The Art Education Program at Western Carolina University prepares art professionals to meet the needs of diverse populations in the state and nation. The program focuses on the examination of multiple approaches to art education; these include, but are not limited to image-focused, discipline-based, and issues-based art education as well as visual culture.

An underlying philosophy of the program is that of the artist-teacher, meaning an art education student will become a better teacher when they can draw on their strengths and insight as an artist. Art education students complete foundation courses in studio art and art history. The program’s aim is to produce future teachers who are confident as both artists and teachers.