Studio Art &Art Education:
Combined Degree Pathway
The BA or BFA + MS in Art Education Combined Pathway offers an accelerated route for students who want to merge their passion for art with a career in teaching. This innovative program allows qualified FSU undergraduate art students to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art education in as little as 5 years.
Our dedicated faculty members have a range of educational experience in visual and cultural literacies, covering elementary, secondary, museum, and informal learning environments. With over a 70-year history, we believe in the intrinsic value of art to transform lives. Intent on achieving our mission, we aim to educate aspiring and seasoned art educators to use art education as a platform for social change.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: Oct. 20 and Feb. 20
An Accelerated Pathway for Studio Art Majors
The pathway provides a strong foundation in studio art and art education theory and research, preparing students to become reflective, skilled, and creative educators. Students learn to design engaging learning experiences and bridge contemporary art practices with classroom teaching.
By integrating undergraduate and graduate study, the BA/BFA + MS Combined Pathway supports students as scholars and future teachers, helping them graduate ready to inspire the next generation of artists.
How to Apply
- Declare a major in studio art (BA or BFA)
- Tell your undergraduate advisor that you intend to participate in the Combined Pathway and contact the MS program director.
- Your advisor can help you make sure you’re on track to succeed in the pathway program.
- You’ll want to schedule an informal meeting with the MS program director. We like to stay in touch with our students as they are preparing to enter the pathway, and we’d like to invite you to special events for our prospective students!
- Take these program prerequisites during your undergraduate studies:
- TSL 4324 [Fall only]
- RED 4335 [Summer or Fall]
- ARE 4144* [Fall or Spring]
- APPLY during the third year of your BA/BFA program.
- The deadlines for application are October 20 and February 20 each year.
- You will need to submit your application materials and interview with program faculty.
- Complete all undergraduate major requirements.
*Note: ARE 4144 is not required to complete the pathway but is strongly recommended.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: October 20
- Spring: February 20
Program Structure
- SPRING 1: In their final semester of undergrad, students enroll in two 5000-level classes, officially beginning the master’s program
- SUMMER
- Students complete a 6-week intensive class (1st 8 weeks, Summer F) that culminates in teaching a two-week summer camp
- At this time, students must take and pass two Florida Teacher Certification Exams, in Subject Area (Art) and Professional Knowledge
- FALL
- Students complete a full roster of graduate classes and pilot their capstone units that will be used in student teaching
- Semester may be carried out remotely / outside Tallahassee
- SPRING 2: In their final semester, students are student teaching full time in a classroom—this can be completed remotely/outside Tallahassee.
- SPRING 1: In their final semester of undergrad, students enroll in two 5000-level classes, officially beginning the master’s program
Art Education Licensure and Certification Information
The Art Education program at Florida State University prepares students to pursue teacher certification in the State of Florida. Certification requirements, including examinations and field experiences, are established by the Florida Department of Education and may change over time. Because teacher certification is administered through the State of Florida and coordinated in partnership with the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, certification examination pass-rate data are reported through Anne’s College educator preparation reporting processes.
Students seeking teacher certification outside the State of Florida should be aware that certification requirements vary by state. FSU’s Professional Licensure and Certification search page provides this information. Completion of the program does not guarantee certification or licensure in states outside Florida. Students are encouraged to review certification requirements in the state where they intend to teach.
About the MS in Art Education
The primary mission of MS in Art Education is to prepare art teachers for public and private school service, who possess knowledge and skills in the arts, advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in art education and understanding of the roles of education within wider contexts of culture and society.
This degree is a state-approved, initial teacher preparation program. Requirements are incorporated into the program of study to make students eligible for K-12 certification in art. The degree is suitable for aspiring teachers, and community art educators.
This is a mainly a residential degree, although Florida residents may opt to complete some aspects of this degree online and away from Tallahassee. Note: Out-of-state students cannot complete teacher licensure online.
Pathway FAQ
What does “combined pathway” mean for this program?
It means you start your master’s degree while you’re still finishing your bachelor’s. Instead of applying after you graduate, you move directly from undergrad into graduate coursework—saving time and getting ahead.
How is this different from doing the degrees separately?
In a traditional route, you finish your bachelor’s first, then apply to a master’s program. In this pathway, you begin taking graduate classes during your senior year, and some of those classes count toward both degrees. This means you can get your MS in just 1 year (instead of the normal 2)
When do I start taking graduate classes?
You’ll begin graduate-level (5000-level) courses in your final semester as an undergraduate. That’s your official start in the master’s program.
How long does it take to finish both degrees?
Most students complete both degrees in about 5 years total, instead of the typical 6 or more years it might take if done separately.
Do I still graduate with my bachelor’s degree?
Yes. You complete all your Art requirements and earn your BA or BFA, then continue seamlessly into the MS in Art Education.
What happens after I finish my undergraduate degree?
You move fully into the master’s program, including summer coursework, teaching experiences, and your final student teaching semester.
Is this pathway right for me?
This pathway is a great fit if you already know you want to go into teaching or art education and want a more direct, efficient route to get there.
Contact Information
Advisor
Program Director
