The Art Education program is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate-level professional training as artist-teachers in public and private schools, museums, community-based programs, and other alternative educational sites. It also prepares students to be innovative researchers and strong advocates of the arts in schools. The program combines a foundation in critical theory with a solid grounding in practice. The program conceptualizes the artist-teacher as cultural producer, intellectual, and activist, with a special focus on contemporary art and its social context. Students examine the making and teaching of art as a social act, considering it within philosophical, historical, political, and sociological contexts. Students continue their work as artists in graduate-level studio courses, while developing a pedagogical foundation through courses in education, art education, critical theory in art, and research methodologies. The importance of theory and practice is emphasized. Personal attention is given to each student, from initial advisement through completion of the final thesis. To fulfill New York State teacher certification requirements, students who have an undergraduate B.A., B.S., or B.F.A degree in studio art and who wish to acquire teacher certification must enroll in the 37-credit initial certification program, which can now be completed in as little as 16 months (Fall, Spring, late Summer, Fall or late Summer, Fall, Spring, Fall) of full-time study. Students with an initial teaching art certificate or who are interested in an academic degree without certification take the 30-credit M.A. program, which includes the academic requirements for New York State professional certification. To fulfill the total requirements for professional certification, a candidate must in addition complete two years of school experience as a full-time paid teacher. This requirement can be fulfilled while taking courses towards the master’s degree.
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