Share your passion for art
Do you want to inspire creativity and artistic expression in future generations? Whether you’ve dreamed of becoming an art teacher for years or discovered your calling later in your college journey, our BA in Art Education program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and certification required to teach art in South Carolina’s K–12 schools. Learn more at uscupstate.edu.
Our nationally accredited program integrates artmaking, art history, education theory, and professional experience to prepare confident, capable art educators. With a near 100% job placement rate, our graduates are ready to lead in the classroom—empowering students to think critically, solve problems, embrace diverse perspectives, and express what words often cannot.
You’ll gain both a strong theoretical foundation and practical strategies to build and sustain vibrant art programs in schools, museums, and community settings.
- Engage in coursework across studio art, art theory, art history, and creative problem-solving
- Collaborate with faculty in education to develop skills in classroom management, curriculum planning, and student assessment
- Learn to design inclusive and dynamic art experiences for K–12 learners
Nasad and caep-accredited program
Our program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
modern facilties
Our art studios and labs are designed to support your creative process. You’ll work with the equipment you need to bring your ideas to life in both traditional and digital mediums.
inclusive learning environment
Find your creative voice in an inclusive community. Our professors are committed to helping you succeed by providing personalized guidance and supportive feedback.
Small Class Sizes
Get personalized guidance from experienced professors who are passionate about your success.
The Focus gallery at usc upstate
A signature component of the program, the FOCUS Gallery (Featuring Outside Creative Undertakings of Students) showcases student artwork from K–12 schools across the Upstate. Art education majors collaborate with local teachers to install exhibitions, prepare lesson materials, and celebrate youth creativity.
Through this gallery, students gain hands-on experience in exhibition design, arts advocacy, and community partnership.
