Careers with an art education degree
Studying Art Education means learning how to spark creativity and share your passion for visual arts in classrooms and communities alike. You’ll explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, work in state-of-the-art studios and media labs, and develop your own voice as both an artist and educator.
What can I do with my degree? Art Education prepares you to teach and inspire creativity in schools, community programs and museums, or to lead and develop arts-based initiatives in your community.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Design and deliver engaging art lessons for learners of all ages in schools and community settings
Communication:
Clearly explain concepts and creative processes to diverse audiences
Management and organization:
Plan and manage art lessons and classroom environments that balance creativity with structure
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Adapt lessons and projects to accommodate different learning styles, needs and classroom dynamics
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get support organizing your busy schedule at the Time Management Clinic.
- Join student groups and initiatives that interest you.
- Attend departmental events to connect with your community.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Build confidence to present your creative work or ideas with FutureBound’s public speaking workshops.
- Volunteer with the university radio station CJLO.
- Apply for internship opportunities to gain practical experience while studying.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term or apply for a summer field school.
- Learn about the BFA Specialization, a unique program that leads to a teacher certification in Quebec
- Take part in Art Matters, the largest student-run festival in North America.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
Final year
- Help make campus greener at Concordia.
- Contribute to Concordia’s InArte Journal.
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group. Popular choices with this program include:
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
- L’Association des Éducatrices et Éducateurs Spécialisés en Art Plastiques
- Canadian Society for Education through Art
- Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA)
- National Art Education Association (NAEA)
- Société des musées québécois (SMQ)
- Canadian Museums Association
- Universities Art Association of Canada
- Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport du Québec
- International Society for Education Through Art (INSEA)
Job banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
