Art Education, All Grades, Initial Certification Program–M.A.T.

Program Description

The MAT Art program leading to Initial Teaching Certification in Art All Grades is a 42 hour program. 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 public schools at all grade levels. Certification may be obtained at the completion of the sequence in conjunction with a Master’s degree provided that applicants meet all other New York State Certification requirements.

Application Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the MAT Art Degree, must hold a BFA or comparable Bachelor’s degree in Art (72 credits of art coursework) from an accredited institution. All completed application materials must be received before March 1 or October 1. It is recommended that applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered. Applicants should submit the following:

1. Completed Application for Admissions to Master’s Degree,
2. MAT Art Part II Portfolio; Submit ten samples of your work in one of the following formats: digital files formatted in Photoshop as preview or PowerPoint presentation. Five of the samples should show versatility in a variety of media other than that of specialized area of study
3. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
4. Two professorial letters of recommendation
5. Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST) results. Register at www.nystce.nesinc.com
6. GRE Aptitude Scores (Required for persons with GPA’s below 3.0)

Note: Upon application, candidates’ transcripts will be reviewed to determine whether or not content requirements have been met in undergraduate work. Requirements include a BFA or equivalent from an accredited school, the equivalent of the SUNY Board of Trustees General Education requirements, the equivalent of one full year of college level language at the 102 level other than English (computer languages are not acceptable), and evidence of computer literacy. Any requirements found to be lacking will need to be completed prior to admission to Degree Candidacy. This course work will not apply to the graduate degree.

Degree Candidacy

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.

Curriculum

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. Candidates must complete SSHS 1020–Safe Schools, Healthy Students, DASA 1020, training in Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention: Dignity for All Students Act,a six-hour workshop in compliance with Part 52 and Part 80 of the Commissioners Regulations, and fingerprinting (find information at www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach), as prerequisites for student teaching.