Undergraduate students may declare their intention to be an art education major on their application to the university or by the beginning of sophomore year (if intending to graduate in eight semesters). To change majors to become an art education major, students must first apply on line to become a member of the College of Education and Social Services (CESS), and then declare the art education major.

All students who wish to be an art education major are accepted, though students must have a 3.0 GPA (or ability to earn a 3.0 by graduation). Juniors and seniors must have a minimum of a 3.0 in each professional art education course, including student teaching.

Accepted students should check their advisor information and CATS report online on the Registrar's homepage. A meeting with your art education advisor is mandatory in order to plan a time-sensitive program of course requirements. The CATS report must be referred to in order to track your progress in meeting the Art Education Program requirements. You are ultimately responsible for your progress in the requirements for graduation and certification.

For more information on how to apply please read How to Apply to the Art Education Program at UVM (PDF)

The Art Education Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (PBTP) is a certificate program designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in Studio Art who want to become licensed to teach art in Vermont (though there is reciprocity in many states). Applicants who have a degree in an area other than Studio Art will need to provide evidence of 36 credits in Studio Art and 12 credits of coursework in Art History. This certification program is not an Art Education degree, but fulfills the professional education requirements for state licensure to teach PreK-12 art. PRAXIS I must be passed in order to student teach, and PRAXIS II (art content #0135) must be passed to become licensed by the state.

All applicants to the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program must meet the following general entrance criteria:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Studio Art major or the equivalent of 36 Studio Art credits and 12 Art History credits; a general education background based on those studies known as liberal arts, which embrace the broad areas of the social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, the humanities, and the arts.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with children and young people and a passion to teach art
• Minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework

The Art Education PBTP program is designed to serve students with an interest in art and education. Students in this licensure area take classes in both the Department of Art and Art History (College of Arts and Sciences) and the Education Department (College of Education and Social Services). Successful completion of the program leads to a teacher certification by UVM to teach art in grades PreK-12. The license to teach in Vermont (with reciprocity in most states) is automatically granted once PRAXIS II is passed and an application to the Vermont Department of Education is submitted.

In addition to the general criteria for the PBTP program listed above, acceptance into the program is based on the quality of artistic work and sincere interest and affinity for working with art and education as demonstrated by the prospective student's admission portfolio.

The Art Education PBTP program requires 3 professional education courses and 4 Art Education courses (2 of which must be taken in the fall semester and 2 in the spring semester) and 1 semester of student teaching. Although some students choose to take longer, the program can be completed in three semesters of full-time study.

Application for Admission

The Application Form (PDF) serves as the cover page for the Art Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation packet. Submit the following materials to Erika White, Director Art Education Program, in one package. There is no application fee. You will be notified of your acceptance within 2 weeks of your application. Deadline: May 1 is a suggested deadline in order to be able to register in a timely way for fall courses. However, individual provisions for a later application may be made directly with the Art Education Director.

Items to be Included in Application Packet:

1. Application Form (PDF) - Use the form provided as your cover sheet.
2. Statement of Purpose - Applicants for the Art PBTP program must have a passion for both art and for teaching. Be sure to address your passion and skills in art and with children. Describe your commitment to working with students in grades preK-12 as demonstrated by experiences you bring to this program.
3. Official Transcripts - You must include a transcript from each institution (college/university) you have attended. An option is to have each institution send the transcripts directly to: UVM, Art Post-BaccalaureateTeacher Preparation Program, Attn: Erika White—Director Art Education Program, Department of Art and Art History, 304 Williams Hall, 72 University Place, Burlington, VT 05405.
4. Letters of Recommendation - Submit a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation in support of your application to the Art PBTP program. Letters should address aspects of the applicant's qualifications that are discussed in the statement of purpose, promise of professional development, general character, and potential as a teacher. Included should be the length of time and in what capacity the individual has known the applicant, as well as the telephone number and address for follow-up contact if required by the Admissions Committee.
5. Portfolio of artwork – Submit an electronic link, cd, or thumb drive of a portfolio of your artwork: 12-20 images. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want it to be returned.
6. Submit all materials to –
   UVM, Art Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program, Attn: Erika White – Director Art Education Program, Department of Art and Art History, 304 Williams Hall 72 University Place, Burlington, VT 05405.