As an art education student at the University of Dayton, you'll gain expertise in studio practice, art history, aesthetics and critical analysis of art in addition to teaching methodology, safety procedures, organization of materials and curriculum planning. You will also put your artistic talents to use as you participate in hands-on teaching experiences during all four years.
Through intensive studio experiences, firsthand teaching opportunities and engaging course work, students receive thorough preparation for a teaching career in art.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in art education provides multi-age licensure (pre-kindergarten through grade 12) from the Department of Art and Design in the College of Arts and Sciences. The art education program empowers pre-service educators to find their voices as artists and educators through studio engagement, intensive coursework and community based teaching opportunities.
As practicing artists, pre-service educators invest in building their portfolio, developing their craft and clarifying their artistic vision. Coursework provides a solid foundation for teachers through a comprehensive, social justice art education lens. At every stage of their coursework, students in the art education program celebrate the Marianist focus on community and service by moving outside the walls of the classroom to engage in experiential learning in local school and community based settings.
The College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education and Health Sciences combine resources to develop students' knowledge and skills. As part of the teacher education training, students learn teaching methodology, safety procedures, organization of materials and curriculum planning.
Artistic talents are put use with participation in hands-on teaching experiences during all four years. By graduation, students will be prepared to teach art in various school settings, and will understand the relationship between visual art and a pluralistic culture in a global society.
The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The B.F.A. in Art Education degree program is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about art education at UD.
Art education students receive a professional art degree and teacher licensure upon graduation. Licensure is transferable to other states and, unlike other art education programs, UD students start working with young people right away.
Though there is no portfolio application/entrance requirement, all majors in the department go through a major review upon completion of the foundation courses.
In this review — known as the Exchange — all majors are evaluated by a committee of three faculty members from the department. The review is 30 minutes and results in a written evaluation of student progress toward their degree.
This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.
At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.
Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.
Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.
The department requires the purchase of a MacBook Pro for all art education majors at the start of classes in the first semester. Additional computer requirements information can be found on the UDit website.
Art and design students can minor or double major. You can double major or minor with the B.F.A., but will need to work closely with your advisor in scheduling classes.
At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.
Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.
Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.
To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.
Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.
Let’s create your future. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.
Our faculty and staff are here to support you throughout your art education journey at UD.