What is Art Education?
UW’s art education program prepares students to become reflective, innovative and culturally responsive K–12 art educators through a rich combination of contemporary theory, studio practice and real-world teaching experience. Students develop a strong foundation in visual arts while engaging deeply with art education research, curriculum design and inclusive, student-centered teaching strategies such as Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), Big Idea-driven planning and place-based learning. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility with access to resources like the UW Art Museum, the program emphasizes critical inquiry, collaboration and cultural awareness. Through extensive partnerships with schools and community organizations, students apply their learning in authentic K-12 and community-based environments, gaining the confidence and adaptability needed to teach, lead and inspire in diverse educational settings. Upon graduation, students earn Wyoming licensure for teaching K-12 Art.
Tours of the UW Visual Arts facilities are available to prospective interested in art and curious about how to become involved in the department!
The University of Wyoming and the Department of Visual Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
What can you do with a B.A. in Art Education?
Students graduating with a B.A. in Art Education typically begin teaching in a K-12 position within the first year or two after they earn their degree. These positions are usually within the state of Wyoming, but many students have also gone on to teach all around the country. Some art education students also elect to pursue careers in various educational settings or seek a graduate degree in art education.
- Elementary & Middle School Teacher
- Education Administrator
- Special Education Teacher
- Childcare Provider
- Preschool & Kindergarten Teacher
- University of Wyoming Art Museum
- Homesteaders Museum
- Albany County Public Library
- Laramie County School District #1
- Fremont County School District #21
- Sheridan Junior High School
- McCormick Junior High School
- St. Mary’s Catholic School
- Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International School
Definitely! Some art education students choose to pursue a graduate degree in the field to further their expertise or expand career opportunities.
Yes! Our program prepares students to meet the requirements set by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). After completing this program, students must still fulfill state requirements to obtain a teaching certificate, including passing the Praxis exam. To find out whether the UW B.A. in art education meets licensure requirements in various U.S. states, districts and territories, please consult the guide on our art licensure page.
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.
