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Insight Horizon Media

What is an art education degree?

Author

Rachel Hickman

Published Feb 26, 2026

What is an art education degree?

The Art Education degree fulfills the subject matter competency required by the State of California to teach Art in public schools. Students interested in teaching in public schools must earn a California Teaching Credential (Single or Multiple Subject).

What can you do with a BS in art?

Here are 20 jobs you can get with a bachelor in fine arts:

  • Music director.
  • Illustrator.
  • Photographer.
  • Animator.
  • Web designer.
  • Graphic designer.
  • Art teacher.
  • Musician.

Do art teachers make good money?

Art Teacher Salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median salary for a secondary art schoolteacher across the nation was roughly $55,000 annually. The national average salary for elementary school was slightly lower at $53,000. It will give you a good benchmark for salary expectations.

Can you be an art teacher without a degree?

Prospective art teachers at the primary level typically pursue a bachelor’s in education while secondary art teachers typically obtain a bachelor’s in art or art history. Professional artists without a formal degree may qualify for art teacher positions based on experience, but may still need to obtain a state license.

What art jobs are in demand?

High-paying art jobs

  • Gallery manager. National average salary: $48,656 per year.
  • Interior designer. National average salary: $58,585 per year.
  • Technical designer. National average salary: $61,223 per year.
  • Industrial designer.
  • Store planner.
  • Art director.
  • Senior fashion designer.
  • Creative director.

Do art teachers need a degree?

Art Teacher Requirements and Common Tasks A bachelor’s degree in education with coursework in art, art education (a Bachelor of Fine Arts–BFA–in Art Education), or art history with a state-approved teacher preparation program is the basic requirement for becoming an art teacher at a public school.

What qualifications does an art teacher need?

Art teachers are graduates who go on to undertake teacher training. There are various art and design related degrees that you can pursue, or you can study an education-based subject that can accommodate your interest in art. Art teachers typically undertake a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) or a master of fine arts (MFA).

How do I become a certified art teacher?

How to Become an Art Teacher

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in art education that includes a state-approved teacher preparation program.
  2. Complete a student teaching internship at the grade level(s) you wish to teach.
  3. Pass your state’s required tests for art teachers.
  4. Apply for your teaching certificate.

Is it easy to become an art teacher?

To become an art teacher in California, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major in art. Certification (or credentialing, as it is called in California) involves a two-step process that can take anywhere from two to five years.

What art jobs pay the most?

9 Highest Paying Art Careers

  • #1 Art Director. Median Salary: $94,220.
  • #2 Producer & Director. Median Salary: $74,420.
  • #3 Landscape Architect. Median Salary: $69,360.
  • #4 Video Editor. Median Salary: $63,780.
  • #5 Graphic Designer. Median Salary: $52,110.
  • #6 Drafter. Median Salary: $56,830.
  • #7 Art Curator.
  • #8 Interior Designer.

What can I become as an art student?

Jobs directly to do with art

  • Fine artist. Fine artists create original works of art.
  • Art gallery curator.
  • Art therapist.
  • Art teacher.
  • Art lecturer, design lecturer or art history lecturer at a university.
  • Art technician/demonstrator at a university.
  • Art valuer/auctioneer.
  • Illustrator.