Row of paint jars in red, yellow, orange, and blue on a splattered art table with paint-smeared brushes.

Art Education

B.S. Degree with a major in Art Education

Create. Teach. Inspire the Next Generation of Artists.

Combine your passion for art with the skills to become an inspiring educator. The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) Art Education program prepares you to teach visual arts in K–12 schools through a blend of studio art, educational theory, classroom experience, and hands-on teaching. You’ll graduate ready to foster creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression while making a lasting impact on students and communities.

What You’ll Learn

Your learning experience blends coursework with hands-on classroom practice from the start. You’ll work closely with experienced faculty and mentor teachers, gaining real-world experience through field placements, student teaching, and practicums in local schools. You’ll strengthen your artistic skills while learning how students develop creatively and how to design engaging, standards-based art instruction for learners of all ages.

You’ll have also have access to a wide range of minors and certifications to expand your expertise, both within and outside of education like Special Education, English Language Learning, coaching, psychology, and content-area specialties.

 

What Makes UMF’s Education Program Different

Student smiling sitting at table presentation on nature education

Quality and Affordability

Receive a high-quality education with strong support, practical experience, and a cost that keeps your future within reach.
Person pinning special education ceremony on a graduate

Experience and Network

Gain hands-on classroom experience early while building connections with mentors, peers, and local schools.
Black and white image from 1940 of a teacher reaching in front of children

Tradition and Excellence

For over 160 years we’ve built a long-standing reputation for preparing exceptional, career-ready teachers.
Front doors of the Spenciner center in the Education center

Extensive Resources

Early Childhood Learning School, Curriculum Lab, Assistive Technology Center, Everyone’s Resource Depot & more.
83%

Of respondents indicated being employed in the field of education

85%

Have been hired within a year of graduation

94.3%

Of students indicated they were Very Satisfied or Satisfied with their teacher education preparation at UMF.

Education News & Stories

Four women posing together indoors against a yellow wall, smiling at the camera. Left to right: woman in an orange cardigan and patterned dress, woman in a white top, woman in a denim jacket with a name badge, and woman in a purple shirt with a black blazer and badge.
UMF and Maine DOE bring Maine educators together to support the learning of every student with Inclusive Education Initiative
November 05, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (November 5, 2026)—The Maine Dept. of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and the University of Maine at Farmington recently hosted more than 150 dedicated school leaders and educators, from Millinocket to Sanford, at their…
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UMF in the News: Mt. Blue Middle School partnering with UMF on literacy
October 30, 2026
According to a recent Franklin Journal article, Mt. Blue Middle School is expanding academic and behavioral support for students, including a new partnership with the University of Maine at Farmington that provides targeted literacy…
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Maroon University of Maine Farmington banner on a lamppost with orange autumn leaves in the background.
UMF in the News: Farmington-area school district technology specialist, and UMF alumna, earns state award
October 17, 2026
According to a recent article in the Franklin Journal Nicole Lesperance, technology integration specialist and training coordinator for Regional School Unit 9, has received the 2026 ACHIEVE Award from the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine, recognizing…
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Brunette woman with long bob standing behind table with purple table cloth and Family Violence Project table display
Rooted in Compassion: How UMF Shaped Tabitha Ryan’s Work as an Educator and Advocate
October 13, 2026
Tabitha Ryan (2005) majored in Early Childhood Education and Psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington following her passion for helping children and their families. During her studies, Tabitha gravitated towards Melissa Clawson’s philosophy of education…
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Experienced Educators

At UMF, you’ll learn from experienced faculty who have worked as teachers, leaders, and education specialists and understand what today’s classrooms demand. They support you throughout your journey, offering real-world insight, hands-on guidance, and encouragement as you build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in elementary education.

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
umfadmit@maine.edu
207.778.7050