Art, BFA with Teacher Certification

Program Description

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree leading to teacher certification is also designed to provide professional development at the undergraduate level for the prospective teacher in the visual arts, through in-depth study in studio art. The degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours in art, at least 30 of which must be in upper-division coursework.

Admission to the BFA leading to teacher certification is by special application. Such application can be made upon completion of 30 semester hours of Art coursework, and must be made before completion of 48 semester hours of Art coursework. A portfolio consisting of ten to fifteen works representing a variety of media must be submitted in addition to the application form. Copies of specific admission policies and instructions for submitting an application to the program are available from the Department of Art website (https://cla.tamucc.edu/art/Current%20Students.html). Completed applications should be submitted to the office of the Department Chair.

The purposes of the art curriculum are:

1. To provide a general program that allows students access to a variety of art media, studio techniques, and instruction;
2. To provide students with opportunities to study past and present forms of art and to understand the function of art in society;
3. To provide courses that will help expand the knowledge and interest of non-majors in the area of art; and
4. To contribute to the cultural life of the University and the community by presenting quality art exhibitions in the Weil Gallery.

Two minors are also available. The minor in Studio Art is 21 semester hours and will allow a student to concentrate in one studio area. The minor in Art History is 18 semester hours. Interested students should contact the department academic advisor.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a practical proficiency with the elements and principles of design via visual arrangement, applicable to a variety of art disciplines. 
• Demonstrate competencies in a variety of studio processes, technologies, and equipment use. 
• Apply basic design principles, content, and art media knowledge into thoughtful projects for K – 12 students in visual arts.  

Specific Degree Requirements

All art majors must meet all general University and College graduation requirements, including First Year Seminars, regardless of the following specific degree requirements, unless specifically excused. All art degrees require ARTS 1303 Art History Survey I (3 sch), which also meets the Core Curriculum Program Fine Arts requirement.  All and only coursework with the prefix ARTS will be included in the grade point average for the students declared major field of study.

General Requirements

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Full-time, first time in college students are required to take university seminar.

• USSE 1201 University Seminar (2 sch)

Program Requirements

Note:

All art majors must meet all general University and College graduation requirements, including First Year Seminars, regardless of the following specific degree requirements, unless specifically excused. All art degrees require ARTS 1303 Art History Survey I (3 sch), which also meets the Core Curriculum Program Fine Arts requirement.  All and only coursework with the prefix ARTS will be included in the grade point average for the students declared major field of study.

All students graduating with a Bachelor of  Fine Arts Degree with Teachers Certification are required to submit an exit portfolio. The portfolio consists of six .jpg images that best represent their most successful coursework during their educational careers in the Department of Art. A written formal discussion of some aspect of their work  is also required.
The senior capstone class sets the standards and format and format for these materials and coordinates the collection of the materials. These materials are due on or before the last class day of the semester in which the students plan to graduate.

Students in the program are expected to spend one additional hour per week in the studio for each upper division semester hour of studio enrollment.

Other Certification Requirements

For information on required teacher education core courses and other teacher certification requirements, please see the College of Education and Human Development section of this catalog. Students should also consult the Certification Office of the College of Education and Human Development for complete and current information about teacher certification requirements.

To qualify to take the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) in the field of Art, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Make pre-specified acceptable scores on TExES practice tests, or departmental equivalent, and participate in practice test review and analysis session.
2. Provide official permit with signature of Program Coordinator or designated person for each teaching field on the student’s certification plan.

Students must also qualify to take the Professional Development TExES.

Course Sequencing

Courses