Online Art Education Certification and Certificate Programs

Art education certificate programs aren't generally available online; however, students could enroll in online master's degree programs in art education. While rare, these graduate programs can prepare students for state licensing and national teacher certification.

Overview of Online Master's Degrees in Art Education

Partly because of the practicum component commonly found in many education programs that involves supervising students, distance learning master's degrees in art education are uncommon. Graduate students taking art education classes online study art, art history and teaching, both in theory and practical application. The programs typically prepare students to teach art to children and young adults. These programs could concentrate on teaching in schools and non-school settings, like museums.

Program Information and Requirements

Online master's degree programs in art education usually take about two years to complete. Preparatory undergraduate majors include art studio, art history, art education or a related field. Some programs accommodate a flexible start date. Internships, brief on-campus sessions and completion of a thesis or final project are common graduation requirements. Some degree programs have a strong emphasis on technology, both for student use and for mastery by students to use in their own classrooms.

List of Common Arts Education Courses

Art and education are the primary focus of art education master's degree programs. Students might also be able to choose studio art electives in order to pursue their own creative interests.

Art Education Curriculum Design and Practice Course

This class explores how to develop instructional content according to accepted practice and recognized state and federal standards. Lessons include theoretical approaches to curricula as they relate specifically to art education.

Foundation in Art Instruction Course

Students learn how to translate educational theory into classroom techniques. Common discussion topics are child development, teaching styles, classroom diversity and students' learning styles.

Art Education Research Models Course

This course provides students with a survey of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students examine various research models as they apply specifically to a broad art education environment and individual classroom settings.

Career Information for Art Education Teachers

Graduates could be eligible for a state teaching license as required by public schools. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected average job growth for teachers between 2008 and 2018, with a median annual salary range of $50,510-$52,200 among elementary, middle and high school teachers as of May 2009 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported that some teachers could receive additional pay for earning national certification.

Certification Information

An online master's degree in art education might prepare students for voluntary certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This certification is separate from a state license. The certification process includes completion of knowledge assessments and submission of a portfolio (www.nbpts.org ). NBPTS credentials relevant to aspiring art educators include the Early and Middle Childhood/Art and the Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/Art designations.