Studio Art &Art Education:
Combined Degree Pathway
The BA or BFA + MS in Art Education Combined Pathway offers an accelerated route for students who want to merge their passion for art with a career in teaching. This innovative program allows qualified FSU undergraduate art students to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art education in as little as 5 years.
Our dedicated faculty members have a range of educational experience in visual and cultural literacies, covering elementary, secondary, museum, and informal learning environments. With over a 70-year history, we believe in the intrinsic value of art to transform lives. Intent on achieving our mission, we aim to educate aspiring and seasoned art educators to use art education as a platform for social change.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: Oct. 20 and Feb. 20
An Accelerated Degree for Art Majors
The program provides a strong foundation in studio practice, art education theory, and research, preparing students to become reflective, skilled, and creative educators. Students learn to design engaging learning experiences and connect contemporary art and culture to classroom teaching.
By integrating undergraduate and graduate study, the Combined Pathway supports students in developing both their artistic and pedagogical identities, helping them graduate ready to inspire the next generation of artists and thinkers.
Program Overview
The primary mission of this degree is to prepare art teachers for public and private school service, who possess knowledge and skills in the arts, advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in art education and understanding of the roles of education within wider contexts of culture and society. The degree provides comprehensive, field specific knowledge.
This degree is a state-approved, initial teacher preparation program. Requirements are incorporated into the program of study to make students eligible for K-12 certification in art. The degree is suitable for aspiring teachers, and community art educators.
This is a mainly a residential degree, although Florida residents may opt to complete some aspects of this degree online and away from Tallahassee. Note: Out-of-state students cannot complete teacher licensure online.
Objectives
- Prepare students to be eligible for a Florida professional teacher certification in Art (k-12).
- Provide in-depth preparation on historical and contemporary trends in art education.
- Engage students in connecting art education to ongoing work for social change.
Admissions Procedures
- DECLARE MAJOR IN ART (BA OR BFA)
- The combined pathway degree is available to FSU Art majors
- Once you decide to work toward the combined degree, let your advisor know as soon as possible
- CONTACT MS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
- Email the program director to set up an informal meeting. We like to stay in touch with our students as they are preparing to enter the pathway, and we have events every semester that we like to invite prospective students to!
- APPLY! On Oct. 20 or Feb. 20
- The initial application to the combined pathway includes submitting your application materials and interviewing with program faculty.
- We encourage applications in the Junior year.
- COMPLETE ALL UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
- Work with your advisor to complete your undergraduate degree in the SPRING term
- TAKE PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
- The following classes count toward your undergraduate degree and serve as prerequisites into the program:
- TSL 4324 [Fall only]
- RED 4335 [Summer or Fall]
- ARE 4144 [Fall only]
- You may take these courses at any time as you prepare to enter the pathway
- The following classes count toward your undergraduate degree and serve as prerequisites into the program:
- DECLARE MAJOR IN ART (BA OR BFA)
Application Deadlines
- We have a Fall and Spring application cycle
- Oct. 20
- Feb. 20
- We have a Fall and Spring application cycle
Application Materials
- Statement of Purpose
- A 1,000 word biography addressing:
- professional or academic background
- career goals
- rationale for applying to the program
- list of other programs you are applying to
- Advice for writing a statement of purpose can be found at the FSU Career Center Website
- A 1,000 word biography addressing:
- A 10 Piece Portfolio
- A portfolio is one of the most important pieces of your graduate school application. Not only does it demonstrate your skills, but it shows your level of professionalism in how you’re able to present yourself and your work.
- Your portfolio should include 10-12 pieces of your artwork showing a range of artistic competencies
- Unofficial transcript
- Statement of Purpose
Combined Degree Pathway Structure
- HOW DOES THE PATHWAY WORK?
- Students complete 3 prerequisite classes (4000-level)
- In Spring of the Senior year, students enroll in two graduate classes (5000-level)
- Combined, these classes count toward both the graduate and undergraduate degree
- SPRING 1
- In their final semester of undergrad, students enroll in two 5000-level classes, officially beginning the master’s program
- SUMMER
- Students complete a 6-week intensive class (1st 6 weeks, Summer A) that culminates in teaching a two week summer camp
- At this time, students must take and pass two Florida Teacher Certification Exams, in Subject Area (Art) and Professional Knowledge
- FALL
- Students complete a full roster of graduate classes and pilot their capstone units that will be used in student teaching
- Semester may be carried out remotely / outside Tallahassee
- SPRING 2
- In their final semester, students are student teaching full time in a classroom.
- Semester may be carried out remotely / outside Tallahassee
- HOW DOES THE PATHWAY WORK?
