Program Overview
Belmont University's Art Education program prepares students for diverse teaching roles in K-12 classrooms, museums, and community arts centers. The curriculum combines studio art, art history, art criticism, and educational theory with practical teaching experience. Graduates are eligible for Tennessee Art Teaching Certification and have reciprocity with 46 other states, expanding career opportunities.
Program Outline
Art Education, BFA
Degree Overview:
The Art Education (B.F.A.) It goes beyond the typical K-12 classroom, encompassing roles in museums, community arts centers, and other organizations. The curriculum balances studio art, art history, art criticism, and educational theory with practical teaching experience. Graduates of the program are eligible for Tennessee Kindergarten through Grade 12 Art Teaching Certification upon passing their licensure exams. The program also maintains reciprocity with 46 other states, offering additional career opportunities.
Outline:
The Art Education major consists of 129-131 hours of coursework, divided into three categories:
BELL core requirements:
38 hours
Professional Education requirements:
31-33 hours
Art Core requirements:
60 hours
Professional Education requirements include:
- EDU 2100, Foundations of Education: Provides an overview of the American education system, analyzing issues like equity, diversity, and challenges in education.
- EDU 2110, Educational Psychology: Examines the learning process, motivation, development, and individual differences in students.
- EDU 3800, Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in the Classroom: Explores exceptionalities and strategies for teaching diverse learners.
- ART 4200, Student Teaching Seminar: Prepares students for the student teaching experience through discussions on classroom practices and job search strategies.
- ART 4240, Student Teaching: Provides practical classroom experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher.
Art Core requirements include:
- ART 1000, Intro to Visual Interpretation: Introduces the analysis and interpretation of images within various cultural and historical contexts.
- ART 1010, Creative Visualization: Explores creative processes and experimentation in visual media.
- ART 1020, 3-D Design: Introduces the fundamentals of 3-dimensional design through hands-on projects.
- ART 1011, 2-D: Principles of Color: Explores subtractive color mixtures and color theory.
- ART 1400, Introduction to Digital Imaging: Introduces basic digital imaging concepts and software.
- ART 1040, Figure Drawing I: Develops figure drawing skills through various techniques and poses.
- ART 1050, Painting I: Introduces painting techniques and materials in various mediums, including acrylic, oil, watercolor, and mixed-media.
- ART 1060, Introduction to Darkroom Photography: Teaches the basics of black and white film photography, including camera operation, processing, and printing techniques.
- ART 1070, Clay I: Introduces different clay bodies, construction methods, and firing techniques.
- ART 1080, Sculpture I: Explores traditional and contemporary sculptural materials and techniques.
- ART 1090, Printmaking I: Introduces various printmaking methods, including monotype, relief, intaglio, lithography, and serigraphy.
- ART 2800, World Art - Pre-Modern: Explores visual art, architecture, and objects from around the world, from prehistory to 1300.
- ART 2810, World Art - Early & Modern: Examines visual art and architecture across various cultures from the early modern period to the present.
- ART 4740, Contemporary Art: Studies visual art from 1980 to the present, exploring contemporary theories and practices in relation to social, political, psychological, and technological contexts.
- ART 4900, Senior Exhibition / Portfolio: Develops skills and knowledge for working as a professional artist, culminating in a gallery exhibition and portfolio development.
Additional Coursework:
- ART 3810, Elementary Art Education: Explores the culture of elementary schools and the application of child development theories to thematic unit development.
- ART 3820, Secondary Art Education: Examines the culture of middle and high schools and the aesthetic development of adolescents.
- ART 4250, Contemporary Issues in Art Education: Explores current issues in art education, including curriculum development, assessment methodologies, and approaches to art education in community settings.
Assessment:
The program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Studio critiques: Instructors provide feedback and guidance on student artwork in studio classes.
- Formal presentations: Students present their work and research in courses like ART 4740 and ART 4900.
- Examinations and quizzes: Assessments of knowledge and understanding in various courses.
- Student teaching evaluations: Mentors evaluate students' performance during the student teaching experience.
- Portfolio development: Students create a portfolio of their work to demonstrate their skills and development as artists and educators.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Studio instruction: Hands-on learning through art-making activities and experimentation.
- Lecture and discussion: Introducing concepts and encouraging critical thinking through lectures and classroom discussions.
- Technology integration: Using digital tools and resources to enhance learning and creativity.
- Guest lectures: Bringing in experts from the field of art education to share their perspectives and experiences.
- Field trips: Visiting museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions to gain firsthand experience. The faculty in the Art Education program comprises experienced educators and artists who are passionate about teaching and learning. They are actively involved in research and professional development, bringing current trends and practices into the classroom.
Careers:
Graduates of the Art Education program can pursue diverse career paths, including:
- Elementary, Middle, or High School Art Teacher: Teaching art in public or private schools.
- Art Therapist: Using art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals with various challenges.
- Fine Artist: Creating and exhibiting personal artwork.
- Gallery/Museum Curator: Managing and overseeing collections in galleries and museums.
- Museum Education: Developing and delivering educational programs in museum settings.
- Community Art Center Staff: Working in community art centers to provide art education and programming.
- Parks & Recreation: Leading art programs in parks and recreation settings.
- Hospitals: Using art to provide comfort and healing in hospital environments.
Other:
- The program offers opportunities for students to study abroad, participate in internships, and present their work at conferences.
- Students have access to four campus gallery spaces to exhibit their work.
Belmont University
Overview:
Belmont University is a private, Christ-centered university located in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certification programs across various disciplines. Belmont is known for its strong emphasis on student success, career outcomes, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Belmont University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. The university emphasizes a strong sense of community, with opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff through various clubs, organizations, and events. Students can expect a supportive and inclusive environment where they can explore their interests, develop their leadership skills, and grow both academically and personally.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Christ-centered education:
Belmont University is rooted in Christian values and provides a faith-based learning environment.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a diverse range of programs, including those in the arts, sciences, business, education, and healthcare.Excellent career outcomes:
Belmont graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a 97% career outcomes rate.Vibrant campus life:
Students enjoy a lively campus community with numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities, social events, and leadership development.Location in Nashville:
Belmont is situated in the heart of Nashville, a city known for its music, arts, and culture, providing students with unique opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural experiences.Academic Programs:
Belmont University offers over 190 undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certification programs. Some of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution include:
Music:
Belmont is renowned for its music programs, with strong offerings in performance, composition, music business, and music therapy.Nursing:
The university's nursing program is highly regarded and prepares students for careers in various healthcare settings.Business:
Belmont's business programs provide students with a strong foundation in management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.Education:
The College of Education at Belmont offers programs for aspiring teachers, school administrators, and educational leaders.Healthcare:
The university has a growing presence in the healthcare field, with programs in healthcare administration, public health, and medical sciences.Other:
Belmont University is committed to providing a holistic educational experience that fosters student growth and development. The university offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.
Entry Requirements:
For domestic students (US citizens and permanent residents):
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- A minimum GPA of 2.7
- Completion of at least 2 years of high school English
- Completion of at least 2 years of high school mathematics
- Completion of at least 1 year of high school social studies
- Completion of at least 1 year of high school laboratory science
For international students:
- High school diploma or equivalent that is recognized by the United States
- A minimum GPA of 2.7
- Completion of at least 1 year of high school mathematics
- Completion of at least 1 year of high school science
- Proficiency in English as evidenced by one of the following:
- A score of 550 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL exam
- A score of 80 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL exam
- A score of 7.0 or higher on the IELTS exam
- Completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program with a recognized certificate of proficiency
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis if they have other strong qualifications, such as high standardized test scores. However, international applicants must prove English proficiency.
