Visual Arts Education Program Highlights
Students in Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Visual Arts Education program gain extensive hands-on experience beginning as early as freshman year through classroom field experiences, studio art courses, and work with local schools and educators. The program combines art and education coursework, allowing students to develop both creative and teaching skills through drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. Students also benefit from access to the Buchwald Center’s professional studio spaces, Mac labs, and creative facilities while building confidence in real classroom environments before graduation.
Faith is woven throughout the Visual Arts Education program at MVNU, shaping both artistic expression and educational practice. Classes encourage students to explore Scripture, prayer, ethical decision-making, and creativity through a Christ-centered perspective. Faculty members emphasize how faith and art can work together to positively impact future students and communities, helping graduates become compassionate educators who lead with purpose and integrity.
Our travel and study-afar programs let you grow in your faith while experiencing new cultures. Through serving in communities across the U.S. or abroad, you’ll deepen your compassion, explore your callings, and gain meaningful experience for your résumé.
Why Choose MVNU
The Visual Arts Education program at MVNU prepares students to teach art in Pre-K–12 settings while developing strong artistic, leadership, and communication skills. Students work closely with both Visual Arts and Education faculty advisors and complete a curriculum that blends studio art, teaching methods, and field experiences.
Throughout the program, students can expect small class sizes, individualized mentorship, opportunities for travel and service experiences, and preparation for Ohio licensure and future teaching careers. Graduates leave the program equipped to inspire creativity in classrooms while integrating faith, service, and professional excellence into their work as educators
Course Descriptions
Browse the course descriptions to explore your program’s classes.
Financial Aid & Costs
Discover the financial aid opportunities available to help make an MVNU education affordable.
Student Support
The Center for Student Success helps you build skills and succeed academically.
Meet Our Education Faculty
Professors in the Education Department at MVNU are knowledgeable and experienced educators who actively engage with students throughout their academic journey and classroom preparation. Faculty members bring valuable experience from real educational settings and remain connected to current practices and developments in the field of education to help students grow into effective, compassionate teachers.
Hands-On Learning in the Campus Preschool
Gain real-world classroom experience by working directly with children in MVNU’s on-campus preschool setting.
Students in MVNU’s Education Department gain valuable hands-on experience by working directly with children at the on-campus Esther Jetter Preschool, a unique lab school environment designed to connect classroom learning with real-world practice. Through observation, lesson planning, guided instruction, and daily interaction with preschoolers, students develop practical teaching skills and confidence from the very beginning of their program. These early field experiences allow future educators to apply current educational practices in a supportive, Christ-centered setting while building meaningful relationships with children and families.
Explore Campus Virtually
Take a closer look at MVNU without leaving home. Our virtual tour lets you explore campus — including the Buchwald Center, MVNU’s 32,000-square-foot art and design facility located in friendly downtown Mount Vernon. Start exploring today!
What Can You Do With A Visual Arts Education Degree?
A Visual Arts Education degree from MVNU will prepare you to teach art in Pre-K through 12 classrooms and beyond.
- Classroom teacher in general education settings, including in-person and online instruction
- Educator in public school systems implementing curriculum and supporting student achievement
- Teacher in private school environments developing engaging and individualized learning strategies
- Instructor in charter schools with opportunities for innovative and customized curriculum design
- Educator in religious school settings integrating faith-based learning into the classroom
MVNU has a strong reputation for putting out qualified, savvy, and caring Education graduates. Employers know that we exceed the number of field hours required for licensure by the state of Ohio — because of that reputation, our grads are always in high demand.
Did you know MVNU offers online degree programs? After graduating with your undergraduate degree, you can continue your education with a 100% online master’s program.
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Still exploring your options? Discover all the undergraduate majors available at MVNU and find the program that fits your passions and goals.