The B.F.A. in Visual Studies (leading to art teacher certification) at Texas Tech University prepares graduates to teach critical reflection and creative visual expression in multiple settings (schools, museums, community and regional arts programs), assume community and state leadership roles within the field of art education, and innovate curricular content based on contemporary cultural developments and community needs. The curriculum critically responds to mainstream, "fine art," popular, mass media, and other normalized images. Course work emphasizes contemporary theories and issues in art and education, such as: contemporary art, intercultural issues, community activism, instructional technology, critical pedagogy, alternative resources, and dynamic teaching.

The student who completes this program will receive either broad field-secondary or all-level teaching certification while gaining depth in art.

The B.F.A. degree with a visual studies major requires 73 semester hours of art, art history, and art criticism, 18 semester hours of professional education, and 46 semester hours of General Education Requirements. The minimum number of hours for the art major (with teacher certification) is a total of 137 credit hours. A minimum of 40 credit hours of junior and senior level courses are required for graduation.

Art 2364 Introduction to Theories and Practices in the Visual Arts:

Emphasizes purposes for art in personal, social, and institutional settings.

Art 3362 Technology in the Visual Arts:

Instructional and studio emphasis on technology in the visual arts. Prerequisite: Freshman art core or consent of instructor.

Art 3364 Foundations of Art in Social Institutions:

Emphasizes art education in a historical, social, and political context.

Art 3365 Approaches to Criticism in Visual Arts:

Explores why and how we construct meaning from art. Emphasizes politics of display and representation; and the use of hypermedia to explore and present diverse value systems and interpretations of art.

Art 4362 Currriculum Theory and Instructional Methodology in the Visual Arts:

Emphasizes teaching methodologies to include curriculum design, classroom organization and management, assessment strategies, and teaching effectiveness evaluation.

Art 4365 Application of Art Education Theory:

Involves reflective application in a Saturday School practicum of educational philosophies, curriculum content, teaching models, classroom organization and management, assessment, and communication skills.

Art 4000 & 4001 Student Teaching in Art:

Brings theory into practice with real students in real schools with real expectations.