The purpose of the Art Education program is to prepare knowledgeable, skilled, and caring professional educators to become critical, reflective practitioners, researchers and artists, and agents of change for social justice in diverse contexts of educational practice; generate and disseminate knowledge that leads to new pedagogical understandings on which more effective policies and practices can be grounded; and collaborate across disciplines, professions, and constituencies to promote social change that leads to educational improvement and transformation. An integral part of the program involves a variety of observational and participatory experiences in art learning environments, and an extensive pre-practice internship. Upon completion of the degree, employment prospects and/or acceptance for advanced graduate studies depends upon individual achievement and qualifications.