Degrees in Elementary Art

What Degrees in Elementary Art Are Available?

You have several educational options from which to choose if you're interested in becoming an elementary school art teacher, but you'll need at least a bachelor's degree and a teaching license or certificate. You can find bachelor's degree programs in art education that include elementary school teacher certification. Some elementary education bachelor's degree programs don't specialize in a particular area, but you'll usually have the option to take some classes in art education.

If you've already earned a bachelor's degree in art, you can earn a master's degree in teaching and qualify for your state's teaching license. Alternatively, you can earn a post-baccalaureate certificate in art education. Some programs qualify you for teaching both elementary and secondary school. If you already have a teaching certificate or license, you might be able to earn a master's degree in art education online.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Are Degree Programs Like?

A bachelor's degree program in elementary art education gives you a solid foundation in the principles of many modes of art. You'll take courses in art history, design, drawing, painting, sculpture and photography. You'll take both studio and lecture courses. Concurrently, you'll take courses in educational theory and practice, learning about human development and educational psychology. Graduate-level elementary art education degree programs typically focus on teaching you the fundamentals of teaching art to elementary school students, rather than on studio art projects themselves.

In any elementary art degree or certificate program, you'll spend time observing and teaching in a real classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher. This typically takes place later in your program. You'll usually spend about a full semester in a classroom working with elementary school students.

What Are the Licensing Requirements?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all states require public school teachers to obtain a license or certificate (www.bls.gov). You can usually get a license to teach elementary school students, but you might also be able to get a license to teach art specifically.

You'll need to attend an approved teacher training program, complete a certain number of supervised teaching hours and, in most states, pass knowledge tests. You might be required to obtain a master's degree in elementary art education or a related subject in some states, though you can often start teaching before you finish such graduate education. Additionally, you'll probably have to complete continuing education credits to renew your license periodically, says the BLS.