Art Education: Visual Art Studies

Generally speaking, the discipline of Art Education concerns itself with the theory and practice of teaching art to others. UNT’s Art Education program is recognized for its development of art and museum educators and leaders in the field who have a broad understanding of contemporary and past visual art forms, teaching and learning in the arts, and research and innovation through a rigorous mix of theoretical and practical preparation.

At the undergraduate level, a degree in art education—the B.F.A. in Visual Art Studies—prepares one for a career as an early childhood, elementary, middle and/or high school art teacher and for careers in community art programs and other educational facilities.

The M.A. in Art Education offers 3 separate program options. M.A. students have the opportunity to obtain state teaching certification, to further their teaching knowledge and skills, or to learn about art museum education. A master's degree in Art Education supports students in deepening their knowledge of art education practice, theory, and research while specializing in specific forms of art education (such as art museum education).

Students pursuing a doctorate in Art Education research and develop new theories of art teaching and learning and prepare themselves to be researchers and professors of Art Education at colleges and universities. The Ph.D. is the terminal degree in Art Education and the University of North Texas is the only university in the state of Texas to offer it.

Student accomplishments

Hannah Wilson presented at the Texas Medieval Association annual conference

Art History and Honors College student Hannah Wilson (on the right) along with Honors students Blithe Parsons and Erica Cole presented at the Texas Medieval Association annual conference, which took place on the campus of UNT.

Art Education and Art History
Art History

Art History and Honors College student Hannah Wilson (on the right) along with Honors students Blithe Parsons and Erica Cole presented at the Texas Medieval Association annual conference, which took place on the campus of UNT.

Alumni accomplishments

Maria Leake (Art Education PhD 2010) publishes in Art Education

Congratulations to Art Education PhD alumna Maria Leake on the publication of her article "Social Engagements With Contemporary Art: Connecting Theory with Practice" in the September 2014 issue of Art Education.This special issue of Art Education, The Journal of the National Art Education Association, focuses on Theory & Practice in Art Education. Nicely done, Dr. Leake!

Art Education and Art History
Art Education

Congratulations to Art Education PhD alumna Maria Leake on the publication of her article "Social Engagements With Contemporary Art: Connecting Theory with Practice" in the September 2014 issue of Art Education.
This special issue of Art Education, The Journal of the National Art Education Association, focuses on Theory & Practice in Art Education.

Nicely done, Dr. Leake!