Program Overview
Never underestimate the impact of visual art in the classroom. It opens doors to self-expression and high self-esteem, promotes confident and critical thinking and connects children to human stories, past and present. Schools need qualified art teachers for pre-K through high school—teachers who are caring, thoughtful, organized and creative. If you want to make a difference through visual art and foster growth in the next generation, the Art Education program is for you.
Merit-based scholarships are available to all students entering an art program at Ashland University. Review scholarship criteria and submission process.
Learning Experiences
You will learn about the creation of art and the education of artists. In addition to becoming a well-rounded artist yourself, you will:
- Gain the skills needed to introduce kids to the creative process and the world of art
- Receive personalized attention from dedicated art faculty who are experienced artists and educators themselves
- Have access to ample studio space
- Receive opportunities to showcase your work, starting with your freshman year.
Additional opportunities include field trips to area museums and galleries, membership in the Art Club, student presentations at the Ohio Art Educators Conference and assistance with Art Saturdays programming and Summer Art Camps through the Coburn Art Gallery.
Curriculum
View the Four-Year Curriculum Guide and the Academic Catalog for the Bachelor of Science in Art Education.
Career Opportunities
The 2021 media pay for pre-K to high school teachers ranged from $61,320 to $61,820 and employment is projected to grow 4-5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Career placement for art educators is high, with most of our graduates securing teaching positions within one year of graduation.
Recent Employers of Graduates
- Ansonia local schools
- Ashland City schools
- Clear Fork Valley local schools
- Eastern local schools
- Green local schools
- Lexington local schools
- Loudonville-Perrysville schools
- Mapleton local schools
- Ontario local schools
Contact Information
Daniel McDonald, MFA
Chair, Art + Design Department
Associate Professor of Art
227 Center for the Arts
dmcdona1@ashland.edu
419-289-5130
Department Contact
210 Center for the Arts
art-department@ashland.edu
419-289-5190