Visual Arts–All Grades (Art Education)

When does an artist become a teacher? The MST in visual arts-all grades (art education) prepares you to teach the next generation of artists and to create art experiences while honing your own artistic skills.

An Accelerated Visual Arts Education Program

RIT's art education master's degree is an accelerated visual arts education program. You will get a year of hands-on experience that will heavily mirror your life as an art educator. The program prepares you for a teaching career by embedding certifications and job placement support right into the curriculum. You will work with regional schools to find the best fit for your personality, talents, and teaching goals.

RIT's Art Education Master's Degree

In the MST degree, you'll complete course work in:

• child development in art and education,
• differentiated learning techniques for effective instruction in the diverse learning needs of all students, 
• a range of perspectives on multicultural issues in the visual arts and education fields, 
• the process of teaching art in the school classroom, including curriculum development and student assessment, and
• explore a range of perspectives on contemporary theories in art and education.

In addition, you will complete a student teaching practicum designed to provide you with in-depth pedagogical experiences, real-world challenges, and rich learning opportunities.

RIT's art education master's degree leads to Initial/Professional New York State certification in visual arts for PK through 12th grades. This certification allows applicants to teach in New York State public schools and most other states through reciprocal agreements. The program features pedagogical studies, studio inquiry, clinical fieldwork, and community partnerships. The MST program prepares candidates to meet the national, state, and regional needs of teachers of the visual arts. Curriculum and experiential learning are designed to provide candidates opportunities to teach effectively with positive impacts on diverse PK through 12 grade student learning and development, through the application of content knowledge, foundational pedagogical skills, and technology integration. The program is nationally accredited and is for candidates who hold a BFA or BA in an area of art (studio, design, new media, or photography majors). Graduates of the last three MST classes have a 97 percent pass rate on the New York State Department of Education certification examinations, initial certification, and job outcome rates.

Typical Job Titles