The teaching of art is the reward of unfurling the talent and creative potential that lies in all of us, and also providing the mentorship and guidance to those young artists who seek to pursue a life career in the arts. Our program’s philosophy embraces that an effective art educator is also a working artist who understands how to communicate visual ideas, facilitate creative growth, and engender a desire for learning and sharing of artistic expression. The successful art teacher understands that the creative process ennobles students to be innovative thinkers, which promotes higher achievements across their educational spectrum.
Students prepare for their bachelor of fine arts degree with a major in art and design education by completing the Foundation art courses in their first year and then developing both visual and communication skills during their sophomore year.
Students will engage in a variety of fieldwork experiences in which personal connections between studio, education theory, and classroom practice can be made. Making art and teaching art become complementary activities. Students who major in art and design education may then go on to earn a New York State Initial Certification in teaching fine arts in Pre-K through grade 12.
Combined Degree BFA/MS
Art and Design Education Option
See the Pratt bulletin and graduate catalog at pratt.edu/request for course descriptions.
Students have the option of pursuing a BFA/MS degree in art and design education at Pratt’s main campus. By matriculating to the Pratt Brooklyn campus in their junior year and completing both degrees at Pratt, students can reduce the required time and cost in a program totaling 159 credits. Applications must be submitted to the department chair by Feb. 1 of their junior year. Students in the BFA/MS program will not be awarded a BFA nor are recommended for certification until the program is completed and both degrees are awarded. Coursework for the degrees can be completed in five years, which may include summers. Students will learn through studio work, group discussions, lectures, seminars, individual consultations, and exposure to special exhibitions and the renowned collection of the Munson Museum of Art.
Plan of Study
Semester 1
FDC-140 Visualization/Representation | 3 credits
FDC-150 or FDC-180 Space, Form, Process OR Time and Movement | 3 credits
FDC-160 Light Color Design Lab | 3 credits
HMS-101A Literary and Critical Studies I | 3 credits
HAD-111 Themes in Art and Culture I | 3 credits
Credits: 15
Semester 2
FC-141 Visualization/Representation/Concept | 3 credits
FDC-161 Light Color Design Studio | 3 credits
FDC-150 or FDC 180 Space, Form, Process OR Time and Movement | 3 credits
HAD-112 Themes in Art and Culture II | 3 credits
General Education Core Elective (Global, Thinking, OR Math/Science) | 3 credits
Credits: 15
Semester 3
ADE-201 Youth in the City | 3 credits
Studio Core | 3 credits
Studio Core | 3 credits
General Education Core Elective (Global, Thinking, OR Math/Science) | 3 credits
General Education Core Elective (Global, Thinking, OR Math/Science) | 3 credits
Credits: 15
Semester 4
ADE-200 From Studio to Classroom | 3 credits
SS-260 Applied Child and Adolescent Development | 3 credits
HMS-201A Literary and Critical Studies II | 3 credits
Studio Core | 3 credits
Studio Core | 3 credits
Credits: 15
Total Credits: 60
