Art Education

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in art degree with an art education emphasis is designed for students who want to prepare for a career in teaching the visual arts in grades prekindergarten through the 12th grade. The art teacher must develop competencies in general studies, professional education and a range of studio art skills. Students must select a specialization in studio art or graphic design coursework. The art education program also facilitates a broad awareness of the social and cultural functions of art that connect and empower students through opportunities of community engaged artistic practices. The professional education component is dealt with in a practical context, relating educational theories and strategies to the student’s day-by-day artistic experiences. Art teacher candidates are provided opportunities for various types of teaching and directed observation through the period of undergraduate art education study. There is a four-semester sequence of field work beginning with one-hour per week for a semester and ending with an academic year of internship. During the internship year, the first semester is spent in a 12-week assignment with a single class period for a daily experience. The second semester is an all-day experience.

Prospective WSU students:

1. Please click here to complete the online admission application. 
2. Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.

Current WSU students: 

1. WSU students with a 2.50 GPA can change their major to PreK-12 Physical Education through the myWSU portal (Home tab > Student Tools > Change My Major /Minor).
2. Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2. 

Students completing this program will be eligible to apply for an initial teacher license.

Please know that these are sample degree plans. If you would like to talk to an academic advisor, please contact the College of Fine Arts Advising at (316) 978-6634 or cfa.advisor@wichita.edu.  

• Checksheet

Tuition and Fees
Learn more about tuition and fees at Wichita State. 

Tuition Discount Programs
WSU offers tuition discounts for out-of-state students paying nonresident tuition. Find out more about tuition discounts at WSU. 

WSU Merit Scholarships
Students admitted to WSU are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to both incoming freshman and transfer students. Learn more about merit scholarships at WSU. 

College of Applied Studies Scholarships
Both prospective and current exercise science majors are eligible for scholarships through the College of Applied Studies. Only one application is necessary to apply for all scholarships available to students in the College of Applied Studies. Complete the College of Applied Studies Scholarship Application. 

•  Basic skills courses (English Comp 1, English Comp 2, Public Speaking and College Algebra) with grades that meet Wichita State University policy. Elementary, Early Childhood Unified, and Middle Level Math majors are required to have a 2.0 or better in College Algebra in order to take Math 501. A grade of C- is not accepted.
• General Psychology
• Elementary Statistics

1. ACT composite score 21 or above
2. Praxis test: reading 152 or above, writing 162 or above and math 142 or above
3. SAT combined score 980 or above
4. CAAP: reading 56 or above, writing 55 or above and math 53 or above. This exam was discontinued in December 2017. Scores completed prior to this date will be accepted for the next 10 years. 

• Overall GPA: 2.5
• GPA in 35 hours of general education coursework: 2.75
• WSU GPA: 2.5 (if applicable)

If you do not meet this requirement, your academic advisor can assist you. Contact (316) 978-3300, option 2 for more information.

Complete the Teacher Education Application Packet which includes:

1. Application
2. Signed Attestation of Eligibility
3. Signed Grounds for Dismissal Regulations
4. Certification of Health for School Personnel: Provide proof of a completed Certification of Health for School Personnel or TB test (K.S.A. 72-5213) or verification that this has been completed per your employer.
5. Background Check: Provide verification of a completed Criminal Background Check.
   •  Option #1: Provide a copy of current Substitute License.
   • Option #2: Provide a copy of recent background clearance with Validity, NATSB, or district requirement.
   •  Option #3: Validity Screening Solutions - Submit the Validity Online Background Request Form with payment within 10 business days from the date of the Teacher Ed. Application.