Art Education (PK-12), B.F.A.

About the Program

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Accredited
Accredited: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE)

Enrollment in all teacher education programs follows the guidelines for "Admission to Teacher Education Programs" found in this catalog. Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the department.

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.
• A portfolio review is required for admission to upper level courses of the program.
• Students complete a total of 10 studio electives beyond the 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.
• Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the department.

Student Teaching

• Eligibility for student teaching is determined by the Art and Design Department.
• 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 as juniors 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 area and are interested in earning art teacher initial certification.