the art education experience
The program combines contemporary theory, pedagogical methods, studio practice, and practical teaching experience to prepare future educators for successful careers in schools and community settings. Students engage deeply with curriculum design, inclusive teaching strategies, and art education research, while applying their knowledge through guided teaching in K–12 and community-based environments. The program is housed in a state-of-the-art facility and provides access to valuable resources, such as the UW Art Museum. By emphasizing critical inquiry, collaboration, and cultural awareness, the program prepares graduates to teach, innovate, and lead in diverse visual arts education contexts.
FAQ
Check out the FAQ for more information about Art Education
In the Art Education program, you will engage deeply with contemporary art education theories, innovative pedagogical methods, and curriculum design, while developing a strong foundation in studio art. The program emphasizes culturally responsive teaching, preparing you to honor and reflect the diverse identities, experiences, and voices of your students. You will explore student-centered approaches such as Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), Big Idea-driven curriculum planning, and place-based strategies that connect learning to local culture, environment, and community. Through strong collaborations with schools and community organizations, you will gain meaningful real-world teaching experiences that bridge theory and practice - empowering you to become a reflective, adaptable, and creative educator in a wide range of educational settings.
Yes. The Art Education program prepares students to meet the requirements set by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible for licensure to teach visual art in K–12 public schools across Wyoming. The program also helps graduates pursue licensure in other states by recognizing their coursework and student teaching, preparing for Praxis exams, and guiding them through the process of interstate reciprocity.
As a student in the Art Education program, you will engage in supervised teaching experiences in both K–12 schools and community-based art programs. These experiences are guided by UW Art Education faculty and are built on strong partnerships with schools across Wyoming and northern Colorado, as well as with local museums and community arts organizations. This network of collaborators provides a rich, supportive environment where you can apply theory to practice, develop your teaching voice, and grow in your ability to work with diverse learners in real-world educational settings.
Yes. The Art Education program offers a community practice concentration that prepares students for careers in museums, cultural institutions, and community art centers. The program and the Department of Visual Arts are housed in the University of Wyoming’s Centennial Complex, which also includes the UW Art Museum and the American Heritage Center - providing exceptional opportunities to develop teaching experience in museum and community-based settings. Students are also encouraged to engage with non-school art education programs across Wyoming and in the Denver-Fort Collins area, expanding their understanding of how art education thrives beyond traditional classrooms.
As an Art Education major, you will gain comprehensive studio art training through the University of Wyoming’s Department of Visual Arts. You will explore a range of media and techniques, including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital media. Courses are taught by experienced and nationally recognized faculty who are both dedicated educators and practicing artists. The program is housed in a spacious, state-of-the-art facility within the Centennial Complex. This facility features well-equipped studios, cutting-edge digital labs, and professional gallery spaces. This rich studio environment will support your growth as both an educator and artist, helping you integrate creative practice into your daily teaching.
The Art Education program at the University of Wyoming provides an exceptional blend of individualized support, small class sizes, and access to the resources of Wyoming’s only four-year, R1 (research-intensive) university. Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty, a tight-knit learning community, and robust support from both the Department of Visual Arts and the University as a whole. Interdisciplinary collaboration is strongly encouraged - students often engage with peers in studio art, art history, education, and other fields. Combined with opportunities for teaching in schools, museums, and communities, this program empowers students to thrive as both educators and creative thinkers in diverse contexts.
Department faq
Learn more about Visual Arts scholarships, opportunities, ways to get involved, and how to access campus resources.
The Department of Visual Arts has several student organizations (RSOs) that hold different events, experiences, and opportunities.
Explore the Department of Visual Art scholarships and other opportunities designed to support Visual Art students.
Visit the VA campus resource page to learn more about the range of resources available to support University of Wyoming students.
If you have further questions, please contact visualarts@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-3269.
