The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in art education prepares graduates for the realities facing teachers today. The program emphasizes contemporary theories and artists through the study of multiple and diverse visual cultures. Prior to student teaching, students participate in field practica in public schools and community settings. This program requires 55 semester hours of studio art and art history, 27-33 semester hours of professional education, and 41-51 semester hours of general requirements as stipulated by the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts. The minimum number of hours required for art education is a total of 123 credit hours. A minimum of 40 credit hours of junior- and senior-level courses are required for graduation. The School of Art is committed to providing a stimulating and challenging environment that will develop creative and scholarly potential in students, support faculty members in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research, serve public and professional constituencies, and promote intercultural understandings through art. Degree programs engage students in art through an examination of contemporary, historical, and cross-cultural issues, ideas, and actions in relation to multiple, diverse, and global visual cultures. The School of Art emphasizes exhibition opportunities, contemporary technologies, critical discourse, and interdisciplinary opportunities. The school offers students the opportunity to minor in art history, studio art fine art photography or transmedia. Non-majors who desire experience in the visual arts as part of their liberal education will find a varied selection of course offerings.