Art Education The University of Akron

Overview

The Art Education programme at The University of Akron offers a rigorous academic pathway for students aiming to become licensed educators in the visual arts. This degree combines artistic mastery with pedagogical expertise to prepare graduates for successful careers in schools, museums, and community organisations.

Students benefit from a core curriculum that balances studio practice with educational theory, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage diverse classroom environments. The programme focuses on developing the technical skills and instructional strategies necessary to inspire the next generation of artists from preschool through to secondary levels.

Why Art Education at The University of Akron?

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art provides an exceptional environment for creative growth, housed within the 70,000-square-foot Folk Hall facility. This expansive space includes specialised studios for various disciplines, ensuring students have access to professional-grade equipment and cutting-edge creative research tools.

The university maintains a strong emphasis on personal attention, with faculty members who are active artists, designers, and scholars. These experts work closely with students to provide tailored advising and mentorship, helping to transform individual creative aspirations into tangible professional accomplishments.

Students also gain exposure to global artistic trends through the Emily Davis Art Gallery, which hosts regional and international exhibitions. Furthermore, the visiting artists and lecture series provide unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders and broaden perspectives on contemporary art and design practices.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 21650 per year
• National fee: USD 21650 per year
• Local fee: USD 13740 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation in both artistic techniques and educational methodologies. Modules may include:

• Art Education
• Art Education Fundamentals
• Ceramics
• Commercial Photography
• Computer Imaging
• Drawing
• Illustration
• Jewelry and Metalsmithing
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Two-dimensional Design
• Three-dimensional Design
• Graphic Design
• Printmaking

Careers with Art Education

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles within the education and arts sectors. The primary career path involves teaching in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, where specialists can focus on specific areas such as photography, drawing, or ceramics.

Beyond traditional K-12 classrooms, the skills acquired during the programme are highly transferable to roles in museum education, gallery management, and recreational centre programming. The university’s career services support students in finding experiential learning opportunities to enhance their employability.

The demand for qualified art educators remains strong across various regions, with graduates finding opportunities in diverse settings. Students are encouraged to pursue internships at prestigious organisations, which have previously included advertising agencies, design studios, and major national institutions.