NDSU’s Art Education program immerses students in the vibrant intersection of Art/Design and Education. Offered through the Visual Art Department in collaboration with the School of Education, our program fuses an intense studio art practice with innovative educational training.

We are committed to nurturing extraordinary artist-educators, underpinning our curriculum with a focus on professional studio practice, community engagement, technological integration, and advocacy for art and design fields. Our Art Education students delve into a comprehensive studio art curriculum, taking all the same studio classes as a conventional Studio Art Degree, complemented by discipline-specific educational training.

Based at Renaissance Hall, our cutting-edge facility in the heart of downtown Fargo, our curriculum immerses students in a variety of artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. While Renaissance Hall serves as our primary hub, a distinctive feature of our program is how it integrates with our community, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in real-world settings across all educational levels and environments. Regular faculty visits provide continuous support and guidance, facilitating a smooth transition from student to confident educator and artist.

Beyond studio learning, we prioritize practical teaching experiences in a range of settings, from K-12 schools to diverse community environments. This hands-on approach to training prepares our graduates for a profoundly rewarding career in both Visual Art and Art Education. Many find their calling in school settings, academia, community arts organizations, museums, and arts administration, while others opt to further their studies with advanced degrees.

Our program also encourages involvement in volunteering and field experiences through student organizations such as the NDSU Art Ed Club and NDSU JumpstART Education. These opportunities foster community ties, leadership development, and expand professional networks.

Our Art Education program meets rigorous standards, holding accreditations from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB), a testament to the quality and rigor of our program.

At NDSU, we celebrate the transformative power of creativity in education and welcome those ready to shape the world through art and design.