Art Degree, Visual Art Teacher Licensure Program, B.A.

Visual Art licensure student smiling with student artwork behind her.

Inspiring Future Art Educators through Visual Art Education Licensure

The Visual Art Education licensure program within the Bachelor of Arts in Art at Westfield State University offers a pathway for students aspiring to become art educators in Massachusetts. This program, which is both accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), provides a blend of artistic skill development and pedagogical expertise. Students will gain a strong foundation in visual arts through coursework in various media, from drawing and design to ceramics, painting, and sculpture, while simultaneously preparing for a career in teaching. In addition to the Art major requirements, students pursuing licensure must complete a 36-credit professional preparation sequence, including courses in child and adolescent development, art education methods, and curriculum design, as well as practical experience through practicum placements in either elementary (PreK-8) or secondary (5-12) settings. Throughout the program, students are mentored to develop essential teaching competencies, reflecting the Education Department’s core values of diversity, social justice, community building, scholarship, inquiry, and critical reflective practice. To be eligible for student teaching and licensure, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in Art Education coursework, achieve Advanced Standing status, and pass the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to enter the classroom as skilled, socially-conscious art educators, ready to inspire the next generation of artists.

Program Highlights

  • Develop artistic skills in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and more
  • Complete a 36-credit teacher preparation sequence, including classroom practicums
  • Graduate with the skills and licensure needed to teach and inspire future artists
  • Gain real-world teaching practice through classroom practicums in elementary and secondary settings

Turn Your Passion For Art Into A Rewarding Teaching Career

Join our Visual Art Education Licensure Program and inspire the next generation of creative minds!

Accreditation, Integrated Learning, and Real-World Experience in Art Education

  • AAQEP Logo

    Accreditation & Licensure Preparation

    The program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Graduates who meet all program and licensure requirements, including passing the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), are well-prepared for state certification and careers as professional art educators.

  • Students looking at an art exhibit in the Arno Maris Gallery.

    Integrated Art and Education Experience

    Students gain a well-rounded education through a blend of studio art courses and professional teaching preparation. Core art classes include drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and art history, ensuring a deep understanding of artistic techniques and concepts. Simultaneously, students complete a teacher preparation sequence focused on curriculum design, classroom management, and effective teaching strategies.

  • Student intern smiling in an elementary school.

    Real-World Teaching Experience

    Practical teaching experience is a key component of the program. Students participate in practicum placements at local schools, teaching art in elementary (PreK-8) or secondary (5-12) classrooms. This hands-on experience helps them build teaching skills, manage classrooms, and create meaningful learning experiences under the guidance of experienced educators.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes
  • Developed capacity for critical, creative, investigative, and conceptual thinking.
  • Ability to identify and solve visual and conceptual problems.
  • Ability to present and communicate effectively, creatively, and critically across a range of form and media.
  • Generate a personal focus and contribute an independent voice to the world.
  • Be ready to work as professionals in art education; art history; design; fine arts; illustration and animation.
  • Refer to the fullest range of historical and contemporary art and design sources from across cultures and time.
  • Apply a wide range of research methods and technologies in gathering and analyzing information.
  • Engage effectively in individual and/or collaborative approaches to work.

What Can You Do with a Visual Art Teacher Licensure Concentration?

With a Visual Art Licensure concentration, graduates can pursue various rewarding careers in the field of art education and beyond, including:

  • Art Teacher (PreK-12)
  • Art Education Coordinator
  • Arts Administrator
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Graduate Studies in Art or Education
Reach to Teach alumna Lisha standing outside school smiling wearing a black coat, white shirt, and glasses.

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in Visual Art Education licensure program is designed to prepare outstanding teacher candidates at the Massachusetts initial licensure level.  Westfield State University's educator preparation programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).  Students who do not meet the required Advanced Standing statis to complete a practicum will not be endorsed for the licensure; however, they may graduate from WSU with a The Bachelor of Arts in Art.

 

Students wishing to be licensed to teach Visual Art Education must complete:

  • All the requirements of the Art major.
  • An additional 36 credit teacher preparation sequence for either Elementary (pre-K to 8) or Secondary (5-12) licensure as follows:
Requirements for Art Majors

One of the following:

Note:

** Students completing Art Teacher Licensure Programs must take ART 0108 Introduction to Computer Graphics as their art elective.

Art majors are required to take ART 0106 and ART 0107, to satisfy the Appreciation of the Arts requirement of the common core.

Art majors must complete a minimum of 27 credits of course work within the Art Department at Westfield State. Students are advised to consult their advisors for information on course sequencing and general core requirements.

Art majors intending to pursue graduate work beyond their major are advised to take additionally recommended studio courses of their choice. It is also advisable to include more than the minimum requirements in Art History.

Professional Preparation Sequence

Elementary Preparation Sequence

 

Secondary Preparation Sequence

 

Additional Information:

  • The field hours are designed to intentionally grow students' competencies over time with specific attention to the essential elements of teaching and learning as identified by the state licensure requirements and the underlying belief structure of the Education Department articulated through five pillars: Critical Engagement with Diversity, Social Justice, Building Community, Scholarship, Inquiry, and an Excitement for Learning, and Critical Reflective Practice. This will match department work and initiatives around anti-racist practices.

Students' progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits).  All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. Please see section on Licensure for Teaching under Academic Policies.

In order to be eligible for student teaching, a student must have completed all required course and field work, have an overall GPA of 3.0 (including transfer work) in Art Education Program classes, have an overall GPA of 2.8 (including transfer work) and have a passing grade in the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (i.e., Communication and Literacy and subject matter tests). Student teacher placements are limited to within a 30-mile radius of the campus.

Every effort will be made to provide a timely sequence of courses in order to fulfill graduation and teaching licensure courses, but there may be instances where this is impossible.

If any questions arise concerning sequence, time of student teaching, etc., please contact the Program Coordinator, Art Education Licensure.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Ready to learn more?

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    Of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship Opportunities

Passionate Creators. Creative Educators.

Westfield State University’s Art and Education Departments are led by experienced faculty committed to student success. In the Art Department, professors are professional practitioners who share real-world insights to help you develop your artistic skills and personal style.

The Education Department includes faculty with extensive teaching backgrounds. They are dedicated to preparing future educators through coursework, practicum experiences, and guidance. With class sizes of 15 to 25 students, you’ll receive personal attention, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with classmates.

Art department faculty chair giving a lecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westfield State University accredited? 

Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Our educator preparation programs are also approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

Is a portfolio required?

Yes, if you have requested admission to the art major on your application form, applicants must successfully pass a portfolio review by the Art Department's faculty.

Learn more

Are there scholarships available to art majors?

Several scholarships are available. Learn more on our available scholarships page.

How can I find the Art Department on social media?

You can follow us on several social media platforms below:

Portfolio Review:

If you've requested admission to the Art Major on your application form, applicants must successfully pass a portfolio review by the Art Department’s faculty.

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Art Degree, Visual Art Teacher Licensure Program, B.A.