Art Education

Studio Art with a Seamless Transfer MSU and K-12 Licensure

Art Education is an exciting and interdisciplinary field that combines studio practice, pedagogy, and hands-on learning to prepare future educators to inspire the next generation of artists. This two-year studio-focused program provides students with a strong foundation in drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and design principles, while preparing to transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), where students can complete their B.F.A. in Art Education and become licensed K-12 art teachers. The demand for licensed art educators is on the rise, with Colorado projected to experience 18% growth in education and arts-related fields through 2030. This program offers a clear pathway to licensure, providing students with the tools to foster creativity and critical thinking in the classroom. 

Transfer & Inter-Institutional Opportunities 

The Community College of Denver (CCD) and MSU Denver have developed a clear transfer pathway for students pursuing Art Education. By following the prescribed degree plan, students can complete their A.A. in two years at CCD and transfer to MSU Denver to complete their bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure requirements in just two additional years. 

Through an inter-institutional agreement, students will take select art education course and one studio art course at MSU Denver while still enrolled at CCD. Courses such as Studio Emphasis Core, Foundations in Education Psychology & Philosophy, and First Field Experience in Secondary Education, and Issues in Multicultural Education will be required for students pursuing this pathway. 

Students interested in this program are strongly encouraged to follow the recommended degree pathway and meet regularly with CCD and MSU Denver department chairs and advisors to ensure a smooth transition. CCD and MSU Denver offer advising events each semester to discuss program expectations and inter-institutional coursework. 

Inter-Institutional Planning 

Students must apply early to take their inter-institutional courses.  See this link for more information: https://www.ccd.edu/docs/inter-institutional-application.  Students must take the below classes each semester at MSUD. 

Third semester: 

EDS 3130- Foundations of Educational Psychology and Philosophy 

EDS 3140- First Field Experience in Secondary Education 

Fourth semester: 

EDS 3150- Issues in Multicultural Education in Urban Secondary Schools 

Studio Emphasis Core (see page 3 of 5 under Studio Emphasis Core) 

Portfolio Requirements and Admission 

All students entering the Department of Art as majors are admitted under either the B.A. in Art or the B.A. in Art History, Theory, and Criticism. After completing the foundation courses and one other course in ART, CDES, or ARTH, those wishing to pursue the B.F.A. in Art, B.F.A. in Art Education, or the B.F.A. in Communication Design will be required to pass a formal portfolio review for admittance.