Art Education

Art Education Department

Students come to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Art Education department to gain the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to manifest their deeply felt vocations as artists and educators, to enhance their own creative potentials, and to collaboratively build resilient, creative, democratic communities.

We are a community of artists, educators, organizers, designers, curators, teachers, administrators, archivists, and activists. We are engaged in the ongoing work of bringing into being, cultivating, restoring, and sustaining cultures of joy, justice, care, and critical generosity.

The Art Education programs are uniquely situated within the vital and diverse cultural and artistic communities of Chicago, providing a wealth of experiences and opportunities for mentorship in museums, schools, and community settings.

SAIC offers three Art Education degree programs

1. Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE): The MAAE leads to art education careers in museums, community settings, art organizations, and socially engaged arts practices.

2. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): The MAT leads to art education careers, including licensure to teach Visual Arts PK-12 in Illinois public schools.

3. Bachelor of Fine Arts with Emphasis in Art Education (BFAAE): The BFAAE art teaching degree prepares students for art education careers, including licensure to teach Visual Arts PK-12 in Illinois public schools.

Courses for Studio Art Majors and Students Enrolled in Other Programs

Graduate and undergraduate Studio majors and students in other programs are welcome to take selected Art Education courses that intertwine artmaking, socially engaged pedagogical practices, and teaching skills to support working as an artist educator or teaching artist.