Welcome! What an exciting time as you investigate the next step in your education! Hopefully you believe as we do at Kent State University that a visual arts education for preK-12 students can solve some of the problems we face as a nation.
A visual arts education provides academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity. We strive to advance visual arts education by providing an outstanding program that produces effective teachers, advocates for art and design education, and educational leaders in PreK-12 schools, museums and enrichment programs.
Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced art educator interested in enhancing your knowledge and skills, you will work with a support system of faculty, advisers, and peers who will help you succeed. You will take courses in art and design education, studio, and art history through a liberal arts education. As an undergraduate, throughout all of your courses you will participate in mentored field experiences. You will teach community young people in art enrichment classes on campus, students with special needs in special programs, and youth in settings such as detention centers and local public and private school classrooms. As a master’s student you will build on professional relationships while being involved in multiple educational experiences from within your community to around the world. These involvements help our students develop an understanding of the core issues facing educators and policymakers.
At Kent State University, we believe in the power of teachers to be agents of structural and social change, transforming and improving lives. America’s schools need teachers who help develop socially responsible citizens and an educated workforce equipped with life skills. We believe the visual arts do this most effectively because they are a study of life through visual objects, as well as a natural integrator of ideas. KSU art education graduates incorporate 21st century life skills and research-backed methodologies into their teaching practice as well as being reflective educators who adjust their teaching to reach students of all abilities.
As one of the foremost art education programs, Kent State faculty members are active leaders in the field. Current faculty research interests range from design education to gender studies, teaching art to students with autism, and global art education. Learning under the guidance of faculty with varied research areas helps you to develop your own personal teaching philosophy. Enthusiastic instruction in classes under twenty-five students provides you with personal attention and feedback on your growth and learning.
KSU art education students participate in our own active National Art Education Association Student Chapter. Many attend the national and the state annual conventions where they learn about the newest innovations in the field, create friendships and establish networking relationships. In addition to travel study opportunities to national and state conventions, all students have the opportunity to enroll in travel study art education courses in Italy, China, and New York City.
Guidance through advisors from the Art Education program, the School of Art, the College of the Arts and the College of Education, Health, and Human Services will assist you in making choices that will help you reach your goals. At the completion of your course of study, Career Exploration and Development will work with you to secure your first teaching position. The Center has a staff whose specific focus is on the placement of KSU education graduates. This support is available throughout your life as an alumnus of KSU!
We are excited about art education and are eager to share our excitement with you. Consider scheduling a tour of our new Center for the Visual Arts and meeting with a member of the Art Education faculty.