The BFA in Art Education program prepares students for initial certification to teach visual arts to pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (PK-12) in New York State schools. The program develops art education professionals who:

• understand contemporary art and culture and are committed to teaching students in meaningful and critical ways.
• consider teaching to be a dynamic and continuing process utilizing current media technology.
• are sensitive to issues of diversity, capable of adapting their teaching strategies to meet individual needs.
• are active in the professional, cultural, and art communities.
• have a depth of experience in at least one art making medium, with a solid breadth in several.

Requirements of Major

• For students to enroll and remain in the art education program, they must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, as mandated by New York State.
• An artwork portfolio review is required for admission to upper level courses of the program.
• Students complete a total of 10 studio electives beyond the four studio foundations courses, including a concentration in at least one studio area. This requires careful advisement to complete courses in a timely manner.
• Students are expected to assume the costs of materials they use in art education courses, and there may be an additional instructional charge for materials used in classes.
• Students are expected to work a minimum of two additional hours each week outside of class for each credit granted for that class.
• Students are responsible for any additional certification requirements established by the New York State Education Department, Teacher Certification Division, including the NYS Teacher Certification Examinations and mandated seminars.
• 100 hours of observation with a certified teacher, as required by New York State, are built into required courses to be completed before student teaching.
• Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the AED Program Coordinator.

Student Teaching

• Eligibility for student teaching is determined by the Art Education Program.
• Placement is arranged by the Art Education Student Teaching Coordinator.
• Student teaching experiences are provided in cooperating elementary, middle, and high schools.
• Transportation to/from the student teaching assignment is the student’s responsibility.
• Students enrolled in the student teaching semester devote full time to their practicum assignment.
• Prior written approval must be obtained from the Art Education Program Coordinator for a student to enroll for any other coursework during a student teaching assignment, except for AED 400: Student Teaching Seminar.

Transfer Students

• Students transferring to the art education major should follow the SUNY Fine Arts transfer path.
• Those who wish to complete their programs in a timely manner should plan their schedules of coursework in art education with great care, and with an academic adviser.

• Art teacher certification is a function of the Office of Teaching Initiatives, NYS Education Department, Albany— highered.nysed.gov/tcert/ For information, contact the Buffalo State Teacher Certification Office— teachercertification.buffalostate.edu
• Post-baccalaureate (Certification-Only) Program (see below):
  This program is for students who have already earned a B.S./B.A./B.F.A. degree in a studio or visual arts-related area and are interested in earning art teacher initial certification.