Visual Arts Studies

Pre-Major

Beginning Fall semester 2010, a student who intends to pursue a degree in Visual Arts Studies will be classified as a Visual Arts Studies Pre-Major when admitted to the University. In order to achieve major status the student must complete at least 60 hours of college courses and:

• complete ART 1200, 1440, 1450, 1500, and 1510; ART 2350 and 2360; ASTU 2200; ASTU 2050, 2150, or 2130; ASTU 2350; AEAH 3770; AEAH 3753 with a grade of C or better;
• successfully complete portfolio review while enrolled in AEAH 3753;
• have at least a cumulative 2.75 GPA;
• passing scores on TASP/THEA, or appropriate exemption.

After successfully meeting these requirements a degree plan will be processed converting the student to Visual Arts Studies major status.

Overview

Generally speaking, the discipline of art education concerns itself with the theory and practice of teaching art to others. At the undergraduate level, a degree in art education—called the BFA in Visual Arts Studies—prepares one for a career as an elementary, middle and/or high school art teacher and for careers in community art programs and other educational facilities.

Undergraduate Program

Our Visual Arts Studies degree program leads to a BFA with all-level teacher certification in art, accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. The program focuses on a comprehensive approach that includes the study of the theory and practice of art criticism, art history, aesthetics, and art making at the K-12 levels.

The program consists of 123 semester credit hours. Students wishing to pursue the visual arts studies major must enroll in AEAH 3753. Admission to this course is based on the successful completion of ART 1440, 1450, 1500, and 1510 and at least two of the of the required studio courses beyond the CVAD Core.

Acceptance into the visual arts studies program is competitive and occurs via an entry portfolio submitted during the Foundations of Visual Arts Studies course (AEAH 3753).  Admission to teacher certification, or Professional Development Sequence, requires junior status, a 2.75 grade point average (both UNT and cumulative), and successful completion of the THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment).

• Suggested Undergraduate Curriculum for Visual Art Studies 2011-2012 (PDF opens in a new window).
• Undergraduate Admissions Procedures and Cover Sheet for Visual Arts Studies (PDF opens in a new window)

The UNT NAEA Student Chapter is an active group dedicated to promoting art education.  The purposes of this organization are: 1. To provide a smooth transition from art education preparation to professional practice; 2. To raise and maintain a high standard of quality of art education on campus and in the community; 3. To gain greater insight and perspective about the teaching of art and contemporary concepts in art education; 4. To sponsor field trips and speakers that will expand the professional understanding of art education in Texas and throughout the nation; and 5. To promote an exchange of ideas between other art education institutions of higher education. The NAEA Student Chapter is active in the greater DFW community, offering workshops and completing valuable community service projects. The group's efforts were recently recognized when they won the 2007 UNT Student Organization of the Year. Be sure to visit the official website of the UNT NAEA Student Chapter.

Faculty & Staff