teacher certification while giving you a strong foundation in studio art and education.
Why choose Rowan’s art education program?
Rowan University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art education degree program leads to New Jersey’s instructional certificate as a visual art teacher for grades K-12. This is a credential that qualifies you to teach in public schools across elementary, middle and high schools.
Beyond meeting state requirements, this program is designed to help you grow as both an artist and an educator. You’ll build confidence in your own art practice while learning how to share that passion in ways that connect with students.
Our art education major blends studio art, art history and education coursework with extensive real-world practice in classrooms. Starting sophomore year, you’ll spend time in local schools, gradually increasing your teaching responsibilities until your final year, when you take on a lead teaching role. With each step, you move closer to shaping your own classroom, where you’ll guide students in discovering their creativity and artistic expression.
Key considerations
Quick Facts
Months To Complete
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Summer Entry Term
Studying art education at Rowan
What You'll Learn
As an art education major, you’ll complete both education and art coursework over 120 credits designed to prepare you for teaching and artistic practice. Education courses cover topics like instructional methods, child and adolescent development, special education and the use of technology in the classroom. At the same time, you’ll complete a full sequence of art classes, from foundational drawing, painting and sculpture to advanced studio electives and art history. Together, these courses build your artistic skills while equipping you with the ability to teach them effectively.
Learning happens both in the studio and in the classroom. You’ll develop your own creative voice through hands-on studio practice while also gaining teaching practice in local schools. Starting with early fieldwork and continuing through clinical placements, you’ll connect theory to practice and graduate with teaching certification and meaningful studio experience.
Art education key courses
- Color and Design: Two Dimensional
- Drawing I: Representational Drawing
- Expressive Drawing
- Introduction to Instruction and Assessment in the Art Classroom
- Introduction to Sculpture
- Theory and Analysis of Art Education
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
How You'll Learn
Rowan’s art education program uses immersive, real-world experiences to prepare you for both the studio and classroom. You’ll grow as an artist and a teacher by building skills through coursework, fieldwork, community engagement and student involvement. Here’s how:
- Classroom Experience: Starting sophomore year, you’ll begin teaching placements in local schools, gradually increasing your responsibilities until your senior year, when you take on the lead teacher role in a partner classroom for an entire semester.
- Studio Courses: Continue to develop your own artistic practice through courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media and more. This also ensures your teaching is grounded in creative expertise.
- smART Program: Design and teach your own lessons in Rowan’s Saturday Morning Art (smART) program. You’ll lead art classes for children from surrounding communities and work with high school students through off-campus partnerships.
- Student Organizations: Join Rowan’s chapter of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) to participate in fundraisers, service projects and national conventions, which gives you access to professional development and a network of future colleagues across the country.
Admission Requirements
Begin your journey as a certified art teacher by completing Rowan’s undergraduate application process. Required materials include:
- First-year application through one of three platforms:
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation/teacher evaluations
- Personal essay
After you complete your application, an individual from Rowan’s Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
Note: Rowan University is test-optional. You may submit your SAT or ACT scores, but you won’t be penalized if you choose not to.
Need assistance with your application? Our Office of Admissions team is here to support you—email admissions@rowan.edu to reach out.
Tuition and Aid
Rowan’s art education program offers an affordable path to teacher certification. In addition to financial aid and scholarships, art education majors may also qualify for talent-based scholarships awarded through portfolio reviews or interviews.
Learn more about cost, scholarships and aid.
I want to make a difference for the children who think they do not have the artistic or creative capabilities of making something great in their world.
Michelle V. Middlesex County, NJ
I’ve been given the opportunity to take a wide variety of art classes. I think it’s really important that as a teacher I learn a lot of different media.
Larissa S. Cumberland County, NJ
Between the close-knit community, personable and caring professors and all the people with similar passions to me, Westby Hall is my home at Rowan.
Jenny H. Warren County, NJ
I love every second I am in the classroom and teaching, even when I am not teaching photography. Being a teacher is a dream I didn’t realize I had right away, but had been all my life.
Melissa G. Morris County, NJ
In my classes, I’m learning about classroom management and the strategies to do it effectively ... having a good time, while also making sure you get your lessons through.
Lydia D. Gloucester County, NJ
Careers and outcomes
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
Blending art and education
Related programs
