Online Art Education Degree
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts
ONLINE Art Education Degree PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our art education degree online program prepares socially conscious art educators through theoretical knowledge, pedagogical approaches, creative thinking skills, and professional dispositions. We aim for our graduates to be global-minded agents of change who advocate for a diverse student population and their visual culture. If you are comparing art education degree online programs, continue reading to learn why students like yourself pursue teacher certification through this comprehensive bachelor of fine arts program.
Prepare to be a part of enhancing a child’s love for art, while you cultivate:
- Your own approach to art instruction, supported by department faculty with a diversity of teaching experiences and approaches to art education
- Growth in your artistic practice to enhance teaching
- A comprehensive skill set in the field of art education
- The confidence to launch your career and meet the needs of learners
- Expertise in designing and delivering unit plans that honor their students’ identities
Teaching License Information
The RMCAD Art Education teacher preparation program is approved by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE). RMCAD graduates in Art Education are prepared to apply for a K-12 teaching license in Art with the Colorado Department of Education.
RMCAD’s Art Education BFA allows graduates to apply for their Colorado Teaching Licensure and teach in the state of Colorado. Students interested in teaching in another state will first apply for their Colorado Licensure through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and then may be eligible to transfer licensure to their state. Students interested in licensure outside of Colorado should refer to the Disclosure for Professional Licensure section of the website, located here.
ONLINE ART EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Psychology of Creativity
Teacher Professionalism
Practical Teaching Skills
Performance Standards
Three Art Emphasis Tracks to Choose From
STEPS TO ADMISSION
1
Complete your artist meeting with an admissions counselor.
2
Submit an admissions application.
3
Create and submit your portfolio to be considered for a scholarship.
4
Submit official high school and college transcripts (for transfer students).
5
Submit the current year’s FAFSA and other financial aid documentation.
ACCREDITATION
TUITION + FINANCIAL AID
At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.
ONLINE ART EDUCATION DEGREE COURSE DETAILS
As a student in this art education online degree program, you’ll get critical, on-the-ground teaching experience via 200 hours of required classroom observation and 1 semester of student teaching (16 weeks of full-time and in-person student teaching). Your e-learning experience combined with in-classroom hours in your community will provide you the opportunity to develop real-world job skills that set you up for success in the classroom.
In this dynamic art education degree program, you’ll need to be prepared for varying modalities of learning while obtaining your degree such as:
- Convenient, asynchronous classes combined with a synchronous component for school observation hours and in-person classes in Year 4 of program
- 200 observation hours in elementary, middle and high school classrooms in your neighborhood
- 600 hours of full-time student teaching without pay over 2 terms in year 4. RMCAD students complete 1 term (8 weeks) of student teaching in an elementary visual arts classroom with a licensed art teacher and 1 term (8 weeks) of student teaching in an middle or secondary visual arts classroom with a licensed art teacher.
- 8 weeks of full-time, in-person teaching in elementary art classroom with a licensed art teacher
- You’ll also choose a 15-credit area of emphasis in Graphic Design, Illustration or Animation. These classes will be taken online.
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Liberal Arts Courses (45 Credits)*
AH 1110
Art Historical Methods + Theories
(3 Credits)
EN 1110
Composition I
(3 Credits)
HU 1110
Humanities I: World Thought I
(3 Credits)
AE 2220
Philosophy of Art + Education
(3 Credits)
The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.
Art Education Courses (29 Credits)*
AE 2215
Introduction to Art Education
(3 Credits)
AE 2241
Design for Learning
(3 Credits)
AE 3263
Methods of Art Education, K-12 Part I
(3 Credits)
AE 4246
Learning Environments
(3 Credits)
Foundations Courses (21 Credits)*
FD 1020
2D Design: Elements + Principles
(3 Credits)
FD 1120
Topics in Color
(3 Credits)
FD 1600
Studio Seminar: Methods of Inquiry
(3 Credits)
FD 2220
Time-based Media
(3 Credits)
Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
Fine Arts Courses (15 Credits)*
ART 1120
Ceramics: Handbuilding + Surfacing
(3 Credits)
ART 1130
Printmaking: Relief, Intaglio, + Monotypes
(3 Credits)
ART 1151
Painting Fundamentals: Tools + Techniques
(3 Credits)
ART 1190
Sculpture: Armatures + Welding
(3 Credits)
Animation Emphasis (15 Credits)*
AG 1110
Introduction to Animated Storytelling
(3 Credits)
AG 1070
Digital Painting for Film + Games
(3 Credits)
AN 1230
Fundamentals of Animation
(3 Credits)
AN 2310
Creative Visualization
(3 Credits)
Graphic Design Emphasis (15 Credits)*
GD 1000
Typography
(3 Credits)
GD 2100
Layout Design
(3 Credits)
GD 2210
Vector Illustration
(3 Credits)
GD 2220
Raster Image Processing
(3 Credits)
Illustration Emphasis (15 Credits)*
IL 1200
Freshman Drawing Portfolio Review for Illustrators
(3 Credits)
IL 1510
Perspective
(3 Credits)
IL 2520
Illustration Media
(3 Credits)
IL 2575
Illustration I
(3 Credits)
TECH + TOOLS
As a RMCAD student earning their art education degree online, you are joining a supportive community of art educators that nurture your instructional proficiency through the lens of your personal artistry.
All art education online degree students also receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
GET TO KNOW OUR GRADS
ART EDUCATION Stories
The Future of Art Education: Exciting Possibilities for Teaching Art with Technology
Art educators enjoy an exciting opportunity: the chance to inspire creativity in students’ everyday lives and provide an essential spark of artistic passion. This field has long called for a unique blend of encouragement and
Integrating Technology in Art Education: Tools and Best Practices
Technology has become foundational to today’s classroom instruction — with the use of devices, software, apps and other digital resources prominent from elementary school through higher education. For art educators especially, a variety of innovative classroom
Creating a Comprehensive Art Curriculum: Key Elements and Best Practices
No matter if a child is enrolled in an early childhood education program during those first formative years of their life or if they are working toward a four-year degree at a university, art plays a
ART EDUCATION CAREERS
Become an art teacher!
RMCAD’s Online Art Education Program is approved by both the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Graduates can apply for a Colorado K-12 teaching license in visual arts and begin their career of shaping lives in the classroom. But the opportunities don’t stop there, learn more about additional potential career paths!
*Some of these jobs may require further certifications.
Art Teacher
An art teacher instructs students in the principles, techniques, and history of visual arts, blending art theory with art practice.
K-12 Visual Arts Teacher
A K-12 Visual Arts Teacher plays a critical role in fostering creativity and artistic skill in students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including teaching art concepts and techniques, developing creative projects, assessing student artistic work, and classroom management.
Museum Educator
A museum educator designs and delivers educational programs and experiences for visitors at museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
After-School Educator
An after-school educator works with children and youth in after-school programs, providing educational and recreational activities in a safe and supportive environment.
Studio Manager
A studio manager oversees the daily operations of a studio, whether in the fields of art, music, photography, film, or design.
Art Director
An art director oversees and coordinates the visual aspects of projects in various fields, including advertising, marketing, publishing, film, television, video games, and more.
Curriculum Designer
A curriculum designer develops and organizes instructional materials and educational programs for school and/or professional settings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the focus of the Online Art Education degree program at RMCAD?
The program prepares students to become K-12 art teachers, emphasizing teaching techniques, classroom management, and developing unique teaching styles.
Will students have to complete a student teaching program for the Online Art Education degree?
Yes, as an online student in the Art Education program at RMCAD, you will gain practical teaching experience. The program includes 200 hours of in person classroom observation and one semester of full-time, in person student teaching, ensuring you receive hands-on experience in real educational settings. This component is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and confidence to become an effective art educator.
What career opportunities are available for Online Art Education graduates?
Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to start careers as K-12 art teachers, curriculum developers, art education consultants, and museum educators.
How are online courses delivered in the Art Education program?
Courses are delivered through an interactive online platform, featuring video lectures, assignments, discussion boards, peer reviews, and opportunities to communicate and collaborate with peers and instructors.
What skills will students learn in the Online Art Education program?
What are the technical requirements for the Online Art Education program?
Students need a computer meeting RMCAD’s specifications, reliable internet access, and relevant software for course materials and assignments. For more information on program materials, visit here.
What support services are available for Online Art Education students?
All students receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
What are the admission requirements for the Online Art Education degree program?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of the college’s application process. To be considered for a scholarship, students will also need to create and submit a portfolio of artwork.
What kind of portfolio should students submit for the Online Art Education program application?
A portfolio showcasing your best work, including examples of art projects and any teaching-related art activities.
How does RMCAD ensure the quality of online education?
RMCAD ensures quality through experienced faculty, regularly updated curriculum, and interactive, hands-on coursework designed for online delivery.
What are the advantages of studying Art Education online at RMCAD?
Advantages include flexible scheduling, the ability to study from anywhere, access to industry-standard tools, and feedback from instructors.
What kind of teaching experience will students gain in the Online Art Education program?
Students gain real-world teaching experience through required classroom observation and student teaching components.
How do online students collaborate on projects?
Online students collaborate through virtual classrooms, group assignments, and online forums.
What are the Liberal Arts requirements in the Online Art Education program?
The curriculum includes courses that develop critical thinking, global consciousness, and information literacy.
What are the Foundations requirements in the Online Art Education program?
Foundation courses enable students to refine essential skills, get comfortable with the tools they’ll use throughout their program, and study relevant basics— including composition and color theory. These courses facilitate ideation and collaboration.
What makes RMCAD's Online Art Education program unique?
The program’s blend of practical teaching experience, interactive online learning, and focus on developing unique teaching styles sets it apart.
Can online students participate in RMCAD's campus events?
Yes, online students are welcome to participate in campus events, exhibitions, and graduation ceremonies. Virtual events are also available to those who do not live locally. For more information on events, please visit RMCAD’s events calendar.
What teaching philosophies are emphasized in the Online Art Education program?
The program emphasizes critical inquiry, artistic agency, and ethical conduct in teaching.
How does the Online Art Education program prepare students for licensure?
The program aligns with Colorado Department of Education standards, ensuring students meet the requirements for teacher licensure.
