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Art & Design - Art Education, B.A.

Art & Design - Art Education, B.A.

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As a Whitworth art education major, you can become an innovative teacher who fosters curiosity and creativity in your students through engaging experiences with art. In studio classes, you will develop artistic skills in different areas – like painting, ceramics and printmaking – in order to be a versatile teacher at any level. At the same time, you’ll be taking education classes and getting hands-on experience in real K-12 classrooms. When you graduate, you will be prepared to launch your career with a teaching endorsement.

Why major in art education at Whitworth?

  • Learn one-on-one. Faculty provide individual guidance in small studio classes and are available outside of class as well.
  • Develop an area of specialty, if desired, such as painting, glass, ceramics or printmaking. A specialty can be an emphasis in your teaching and provide inspiration to students.
  • Connect your faith or worldview to your learning by exploring the fundamental connections between art and faith.
  • Get extra experience teaching painting, drawing, ceramics or digital art by working with a professor as a teaching assistant.
  • Do your student teaching with a successful art teacher in a local school.
  • Join a tight-knit community of students and alumni that provides networking and support as you move into a career.
  • Travel the world through amazing off-campus programs led by your professors.
  • Become who you're meant to be.
Headshot of Ashley Rush.
At Whitworth, I have had the opportunity to spend time in elementary schools as a practicum student. My mentor teacher and her students have made a great impact on me. The experiences I have had in the classroom, along with the classes I have been taking, have strengthened my skills and my love for teaching.
Ashley Rush '26
What it's Like
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A row of trees stands at the end of a field covered in multi-colored autumn leaves.

Ask our faculty

Have questions? Our faculty are here to share their expertise and help you learn more about this program.

Ask Meredith

mshimizu@whitworth.edu

Professor of Art Meredith TeGrotenhuis Shimizu specializes in art history.

Faculty Page

Ask Katie

kcreyts@whitworth.edu

Professor Katie Creyts' areas of expertise are glass, sculpture, arts administration and community arts.

Faculty Page

Ask Ben

bnecochea@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Ben Necochea specializes in graphic design.

Faculty Page

Our art education grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Whitworth art graduates are employed as art teachers at the elementary and secondary level throughout Washington state.

Recent job placements for Whitworth art education graduates include:

  • Ruth Campbell, elementary art specialist, Spokane Public Schools, Spokane
  • Sarah Carver, art teacher and yearbook supervisor, Mt. Spokane High School, Mead, Wash.
  • Rebecca Young, art teacher, Stonewall Elementary, Clearbrook, Va.

Options for earning a teaching degree at Whitworth

To earn your teaching certification, you have two options at Whitworth. You can complete undergraduate requirements in classes in the art & design and education departments or you can major in any of the art & design tracks and then complete the master in teaching (MIT) program.

Opportunities outside the classroom

  • Display your work in the junior and senior exhibitions. In the process, learn how to organize, hang and publicize an art show.
  • Join the Artists' Cooperative, a group of students who organize workshops, art fairs, and mini excursions to check out Spokane’s art scene.
  • Participate in the annual trip to Seattle to visit galleries and museums with faculty and peers.
  • Check out the art exhibitions at Whitworth's Bryan Oliver Gallery, plus interact with visiting artists through receptions, one-on-one critiques and workshops.

Pack your bags!

Whitworth faculty members lead off-campus study programs around the country and the world that provide life-changing experiences with art, including exposure to significant museum collections. Programs that visit major destinations in Europe include British Culture through the Arts, Power & Politics of Art, History & Art in Rome, and Early Christian Sites in Greece. Or experience world-class art closer to home through the Art & Architecture in Chicago program.

Tracks

In addition to the art education track, the Whitworth art & design major offers tracks in two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art and graphic design.

What related degrees and programs can I explore?

Program information