Online Art Teacher Degree & Certification Programs
Compare Program Types, Certification Pathways, Online Formats, and State Requirements for Art Education
Elementary Education (Teacher Certification), MEd
Master of Arts in Teaching – Art K-12
BED: Licensure: Elementary Education (licensure)
Alt. A Certification in Elementary Education K-6
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Four Things to Know Before Comparing Art Teacher Programs
Searching for online art teacher programs raises practical questions. How much of an art education program can be completed remotely? What requires in-person participation? How do state certification requirements shape your options? These four framing points clarify what to expect when comparing programs.
Coursework Is Often Deliverable Online
Many art education programs deliver lectures, pedagogy coursework, and education foundations through online platforms. Academic components can often be completed on a flexible schedule depending on the school and program design.
Student Teaching Requires In-Person Participation
State boards of education require supervised student teaching or clinical fieldwork as part of teacher preparation. This component is completed in person at a school or approved educational setting. The required hours and format vary by state and program.
State Certification Requirements Are Not Universal
Art teacher certification requirements are set by each state’s board of education, not by universities or national accreditation bodies. Required exams, program approval criteria, and credential types all vary by state. Confirming what your state requires is an essential step before selecting a program.
Your Starting Point Shapes the Right Program Type
Traditional undergraduates, career changers with an existing degree, and already-licensed educators each have different program paths available to them. Bachelor’s degrees, alternative certification routes, MAT programs, MEd programs, and certificate options serve distinct starting points and goals.
ArtTeacherEDU.org provides resources for students comparing art education degrees and teacher-preparation programs at every level. The sections below cover program types, the art teacher certification pathway, state requirements, online format considerations, accreditation factors, and questions to ask when requesting information from schools.
The Art Teacher Certification Pathway: A Step-by-Step Overview
The path toward art teacher certification follows a general sequence, though specific steps depend on your state, your starting credentials, and the program you choose. Below is a common progression, with notes on where variation typically occurs.
Important: Programs can prepare you for the steps above, but a teaching license is granted by your state board of education, not by the institution. Confirm that any program you consider holds current state board approval for the state where you intend to seek licensure. Completing a program without that approval may affect your eligibility to apply for a credential.
Art Education Program Types: Matching the Credential to Your Goal
Art education programs vary significantly in design, credential outcome, and intended audience. Understanding these differences when comparing schools helps prevent choosing a program that does not align with what your state requires or what your career goal calls for.
Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education
The traditional entry path for students pursuing initial licensure as art teachers. A bachelor’s in art education typically combines studio art and art history coursework with educator preparation, pedagogy, and student teaching. Completion typically spans four years. State board approval of the degree program makes graduates eligible to apply for licensure, not the degree credential alone.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate / Alternative Certification
Designed for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. Many alternative routes allow candidates to enter a classroom on a provisional credential while completing required education coursework alongside their teaching duties. This pathway often eliminates the need for an extended unpaid student-teaching period, making the transition more accessible to working adults.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
A graduate-level program that provides initial licensure for career changers who did not study education as undergraduates. The MAT combines pedagogical preparation with subject-area content and typically includes a student teaching component. This is a primary option for adult learners seeking graduate-level licensure rather than returning to earn a second bachelor’s degree.
Master of Education (MEd)
Designed for educators who are already licensed and actively teaching. An MEd focuses on advanced instructional design, curriculum theory, or specialization rather than initial licensure. Many art teachers pursue an MEd to advance on district salary schedules, satisfy state-mandated graduate requirements for license renewal, or prepare for leadership and curriculum roles.
Certificate and Endorsement Programs
Short-form credentials that allow licensed educators to add an art endorsement, expand their teaching area, or satisfy continuing education requirements. These are generally not designed for initial licensure. Eligibility typically requires an existing teaching license and may require a minimum number of years of classroom experience.
| Program Type | Who It Fits | Licensure Role | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s in Art Education | Traditional undergraduates | Initial licensure (if state board-approved) | 4 years |
| Post-Bacc / Alt Certification | Career changers with an existing degree | Provisional to initial licensure; varies by state | 1-2 years |
| Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) | Career changers seeking graduate-level entry | Initial licensure at the graduate level | 1-2 years |
| Master of Education (MEd) | Licensed, practicing educators | Advancement and salary lane; not initial licensure | 1-2 years |
| Certificate / Endorsement | Licensed educators adding credentials | Endorsement or renewal credit; not initial licensure | Varies |
Program type descriptions reflect general patterns. Specific requirements, credit expectations, and licensure alignment vary by school, state, and program design. Always confirm details directly with any program you are considering.
Art degree vs. art education degree: A Bachelor of Fine Arts or studio art degree develops subject knowledge but does not typically include the educator preparation, pedagogy training, and student teaching required for a teaching license. An art education degree or teacher-preparation program combines subject-matter coursework with approved educator preparation. If your goal is to teach in a public school, confirm that the program includes state board-approved educator preparation, not just art coursework.
Featured Art Education Programs
These programs offer degree and teacher-preparation options connected to art education. Compare options by degree level, format, and state availability. Contact programs directly to request information on state authorization, accreditation, and other program specifics.
PROS
Specifically designed for aspiring K-12 art teachers making it one of the few art-focused MAT programs available fully online Curriculum covers both historical and contemporary art education theory alongside practical classroom application Coursework includes development of an interdisciplinary art project paired with a real lesson plan giving you a meaningful teaching portfolio Addresses technology as a tool for art instruction and strategies for teaching diverse student populations Built for working adults with fully online coursework and a flexible study schedule MAT degree prepares graduates to pursue Arkansas K-12 art teaching licensure Dedicated Enrollment Specialist support through A-State Online serves as one of the most experienced online options in the state with more than ten-thousand graduates to dateCONS
Designed for those planning to teach at an approved Arkansas public school so the internship must be completed in Arkansas As a graduate-level program a prior bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA is required for unconditional admissionPROS
Open to applicants with any bachelor's degree and no prior education coursework required for admission Two pathways available: traditional (student teaching placement) or alternative (for those already employed as a teacher of record) Graduates receive a full Arizona State University diploma that does not indicate online enrollment Offered through the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation which is one of the most recognized colleges of education in the country 33-credit program completable in approximately five semesters Part-time enrollment available for students balancing work and other commitments Prepares students for K-8 teacher certification in Arizona with advising resources for those exploring out-of-state pathwaysCONS
Designed to meet Arizona teacher certification requirements and may not automatically fulfill licensure requirements in other states Online coursework is paired with required in-person professional field experiences that must be completed locallyPROS
One of the first fully online bachelor's programs in the nation designed to lead to initial teacher licensure Leads to a Virginia teaching license which can serve as a solid foundation for pursuing reciprocal licensure in other states 8-week courses with 8 start dates per year offer maximum flexibility for students balancing work and family commitments Transfer in up to 75% of the degree with credits already earned in other programs No standardized test scores required for undergraduate admission Practicum and student teaching placements are arranged in the student's local area with no campus travel required School of Education initial and advanced licensure programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)CONS
Liberty is a Christian faith-based institution and prospective students may want to review its community standards to confirm a good personal fit Practicum hours and a student teaching placement are required components adding an in-person dimension to this otherwise online programArt Teacher Certification Requirements Vary by State
Art teacher certification is governed by state boards of education, not by universities or national accreditation bodies. Required exams, approved program types, and application procedures depend on the state where you intend to teach and seek licensure. Confirming your state’s requirements before selecting a program prevents mismatches between what a program offers and what your state board requires.
State-specific requirement guides are available for the states below. If your state is not listed, your state board of education remains the authoritative source for current certification requirements.
California
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Washington
How exam and certification requirements vary by state:
California administers its own subject-matter assessments through the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). It manages the credential process through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, rather than using national Praxis exams.
Texas uses the TExES Art EC–12 (178) as the subject-matter assessment for art teacher candidates.
Florida uses the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), including the FTCE Subject Area Examination: Art K–12 (001).
Many other states use Praxis assessments for art content knowledge, though each state sets its own passing score. A candidate who passes an exam in one state may not meet another state’s passing threshold. Confirming your specific state’s current requirements with the state board of education is a necessary step before selecting a program.
Check art teacher certification requirements for your state.
ArtTeacherEDU.org maintains state-specific guides covering program approval requirements, required assessments, and certification application steps. Find your state’s requirements before comparing programs.
Art Teacher Program Admissions: Common Eligibility Questions
Admission requirements for art education programs vary by program type, degree level, and institution. The checkpoints below raise questions that commonly arise during program evaluation. Confirm specific requirements directly with programs before submitting an application.
Prior Degree and Education Prerequisites
Bachelor’s programs typically require a high school diploma and may have minimum GPA requirements or a portfolio review component. Graduate programs, including MAT and MEd options, require an existing bachelor’s degree. Some programs specify that the undergraduate degree should be in art, visual arts, or a closely related field. Ask what degree and credit prerequisites apply to any program you are evaluating.
Career Changers and Alternative Pathways
Many programs and states accommodate career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. Alternative certification and post-baccalaureate programs are often specifically designed for this audience. Subject-matter knowledge may be assessed through a content exam, transcript review, or portfolio evaluation rather than requiring a second undergraduate degree. Ask programs whether your existing degree and background satisfy their prerequisite requirements.
Background Checks, Clearances, and Additional Requirements
All states require background checks, fingerprinting, and clearances before a teaching credential is issued. Some programs require basic skills assessments before admission into their educator preparation component. Ask programs what pre-admission testing they require, when background clearances are processed in the program timeline, and what documentation is needed for both program admission and the state certification application.
There is no industry-wide standard for how programs handle transfer credits or prior learning. If you have prior art coursework or a studio art degree, ask programs specifically how those credits may apply toward their curriculum requirements and how that alignment affects your progress toward state certification eligibility.
Online Art Teacher Programs: What Can Be Completed Remotely and What Cannot
When programs describe themselves as online or hybrid, that description typically refers to how academic coursework is delivered. The clinical component of teacher preparation, including student teaching, requires in-person participation at a school regardless of how coursework is delivered. Studio art components may also have in-person requirements depending on the program.
| Program Component | Typical Delivery Format |
|---|---|
| Lectures, readings, and academic exams | Often online, depending on the program |
| Education foundations and pedagogy coursework | Often online, depending on the program |
| Art history and visual arts theory coursework | Often online, depending on the program |
| Studio art and hands-on media coursework | Often in-person or hybrid; ask each program specifically how studio requirements are handled in their online or hybrid format |
| Student teaching and clinical fieldwork | In person at an approved school site; cannot be completed remotely |
Delivery formats reflect general patterns. Individual programs vary. Ask each program specifically about studio art requirements and in-person obligations when requesting information.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Coursework
Asynchronous programs allow you to complete coursework within set weekly deadlines on your own schedule. Synchronous programs require you to log in for live sessions at scheduled times. Many programs use both formats. Asking programs to describe their delivery model helps you evaluate whether it realistically fits your schedule and work obligations when requesting information.
Part-Time and Full-Time Enrollment Options
Some programs offer part-time tracks that extend the program timeline to keep course loads manageable alongside work or other commitments. Part-time availability varies by program type and institution. Ask programs whether a part-time option is available and what the realistic weekly time commitment looks like for both coursework and clinical requirements at each enrollment pace.
Evaluating Art Education Programs: Accreditation and Quality Factors
When requesting information from an art education program, verifying a few key factors helps ensure the program aligns with your state’s requirements and your personal goals. The checklist below covers the most important verification points.
State Board of Education Approval
Confirm the program holds current approval from the state board of education in the state where you intend to seek licensure. This approval is separate from national accreditation and directly governs whether graduates are eligible to apply for a teaching credential. A program can be nationally accredited and still not hold approval in your specific state.
Institutional Accreditation
Programs delivered by regionally accredited institutions generally satisfy requirements for financial aid eligibility and credit transfer to other institutions. Ask whether the institution holds current regional accreditation. Accreditation status can be verified through the accrediting body’s published directory.
Educator Preparation Program Approval (CAEP or Equivalent)
Educator preparation programs may hold separate professional accreditation through CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) or a state-recognized equivalent. This accreditation is distinct from general institutional accreditation and specifically evaluates the educator preparation program’s curriculum, clinical practice, and outcomes.
Art Content Depth and Subject-Matter Preparation
Art teacher preparation programs typically require coursework in studio art, art history, and visual arts methods. Confirm how the program’s content-area coursework aligns with your target state’s subject-matter requirements and how that preparation maps to any required content exams.
Student Teaching Support and Placement Process
Programs vary in how they support student teaching placement. Some programs coordinate placements and have existing relationships with school districts in multiple states. Others provide a list of approved schools and expect students to confirm availability on their own. Ask specifically how placement support works and whether placements are available in your geographic area when submitting an inquiry.
Cost and Value Questions to Ask
Cost factors to ask programs about include total program fees, per-credit-hour pricing, required materials or technology fees, and whether transfer credits from prior coursework can reduce the time and cost in the program. Ask about financial aid options available to those who may qualify and whether employer tuition reimbursement applies. The art teacher career and compensation context is available separately to help you weigh the value of the credential you are pursuing.
Ready to Look at Programs?
The featured programs above include accredited options with degree and teacher-preparation pathways connected to art education. Compare options by degree level, format, and state availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete an art teacher program entirely online?
Many art education programs deliver academic and pedagogy coursework online, but student teaching requires in-person participation at an approved school setting. Studio art components may also have in-person requirements depending on the program’s design. Programs described as fully online typically refer only to the academic coursework delivery, not the clinical component. Confirm with each program how in-person requirements are structured and whether student teaching placement support is available in your area when requesting information.
What is the difference between an art degree and an art education degree?
An art degree, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts, develops studio skills and subject knowledge but does not typically include the educator preparation, pedagogy training, and student teaching required for a teaching license. An art education degree combines subject-matter coursework with approved educator preparation and is specifically designed to prepare graduates for state licensure. If your goal is to teach art in a public school, confirm that any program you consider includes state board-approved educator preparation, not art content coursework alone.
What exams are typically required for art teacher certification?
Exam requirements vary significantly by state. Most states require a basic skills or foundational assessment and a subject-matter exam in art or visual arts. California, Texas, and Florida each use their own state-developed exam series rather than national exams. Many other states use Praxis assessments for art content knowledge, though each state sets its own passing score. A candidate who passes the same national exam in one state may not meet another state’s passing threshold. Confirm your specific state’s current exam requirements directly with your state board of education before selecting a program.
How long does an art teacher certification program typically take?
Program length varies by credential level, enrollment pace, and program design. A traditional bachelor’s in art education typically takes four years. Post-baccalaureate and alternative certification programs commonly take one to two years. MAT programs typically take one to two years as well. Part-time enrollment can extend timelines across all program types. Ask each program you are considering what a realistic timeline looks like given your starting point, schedule, and enrollment options.
Do I need a teaching license to teach art?
Requirements depend on the setting. Public school art teaching in K-12 settings generally requires a state-issued teaching credential. Private schools set their own hiring standards and may require or prefer a license, though requirements vary by school and state. Community education programs, after-school settings, and private studio instruction have their own requirements, which vary by employer and jurisdiction. If your goal is teaching art in a public school, confirm your state’s licensure requirements with the state board of education. See our art teacher career overview for context on different settings and what they typically require.
What is alternative certification for art teachers?
Alternative certification allows individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field to pursue a teaching credential without completing a traditional four-year education program. Many alternative routes allow candidates to enter a classroom on a provisional credential while completing required education coursework alongside their teaching duties, thereby eliminating the financial burden of an extended unpaid student-teaching period. Alternative certification availability and program designs vary widely by state. Ask programs specifically how their alternative route is structured and how it aligns with your target state’s pathway requirements when submitting an inquiry.
Ready to Compare Art Education Programs?
Browse programs connected to art education degrees and teacher-preparation pathways. Compare options by degree level, format, and state availability to find programs that fit your goals and your state’s requirements.
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Program formats, state certification requirements, exam requirements, and accreditation status are subject to change. This guide reflects general conditions as of 2026 and is intended solely as a planning reference. State boards of education set education requirements, certification eligibility criteria, and credential rules, which may differ from information presented here. Always verify current requirements with your state board of education and confirm program details, accreditation status, and state authorization with the institution before requesting information or enrolling. No guarantee of enrollment, licensure, exam passage, employment, or specific salary is expressed or implied.