Art Education

Do you believe in the power of art to unlock human potential? Are you passionate about shaping young minds and building a stronger, more creative society? At ECU, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in art education prepares you to become a professional educator who inspires, empowers and leads.

As an art education student, you’ll grow as both an artist and a teacher. You’ll build your own portfolio as a practicing studio artist while mastering teaching methods, child development theory, and the latest educational technologies. This dual focus ensures you leave ECU not only with the skills to teach - but also with the vision to innovate in classrooms, communities and beyond.

From your first semesters, you’ll apply your learning in real-world settings. Through the After School Art program, you’ll teach elementary, middle school, and special-needs students under the mentorship of experienced faculty. Later you’ll step into classrooms alongside seasoned educators, gaining multiple pre-professional teaching experiences that prepare you for the challenges and rewards of today’s schools.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact - whether that’s teaching in K–12 schools, developing arts-based community programs, or using your knowledge of creativity, leadership and empathy in careers far beyond the classroom. Our graduates are reflective practitioners and innovative thinkers who change the world one young artist at a time.

If you love art, teaching and working with children, the BFA in art education at ECU is your pathway to a rewarding career - and a lifetime of making a difference.

ECU Advantage

At ECU, our faculty go the extra mile to prepare you for success as an art educator. With ECU’s long-standing tradition of excellence in the arts, you’ll receive the personal guidance, professional training and confidence needed to thrive in today’s classrooms. Our program doesn’t just prepare you to teach - it positions you to lead.

ECU art education graduates consistently achieve a 100% pass rate on the edTPA, the national performance-based assessment required for teacher licensure. Even before graduation, many of our students receive job offers from schools eager to hire ECU-trained educators, a testament to the strength of our reputation across North Carolina and beyond.

As a student, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend state and national art education conferences, where you’ll be mentored by faculty in professional networking and presentation skills. These opportunities connect you with leaders in the field and showcase your expertise even before you graduate.

At ECU, you’ll gain the skills to inspire young artists while continuing to grow your own creative practice. With outstanding faculty mentors, hands-on teaching experiences, professional conference engagement, and a proven track record of success, ECU equips you to step into the classroom with confidence - and to shape the future of art education.