About the Program
The art education program at SUNY Buffalo State, established in 1930, is among the oldest state-sponsored preparatory programs for art teachers in the United States.
Because art education majors take fine arts and design courses in addition to art education courses, students develop a broad, diverse understanding of both art and the theory and practice of art education. School districts across the United States value SUNY Buffalo State art education graduates for the scope and depth of their education.
The art education program prepares students for initial certification to teach pre-kindergarten through grade 12 art in New York State schools.
Graduates of the art education program are awarded a bachelor of fine arts degree, which is considered a liberal arts degree with a studio/art history concentration by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The B.F.A. degree provides the credentials for NYS Initial Certification to teach art, Pre-K–12.
For students who have completed degrees in art or design and want to teach in America’s PreK-12 schools, completing the 36 credit hour postbaccalaureate teacher certification program means the student has met all educational requirements for initial teaching certification from the New York State Education Department, including student teaching experiences.
The student must then meet additional certification requirements, including passing the NYS Teacher Certification Examinations. Teaching certificates are issued by New York State. The AED coursework taken in the postbaccalaureate program is the same as in the undergraduate B.A. program, however, application for the post-bac program is managed through the Graduate School (Cleveland Hall 204; 716-878-5601).
The art therapy minor introduces students to the use of art as a way for people with exceptional needs to express themselves, and for art therapists to promote the individual growth and development of their clients.
The 30-credit-hour master of science in education (M.S.Ed.) program expands upon and strengthens the undergraduate program in art education. Students may gain more extensive experience in a studio area or hone skills in areas such as curriculum and assessment, aesthetics, youth cultures, feminism and art, or museum education. Courses in content specialties are combined with core courses, which culminate in a project or thesis.
