The BFA in Art Education program prepares art teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels to promote the central role of the visual arts in the lives of their students. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a professional knowledge of fundamental art concepts, materials, and teaching techniques. 

Students are required to take 66 hours in art courses beyond the 19 required in Area VI of the core curriculum, including:

  • painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture
  • a studio sequence
  • 24 hours of Art Education courses (including student teaching)
  • 6 hours of professional education courses
  • 9 hours in Art History at the 3000/4000 level
>> Sample four year plan

Applying to the Art Education Major

Area Admission Requirements 
  • Completion of Area F/VI with a GPA of 3.00 or above in these courses,
  • Completion of or enrollment in ARED 2110 Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education with a grade of 3.0 or higher. Review of application will also take into account attendance, professionalism, and initiative as assessed by your ARED 2110 instructor. 
  • An overall 2.5 G.P.A. is required for admission and must be maintained to remain in the major.
  • Pass OR exempt the GACE Program Admission Tests I, II, & III  (Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators- $128). You can exempt with one of the following:
    • Combined minimum SAT score
               For SAT score reports dated prior to July 1, 2019:
      • 1,000 on Verbal/Critical Reading and Math, OR
      • 1,000 on Evidence-based Reading/Writing and Math
        For SAT score reports dated on or after July 1, 2019:
      • 1,080 on Evidence-based Reading/Writing AND Math
    • Combined minimum ACT score of 43 (English and Math scores)
    • Combined GRE Verbal and Quantitative minimum score:
      • Prior to Fall 2011 = 1030 
      • Fall 2011 to present = 297
         
  • 35 hours of early field experiences in schools or community settings to be recorded on Art Ed. Early Experience Form. NOTE: Observational and instructional experience that is gained as a part of UGA credited coursework may not be counted towards Early Experiences
  • IMPORTANT: In order to be enrolled in courses reserved for Art Education majors, such as ARED 4350S and ARED 4360S, your Pre-Service Certificate through the College of Education and GaPSC must be processed. Without your Pre-Service Certificate, you may not take these courses.
When To Apply

Applications to the major are due on the following dates:

  • September 15
  • February 15
How to Apply

In order to apply, you will need digital files (pdf format) of the following documents:

  1. Your typed and signed Art Ed Early Experience Form
  2. Your most current degree audit (printable from Degree Works). When printing, choose the “What If” option on the left side of the screen and choose Art Education as your major. This will result in an audit that reflects your progress toward Art Education degree completion, including completion of Area F/VI.
  3. Your 500 word statement outlining your reasons for majoring in art education
  4. Evidence of EITHER
    • a combined minimum 1000 SAT: Verbal-Critical Reading and Mathematics/ 43 ACT (English + Math scores);
    • OR passing GACE scores for Program Admission Tests I, II, and III
  5. Digital images of artwork created in university studio courses. Please label each file with course name (e.g. last name.studiowork.ARST2110.pdf).

Files must be pdf format and the file names should be as follows:
lastname.itemdescription.pdf
For example: smith.artedearlyexperienceform.pdf

Please send an email to the Program Coordinator for Art Education, Dr. Christina Hanawalt, indicating your intent to submit application materials and including the following information:

  • Name
  • UGA My ID
  • Student ID number (9 digit number starting with 810 or 811)

Once your email is received, you will be added to an eLC site which will provide instructions for submitting your digital files.
Please note that all digital files must be uploaded to the eLC site by the application deadline.

COMPLETION OF THE MAJOR AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

66 hours of coursework in the major. Minimum grade of C required for all courses, with the exception of a grade of B or higher in SPED 4030/6030 or SPED 4020/6020.Passing scores on GACE Art Education Test I & II is required for Georgia Teacher Certification (Level 4).