Art Education Specialist
Why Pursue an Art Education Specialist Degree?
You should never stop learning – especially when it’s your job to teach others. By continuing your training in art classroom practice, you strengthen your pedagogical and theoretical understanding, enhance your effectiveness as an educator and leader, and push your career to new boundaries. And there’s no better way to accomplish those goals than by obtaining an Education Specialist Degree (EdS) in art education at Piedmont University.
Piedmont’s EdS program is an advanced certification designed specifically for candidates who already hold a Master of Arts degree. This program will distinguish you, allowing you to reach new pinnacles in theory, practice and curriculum development. We’ll also guide you in becoming a leader in the professional discourse of art education –preparing you for roles such as an art education director, department head, or curriculum coordinator. The Education Specialist degree (EdS) is offered as a completely online graduate program. So, if you’re thinking of taking another step forward, know that Piedmont is ready when you are.
How an Art Education Specialist Degree Helps You
- Continue your education and obtain a degree even higher than a Master of Arts.
- Further increase your expertise of art curriculum and visual arts instruction.
- Maximize your career and leadership opportunities in education.
- Earn a T-6 Georgia teaching certification on a schedule and pace that suits your busy professional life.
Career Opportunities
An Art Education Specialist degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. Graduates of this program are prepared to take on leadership roles in their school or district.
A degree in Art Education Specialist prepares individuals for a school-based career by deepening their expertise in visual arts instruction, curriculum design, and student engagement. It equips educators to lead comprehensive art programs, integrate the arts across subjects, and advocate for arts education within the school community.
A degree in Art Education Specialist prepares individuals for district-level roles by equipping them with leadership skills in curriculum development, program evaluation, and arts advocacy. This background enables professionals to oversee art instruction across multiple schools, support teachers, and shape district-wide arts initiatives that enrich student learning.
More About an Art Education Specialist Degree
Learn more about an Art Education Specialist degree and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Piedmont’s Education Specialist degree in Art Education offers a 30-hour / 10 course program that includes coursework in both art theory and teaching principles (among other courses). It also includes advanced curriculum training to boost your leadership abilities. Applicants must currently hold certification in art education to qualify for a certificate upgrade upon completion.
Our EDS program is a 100% online degree, allowing you to learn from the comfort of your home. This degree is ideal for individuals with a master’s degree from an accredited college or university that want to enhance their teaching skills. It is also a great way to prepare yourself for instructional leadership roles in your school or school districts.
Piedmont art instructors are aided by an inspirational backdrop. For instance, the Smith Williams Art Studios house dedicated spaces in ceramics, drawing, digital fabrication, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Meanwhile, the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art houses a permanent collection and holds exhibitions bringing artists from around the world to Piedmont University. And when you are a Lion, you will be able to make use of those facilities on a regular basis.
Eligibility for application requires a master’s degree with a 3.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university and two* or more years of verified successful teaching experience at a public or a private school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) at the Accredited With Quality (AWQ) or Accredited (ACC) level.*
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from the college or university awarding your master’s degree. (Piedmont University transcripts are on file.)
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague
- Copy of valid, current professional certificate at the appropriate level for Georgia educators seeking certificate upgrade. Alternatively, candidates from independent schools should submit a letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator. (Note: If your certificate is not a Georgia certificate and you desire to be certified in Georgia, you must complete all requirements through Professional Standards Commission [PSC].)
- Letter of Intent
- Professional Activities Resume
- Verification of Professional Experience (two years)* at the time of application
- Personal Affirmation Form
* For Art Education EdS you must verify three years of professional teaching experience.
Related Programs
Intrigued by an Art Education Specialist degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Art Education.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning an Art Education Specialist degree at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Education.