Studio Art (BA) + MS in Education
Develop as a skilled studio artist for your own work and an as effective art educator to invest in the work of others.
Why Studio Art and Education?
A Studio Art degree develops your artistic talent and technique through rigorous instruction and practice in the studio. Paired with a MS in Education, you will have the educational know-how to teach art in school settings. Courses concentrate on foundational art concepts, art history, educational philosophy, and curriculum development—all while building your skills in various art mediums. By completing this program, you will be able to teach in both public and private schools, as this program prepares you to receive the Pennsylvania Instructional I Art Education (PK–12) certification and Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Art Education (K–12) certification.
How it Works
This dual-level program allows you to condense what would be six years of study (four-year bachelor’s + two-year master’s) into just five years by starting master-level courses as early as your junior year. You’ll be able to complete all requirements for both degrees in as few as five years without taking summer courses.
You will also continue to receive your undergraduate scholarships and tuition aid for all five years of study, which will save you thousands of dollars.
Study Studio Art and Education at Cairn
Biblical Integration
Integrate and apply a biblical worldview to artistic expression.
Experienced Faculty
Build meaningful relationships with professors and classmates who are personally invested in you and your goals.
Professional artists
Gain exposure and feedback from professional visiting artists.
Personalized Education
Develop your personal artistic vision.
Campus Community
Join in on vibrant student-led art-making workshops, exhibitions, and a strong on-campus arts community.
Hands-On Education
Study and practice effective methodologies for teaching in different contexts.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Studio Art + MS in Education Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
Required Credits: 175
Curriculum Highlights:
- ART 251 Digital Photography
- ART Relief Printmaking
- ART Digital Imagery
- EDU 687 Teach Art in Elem School
Art Teacher
Arts Council Director
Professional Artist
Visual Art Apprentice
Gallery Operator
Arts Council Director
Visual Merchandiser
Community Artist
Connect With Us
An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty
Cayla Besler
Instructor, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Ms. Cayla Belser teaches courses in foundation courses and graphic design. Throughout her career, Ms. Belser has worked in several fields ranging from a greeting card company, local animation studio, a variety of art education programs, as well as working in the mental health community. Her varied experiences in the art industry have given her a plethora of inspiration that she endeavors to apply to each project that she works on. In her freelance career, she has had the opportunity to work with many clients including Highlights for Children magazine; Values Magazine, Holy Family University; Bucks County Community College; and multiple children’s book authors.
Alongside her illustration and design career, she has recently added counseling and art therapy to her skill set. During her time at counseling site in northeast Philadelphia, Cayla pioneered group art therapy sessions for adolescents, focusing on building self-esteem and communication skills. In the future, she is interested in finding ways to incorporate art therapy into college settings as a form of creative expression as well as building self-awareness.
Sheryl Vasso
Chair, MS in Education; Professor, School of Education
Dr. Vasso teaches on diverse topics in education, including models of teaching, educators and education in film, children’s literature, curriculum design, and assessment. She has taught at all levels from elementary to post-graduate, including teaching teachers on 5 different continents.
In addition to teaching at Cairn, she is founder and president of Words of Worth, Inc. In that ministry, she teaches and writes Bible studies on various topics and books of the Bible. She enjoys speaking for church and para-church organizations, national and international conferences, and for various schools providing professional in-services for educators.
