Art Education Degree

Explore the Art Education Program

The Art Education endorsement prepares students for certification to teach art courses in Nebraska public schools in grade levels PK-12. With an Art Education degree from Wayne State College, you’ll expand your creativity while also learning how to become an art teacher. Develop a strong foundation in design and drawing fundamentals with opportunities to display your art on campus, meet visiting artists, get studio experience, learn art history, and even visit galleries, museums, and/or graphic design firms to see artwork in action. The experience and skills you gain in the Art Education program at Wayne State College will be priceless tools in taking the next step in your career as an art teacher.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Endorsement information
The grade levels and subjects you want to teach are called endorsements, and depending on the type of endorsement, you are required to choose one or more in order to obtain your teaching certificate/license. The Art Education program at Wayne State is a field endorsement, meaning you are not required to choose additional endorsements. However, you may add on additional endorsements if you want to do so. Learn more about endorsements.

Fast facts

Degree options: B.A. in Art/PK-12 Art Education

Endorsement type: Field endorsement
Learn more about endorsements.

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 89

Art core (20 credit hours)
Art endorsement (36 credit hours)
Education core courses (33 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

Schools: Arts and Humanities, Education and Behavioral Sciences

Departments: Art and Design, Educational Foundations and Leadership

Prepare for your future

Becoming a teacher

Field experience and clinical practice

As a student pursuing a teaching career in art, you’ll complete field experiences and clinical practice. Some field experiences are embedded within the coursework of WSC’s educator preparation programs. Once you’ve completed the initial field experience requirements, you’ll then complete a semester of clinical practice (student teaching) in a school district chosen with the help of your adviser. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience.

Learn more about clinical practice

Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA)

Student teaching is a requirement for teacher certification in all 50 states and provides you with critical real-life experience before gaining a classroom of your own. Only Wayne State College adds to this experience through the Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA), a program that allows you to substitute teach as a junior and get paid, all while still earning your degree.

Learn more about NENTA

Student learning outcomes

Art programs

Demonstrate technical competency in media and tools relevant to the discipline
Demonstrate competency in elements and principles of art or design
Synthesize subject matter, form, and context to create studio art content
Create graphic designs that effectively communicate information visually and have a distinct theme
Compose a visual presentation of works
Compose oral and written presentation about works and understands art in its context

Education programs

Teacher candidates who successfully complete an education preparation program at Wayne State will be able to:

Create environments that support individual and collaborative learning using knowledge of how students grow and develop, along with individual differences and diverse cultures. (InTASC Standards 1-3)
Plan for instruction by applying content knowledge, a variety of instructional strategies, and multiple methods of assessment to connect concepts for learners in real-world applications. (InTASC Standards 4-8)
Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to reflect on and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner. (InTASC Standard 9)
Seek leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with stakeholders, and to advance the profession. (InTASC Standard 10)

View InTASC Standards for Educator Preparation

Topics covered

Art topics covered

Principles of imagery, spatial concepts, and visual communication
Drawing techniques for still life, landscape, nature, and the human figure
Production, manipulation, and use of digital imagery
Painting concepts using oil and acrylic paint, mixed media, and digital painting
3D sculpting techniques using wood, steel, and mixed-media
Creating artwork using mixed media
Woodworking, steel fabrication, and mixed-media assemblage for sculpture
Relief and screen-printing, intaglio, etching, and other processes for printmaking
Study of art history and historical paintings, sculpture, and architecture
Construction of pottery and ceramics by hand and throwing wheel
Art from various global cultures

Education topics covered

Curriculum planning and methods for teaching art
Teaching as a profession
Human learning processes and behavior
Instructional design methodologies, implementation, and evaluation
Educational collaboration and equitable learning opportunities
Classroom management

Admission to Wayne State College does not guarantee entry into its educator preparation programs. Students planning to pursue professional education must undergo a background check along with meeting other requirements (benchmarks) and advance through three levels of preparation required to become a teacher.

Level One - Preparing for Teacher Candidacy
In this level, students apply for educator preparation and complete some of the preliminary coursework of the program. Students will need to pass an initial background check as well. View all Level One benchmarks.

Level Two - Preparing for Clinical Practice
In Level Two, students will prepare for student teaching by passing the required courses, meeting evidence to show their readiness, and pass a complete background check. View all Level Two benchmarks.

Level Three - Clinical Practice
Level Three is the final level and includes the successful completion of clinical practice and meeting the degree requirements for graduation from Wayne State. Students will also register to take the Praxis Exam. Passing the Praxis Exam is not a graduation requirement; however, it is required to earn a teaching license for the state in which you want to teach. View all Level Three benchmarks.

Benchmarks and Levels of Educator Preparation

Teacher certification

After successfully completing a teacher education program at Wayne State, you’ll submit your application to become a licensed teacher in Nebraska.

Initial Teacher Certification

State licensure disclosure

Wayne State's Art Education program is designed to prepare students for teacher licensure or certification in Nebraska. It has not been determined if these programs meet requirements for all other states.

If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.

Art Education Licensure Disclosure for all States About State Authorization and Licensure

Graduates with a degree in Art Education teach in schools using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Art Teacher – Alief Middle School (Houston, Texas)
Art Teacher – Bennington Public Schools (Bennington, Neb.)
Art Teacher – Deubrook School District (White, S.D.)
Art Teacher – Lakeview Public Schools (Columbus, Neb.)
Art Teacher – O’Neill Public Schools (O’Neill, Neb.)
Art Teacher – Nebraska Unified District 1 (Verdigre, Neb.)
Art Teacher – Norfolk Senior High School (Norfolk, Neb.)
Art Teacher – Stanton Public Schools (Stanton, Neb.)
Art Teacher – Wisner-Pilger Public Schools (Wisner, Neb.)
Art and ESL Teacher – Wakefield Public Schools (Wakefield, Neb.)
Special Education Teacher – Wayne Public Schools (Wayne, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Art core courses (20 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: Study of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design elements and principles applied to imagery and spatial concepts. Emphasis on visual communication and problem-solving through creative thinking, concepts, media, skills, processes, and research. Critical discourse, basic color theory, and composition will be integral parts of the course. Students will design a digital portfolio. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to foundational concepts and techniques in the study of line, shape and form, light and shadow, linear and atmospheric perspective. Formal concerns regarding composition will be explored and selection of subject matter will be from the figure, still life, landscape, and nature. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Credits: 3
Description: A continuation of drawing techniques as delineated in ART 110. Students will expand upon their background in various drawing media and be challenged by a more intense study of the human figure. 6 hours studio. $10 class fee per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 110 Drawing I
Credits: 0
Description: A review for sophomores and transfer students who have completed, or are currently enrolled in, ART 101 and 110. This assessment course ensures that students are properly prepared for the rigors of upper-level art classes. Artistic development, professionalism, written and verbal communication skills, and the comprehension of terminology, techniques, and theories are considered. Entering transfer students, meeting all other prerequisites, may enroll in upper-division classes prior to the review. However, transfers must take and pass ART 200 during its soonest offering before enrolling in any subsequent upper division art classes. Successful completion of the review is a prerequisite for ART 316, 321, 322, 335, 351, 371, and 381. Carries no credit. Graded S/NC.
Credits: 2
Description: This course explores the effective use of digital imagery in graphic design. Aesthetic content in the production, manipulation, and presentation of digital images will be stressed. Students will learn creative and exploratory use of digital cameras, scanners, and appropriate computer programs. Utilizes Adobe Photoshop. 4 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 101 Design or ART 110 Drawing I, or instructor permission for students declaring a minor in Graphic Design, or Animation and Motion Graphics.
Credits: 3
Description: Concentration on foundational skills using the oil painting medium. Color mixing, sketching for compositional placement, surface applications, and use of materials will be covered. Subject matter will address formal concerns as they relate to representation and abstraction. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 101 Design or ART 110 Drawing I, or instructor permission for students declaring a minor in Art.
Credits: 3
Description: Exploration of basic technical and expressive possibilities in three-dimensional form and space, including woodworking, steel fabrication, and mixed-media assemblage. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 101 Design or ART 110 Drawing I, or instructor permission for students declaring a minor in Art.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to printmaking concentrating on relief and screen-printing processes. Utilizing wood, plastics, and silkscreen stencils as matrices, the student will execute a variety of editioned prints in black and white, and color using single block, multiple block, and reductive techniques. Various approaches to registration and color will be presented. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 101 Design or ART 110 Drawing I, or instructor permission for students declaring a minor in Art.

Art endorsement content area courses (36 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture from Early Renaissance through the 21st Century. Lecture.
Credits: 3
Description: Study of the cultural, historical, and geological basis of clay. Foundational methods in both hand-building construction and throwing on the wheel will be introduced. Surface decoration, glazing techniques, and kiln firing processes will be discussed and performed. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Credits: 2
Description: Preparation to teach art and organize appropriate art experiences for students PK-8. The course includes: history and philosophy of art education as it relates to creative experiences for PK-8 students, skills in teaching major concepts reflected in art disciplines, service and community learning, interdisciplinary lesson development, art hazards and safety, and assessment. Current trends and research will be covered. 4 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 101 Design, ART 110 Drawing I, and sophomore or junior standing
Credits: 3
Description: Preparation to teach
art and organize appropriate art experiences for the secondary level student, grades 9-12. Includes history and philosophy of art education as it relates to secondary level teaching. Topics to be covered include: teaching art, art hazards, curriculum planning and assessment, studio, lesson plans, current trends, community and service learning, advocacy, developing resource materials, and demonstrated teaching. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 200 Sophomore Review, ART 314 PK-8 Art Curriculum, and junior or senior standing
Credits: 3
Description: Advanced painting concepts using the acrylic painting medium; may also include mixed media and/or digital painting. Emphasis will be placed on a variety of techniques which include mixed media. Subject matter will explore modern and contemporary themes and introduce abstraction and non-representation. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 200 Sophomore Review and ART 221 Painting I
Credits: 3
Description: Students will learn to question the boundaries between painting, drawing, and digital artwork through demonstrations, discussions, and exposure to contemporary and historically relevant mixed media artists. Experimentation, critical thinking, and technical proficiency will be emphasized. Students are expected to be self-directed regarding the selection of subject matter and content, but open to the selection of media, as well as learning through collaboration. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Credits: 3
Description: For Art majors only or with permission of instructor and department chair. A continuation of Pottery and Ceramics I with more advanced wheel and hand building concepts introduced. Students will learn a variety of surface decoration techniques, low- and high-fire kiln processes, and contemporary issues in clay. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 200 Sophomore Review and ART 251 Pottery and Ceramics I
Credits: 3
Description: Expansion of the principles and processes introduced in Sculpture I, with an emphasis on traditional and contemporary methods of sculptural production. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 200 Sophomore Review and ART 271 Sculpture I
Credits: 3
Description: A further exploration of printmaking concentrating on intaglio processes. Students will primarily explore dry point, hard and soft ground etching, and aquatint and various approaches to monochrome and polychrome printing. Collography and intagliotype printmaking will be introduced. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: ART 200 Sophomore Review and ART 281 Printmaking I
Credits: 3
Description: The student will become more aware of the arts in global cultures from ancient to modern times for purposes of identity, understanding, and expression of our inheritance as world citizens. The cultural and ethnic differences will be stressed enough through readings, discussions, and studio experiences emphasizing the arts as the expressions of these eras. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing
Credits: 1
Description: Students will read appropriate materials, assist in mounting exhibits, design fliers, write press releases and coordinate publicity. The experience will culminate in the student’s senior exhibition. Students with a significant number of upper-level studio courses can register with instructor’s permission following art department’s approval. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
Choose two of the following art history courses:
- ART 302 Ancient Art History (3 credits)– Advanced study of the art of the Classical World, focusing on the sculpture, architecture, and painting of ancient Greece and Rome. Lecture. Prerequisite: ART 244 Art History Survey I and ART 245 Art History Survey II.
- ART 303 Italian Renaissance Art History (3 credits) – Advanced study of the art of Italy from the 14th through 17th centuries. Lecture. Prerequisite: ART 244 Art History Survey I and ART 245 Art History Survey II.
- ART 304 American Art History (3 credits) – Advanced study of American art from the Colonial era through the 1920s. Lecture. Prerequisite: ART 244 Art History Survey I and ART 245 Art History Survey II.
- ART 305 Modern Art (3 credits) – Advanced study of European and American art from the mid-19th century through the 1970s. Lecture.Prerequisite: ART 244 Art History Survey I and ART 245 Art History Survey II.
- ART 306 Contemporary Art (3 credits) – Advanced study of global art from the 1970s through the present day. Lecture. Prerequisite: ART 244 Art History Survey I and ART 245 Art History Survey II.
- ART 307 Special Topics in Art History (3 credits) – Advanced study of a specific topic in art history. Lecture.Prerequisite: ART 244 Art History Survey I and ART 245 Art History Survey II.

Educator preparation core (33 credit hours)

Credits: 3

Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.

Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 3
Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.
Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy
Credits: 3
Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.
Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.
Credits: 2
Description: This course outlines the essentials of the reading processes and skills necessary for secondary students to become proficient learners of content, the incorporation of reading instruction into content delivery, and examination of the Nebraska Language Arts standards. The course also provides candidates with a solid foundation in educational assessment.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
This course must be taken to meet the requirement for 3 semester hours of professional education coursework in pedagogical content knowledge.
Credits: 3
Description: This course examines the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and innovative applications of content needed for effective teaching in the 21st century. Specific content-area topics include instructional planning for differentiated instruction; effective strategies, techniques, materials, and assessment methods; reading and writing in the content area; classroom management; and the relationship of the content area to standards-based curriculum. To be taken concurrently with EDU 414 Content Area Practicum Experience.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
Credits: 1
Description: This 80-clock hour minimum content specific clinical experience (60 hours in classroom plus 20 hours in activities related to teaching) is designed to induct students into classroom teaching and develop an awareness of the many roles of a professional educator. Under the mentorship of a practicing K-12 educator, students will assist/co-teach/teach. Students will also actively participate in school-related activities commonly encountered by professional educators.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and successful completion or concurrent enrollment in EDU 409 Content Area Methods and Materials
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.

Dual-listed: EDU 545
Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 12
Description: A semester course of full-day learning experiences in a secondary setting under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 classroom teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and a faculty member from the appropriate content area. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. This is the culminating experience of the secondary pre-service educator preparation program. Students in the Career Scholars Program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
Notes: Graded S/NC. Students in the Growing Together residency program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester
Credits: 3
Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
- SPD 435 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning K-6 (3 credits) – Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation.
- SPD 436 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning 7-12 (3 credits) – Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation.

The affordability of Wayne State College definitely played a role in my selection of colleges. I grew up low income, and I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to receive an education pursuing my dream degree. The Art Education program has helped me grow into a better artist and educator. I plan on teaching art at the high school level.

Zaynab Kouatli

Stanton, Nebraska

Major: Art Education

WSC Art Education degree student, Zaynab Kouatli

Zaynab Kouatli

Stanton, Nebraska

Major: Art Education

Meet the professors

Art and Design Department faculty

Carolyn Albracht, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Francine Fox, MFA

Associate Professor

Andy Haslit, Ph.D.

Professor

Sarah Lemmon, MFA

Professor

Joshua Piersanti, MFA

Professor

Beatriz Rodriguez, MFA

Assistant Professor

Student clubs for art education majors

Art Club - A community of artists who aim to increase the visual arts presence on campus
Art Education Club - A professional organization for students in the art education program
Kappa Delta Pi (Kappa Beta Chapter) - The WSC chapter of the KDP international honor society in education
NSEA Aspiring Educators - A professional organization for all education majors
Photography Club - For students interested in practicing photography or serving as a photography subject
Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) - An education club for all students interested in advocating for children with disabilities