Buffalo State's art education programs train students to be both educators and artists. Our alumni can be found teaching in every school district in Western New York, in public and private schools across the state, and even internationally.
Education majors work side-by-side in studio classes with art and design majors to develop their resumes and portfolios and enjoy exceptional hands-on learning and exhibition opportunities through our campus museum, student-run gallery, state-of-the-art Tech Hub, and direct access to the internationally renowned Buffalo AKG Art Museum. Our students engage in a variety of community-based art education experiences. Our graduates are eagerly hired in every state and many foreign countries to teach at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Schedule a Visit Accepted Students: Secure Your Spot Apply Now!
Degrees Offered
Art Education (PK-12), B.F.A.: Prepares students for initial certification to teach visual arts to pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in New York State schools.
Art Education, M.S.Ed.: Prepares students for professional certification to teach visual arts in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (PK-12) in New York State schools. Applicants must have initial teaching certification in the visual arts to qualify for admission.
Art Education post-baccalaureate certificate: Designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in a visual arts area (fine arts, design, and/or art education) from an accredited college or university and intend to complete the coursework, field hours, and student teaching practicum required for New York State certification to teach visual art. Space is limited.
Who Hires Our Students?
2
On-campus galleries
10+
Opportunities for student work to be seen throughout the year
20
Average class size
The art education program prepares students for a wide range of professional positions, some of which require graduate education. Examples include:
- PK–12 Art Teacher
- Art administrator
- Artist
- College professor
- Curator
- Designer
- Gallery manager
- Museum educator
- Nonprofit organization administrator
Anne Frank Project: a social justice festival that uses storytelling, performances, and art exhibits as a vehicle for community-building, conflict resolution, and identity exploration.
Professional Conferences: Students are encouraged to attend and present at local, state, and national conferences for art educators.
Student Art Sale: an annual event from which students keep 75 percent of their sales and gain valuable exposure.
Visual Arts Board: a student organization dedicated to uniting Buffalo State’s visual arts community.
Art and Design Tech Hub
This lab and classroom houses state-of-the-art equipment required for digital fabrication, 3D printing, vinyl design, laser cutting, and more.
Galleries and Museums
The Burchfield Penney Art Center is housed on our campus, and the internationally renowned Buffalo AKG Art Museum is just across the street. Our campus is also home to the Czurles-Nelson Gallery and the Margaret E. Bacon Gallery, which is fully student-run.
Art Teacher Positions
With their combination of art-making skills, art history knowledge, and understanding of developmental psychology, Buffalo State art education graduates are excellent candidates for art teacher positions in preschool through secondary schools throughout the country.