This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Arts with a concentration in art education is an approved teacher preparation program that complies with the professional standards of the Virginia Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is further accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. All of these agencies assure the highest professional program standards. Graduates of the program are eligible for Virginia teacher licensure to teach art in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:

  • Students will develop a professional philosophical position about the relevance and importance of art education.
  • Students will implement/acquire a variety of art instructional strategies that reflect an understanding of the artistic, cognitive, emotional and social development of children, as well as national, state and local curricular standards and assessment techniques, in order to meet the needs of diverse learners.
  • Students will be able to create and adapt learning environments that address the needs of all students.
  • Students will be able to design assessment methods to measure student knowledge and skills, improve student learning and further professional practice.
  • Students will teach art in ways that engage traditional and contemporary artists (diverse in regards to gender, ethnicity, sexual identity, social class and other dimensions of identity).
  • Students will seek internships, service-learning positions and local, national and international experiences that lead to research and deepen engagement with diverse communities.