This program leads to an Initial Teaching Certification in Art. The program will admit qualified candidates to begin the fall semester and spring semester of each academic year. This program is intended for graduates of fine arts programs who are seeking to teach art in schools at all grade levels.

Explore children’s developmental art processes and learn why art education is vital for today’s schools. You will develop from day one through proven coursework and student teaching experiences.

Two student teaching placements will prepare you to recognize the importance of culturally relevant teaching and incorporate relevant art and art history into your classes and schools. This program is intended for graduates of fine arts or equivalent programs who are priming for initial teaching certification to teach art in public schools at all grade levels.

Students accepted to the MAT Art Education program must apply for Degree Candidacy after completing 12 to 18 credit hours of their program; any course work taken in excess of 18 credits is liable to forfeiture. A GPA of 3.0 or better is required to qualify for degree candidacy status. A meeting with the program advisor prior to application for candidacy is highly recommended so as to reach agreement on appropriate courses. Submit the completed candidacy application to the Graduate Office; the application and a current transcript is forwarded to the advisor. Students will then receive a letter advising them of their status.

Candidates will complete a 42 hour program which includes both elementary and secondary practicum and student teaching experience. An action research project is required in conjunction with the secondary student teaching assignment.

Outcomes

The program will prepare you to teach art in public schools in kindergarten through 12th grade. As a student in SUNY Oswego's nationally accredited program, you will expand your skill set in art and gain the necessary theoretical and practical foundation to create appropriate art lessons, units and assessments. Following completion of the program and NYS certification exams, candidates are eligible for New York State initial teaching certification.

Career Opportunities

Elementary art teacher
Secondary art teacher
Middle school art teacher
Museum educator

Admission Requirements

Official transcript

Submit an official transcript showing confirmation of a bachelor’s or master’s degree/advanced certificate. This includes any transcripts showing graduate-level coursework or post-baccalaureate degrees/certificates. Official transcripts must be sent directly from granting institution (electronic or mail). If you are a SUNY Oswego alum, your transcript will be automatically requested after entering your student ID and identifying SUNY Oswego as your school on the application.

GPA

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better is recommended for applicants to be competitive in the application process. 

GRE

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for admission. For those students who have a GPA below a 3.0, it is highly recommended.

Portfolio

Submit ten or more samples of your work as digital files in your area of interest, including an annotated list providing the title, date of the work and describing the context and your role in the project. (Accepted file types: PDF, JPG, Vimeo or YouTube)

Education essay

In 500–1000 words, describe your personal achievements relating to your academic interests, and detail your educational and professional objectives with reasoning for applying to SUNY Oswego. Additionally, please write of your own understanding of education, what you would contribute to the School of Education, and how  your past experiences and goals align with the Conceptual Framework and Dispositions? (To compose your answer, first examine the School of Education Conceptual Framework.)

Resume

Include a professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes your academic history, professional background and any accomplishments of note. This document should provide details that support your admittance to the program.

Two letters of recommendation

Indicate two names with valid email addresses. We will send an email request directly to the references on your behalf. These references should be able to speak to your character, work ethic and abilities. 

Application fee

Prospective students are charged a non-refundable $65 fee for processing the application.

Tuition-$30,000 for 2.5 years