The University of Toledo

Art Education

Dr. David Guip
Director of the art education program and director of graduate studies in art education

Undergraduate and Graduate adviser
Dr. David Guip


Upon completion of 128 to 135 hours, depending upon the minor concentration, you may become an Ohio licensed art specialist for kindergarten through 12th grades.

The Art Education program of study is designed to develop your knowledge and skills as a student, teacher, and artist. You must complete 39 hours of general education, ensuring a broad foundation in the liberal arts, an important facet of a strong education. A critical element in the development of effective teaching skills is a strong professional background in the fundamentals of education.

During this 9 hour component of the program, you will not only be introduced to the history, philosophy and psychology of education, but will also have the opportunity to work in public schools where you will get a feel for "the real world of teaching."

Coursework of 9 hours in art education introduces you to methods and techniques for teaching art making, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics. The 12 hour professional sequence in art education provides the final phase of teacher preparation. During these courses, you will be involved in numerous field-based instructional opportunities which include student teaching.

Special Features
The Art Education program offers you a unique opportunity to pursue a career as an art teacher. Located in the Center for the Visual Arts, adjacent to the internationally recognized Toledo Museum of Art, the Art Education program offers a study enrichment which few other universities can offer.
The Art Education program provides you with a number of benefits that enhance your program of study.

Asa University student, you have immediate access to the Museum's permanent collections as well as many outstanding temporary exhibitions. The Museum's superb collections trace nearly the entire history of art, providing primary sources for the study of visual creativity from remote antiquity to the present day. As an Art Education major, you will have the opportunity to observe, research and participate in the Museum's nationally-acclaimed programs for children and youth. In addition, the Museum Campus boasts excellent instructional and research facilities including state-of-the-art studios, and photography and cyber art labs.

Central to the program of study is the development of your skills as an artist and craftsman. Specific content areas of study include 18 hours in two-dimensional studies such as drawing, painting, new media, design, and printmaking; 9 hours in three-dimensional studies such as ceramics, metalsmithing and sculpture; and 9 hours in studio electives. Study of the history of art, which may include international travel, provides the final 12 hours of the core studies. Finally, your program of study will be completed by selecting an additional 9 hours of concentrated coursework in studio art, art history, or art education.

Early Childhood Art Education Program
The Art Education Department offers a program in Early Childhood Art Education for both graduate and undergraduate students. The purpose of the Early Childhood Art Education program is to advance the skills and knowledge-base of an art educator to better address the developmental needs of the pre and primary child. This program promotes the use of art, aesthetics, art criticism and art history to nurture the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development of the young child.

The Art Education Faculty
The faculty represents diverse interests in art education. Their wide spectrum of research, leadership, and involvement in the field of art education has received national and international recognition. As an Art Education major, you will be assigned a faculty adviser who will assist you in choosing courses to fulfill your degree requirements, and guide you in preparing for future employment.

Financial Aid
Scholarships totaling up to $3,000 are awarded annually to outstanding majors. This scholarship assistance is available to students with high academic standing or financial need.

Employment Opportunities for Art Educators
A large percentage of our graduates have successfully been employed as art teachers in a variety of educational settings. As we continue into the next decade, it is anticipated that the job market will continue to provide good employment opportunities for our graduates.