Program Descriptions

Undergraduate Programs

There are three possible options for undergraduate students interested in teaching in the arts depending on your career goals. To determine the best option for your career goals, consult with Dr. Dewhurst in Shepard 303D, or Anne Feng in Shepard 302A.

Option 1: Major in Art, Concentration in Teaching Art, Minor in Art Education via School of Education

• Best for students who are set on teaching in a traditional school setting (i.e. public, private, charter, etc.); students interested in teaching in alternative settings (i.e. museums, community center, etc.).
• Requirements:
  Students must complete all Art Major requirements with a Concentration in Teaching Art. In addition, when they have completed around 80 credits, they should apply to the School of Education for a Minor in Art Education.
• Additional notes:
  • The only way a student can be certified via the state is if they have a Minor in Art Education through the School of Education.
  • Students must submit a formal School of Education Undergraduate Application.
  • This option includes student teaching and therefore may take longer than 4 years to complete.
  • The School of Education requires students to have a GPA of above 2.7.
  • Students must take and pass 3 state-mandated tests: the EAST (Educating All Students Test), the CST-Visual Arts (Content Specialty Test), and the EdTPA (Education Teaching Performance Assessment).

Option 2: Major in Art, Concentration in Teaching Art

• Best for students who are interested in teaching in non-school settings; students who are curious about education, but not totally sure they want to teach in a school.
• Requirements:
  Students must complete all Art Major requirements with a Concentration in Teaching Art.
• Additional notes:
  • Students who select this option will not be certified by the state and therefore are not eligible to teach in a public school.
  • They may be able to teach in a charter/private school depending on the strength of their art, experience, other skills—but in the current climate, even this would be difficult.
  • Students would be eligible to teach in a museum, community center, or alternative learning space.
  • Students do not complete student teaching.
  • Students do not take the state-mandated tests.

Option 3: Major in Childhood or Bilingual Education, Co-Major in Art

• Best for students who want to specialize in teaching in grades 1-6 in a school setting; students whose primary interest is in education, particularly for younger students- with a side interest in the arts.
• Requirements:
  Students complete all Childhood or Bi-Lingual Education Major requirements that include selecting a “Co-Major” from a list of options provided by the School of Education. When Co-Majoring in Art, they must choose either Studio Art or Art History and then complete the 42 credits of Studio Art or Art History courses required of Art Majors.
• Additional notes:
  Students are advised primarily through the School of Education (for questions regarding state requirements, certification, and student teaching), but may seek secondary advisement from Art Department faculty related to their Art courses.

Graduate Programs

CCNY offers four graduate level tracks in Art Education. Three of the tracks lead to Certification in New York State in Teaching Art (PreK-12). Students in each track take coursework that prepares them to be active and reflective practitioners in the field of art education. Get more information about Required Graduate Coursework at the end of this page.

Option 1: MA + Initial Certification

This 41-credit track is for students who do not have Initial Certification through New York State. Students in this program pursue a range of courses that prepare them for certification in New York in teaching art. This program is appropriate for anyone interested in teaching in public schools, charter schools, community centers, museums, or other spaces for learning.

Initial Certification Planning Sheet

Option 2: MA + Professional Certification

This 35-credit track is for students who have previously earned New York State Certification and are interested in deepening their understanding of art education, or in adding Visual Arts Certification to other area certifications. This program is also appropriate for those interested in expanding their ability to teach in settings beyond schools and to effectively advocate for the arts in education. A Master’s degree is required for a NYS Professional Teaching Certification.

Professional Certification Planning Sheet

Option 3: MA without Certification (Non Certification)

This 38-credit track is for students interested in pursuing a MA in Art Education without certification in preparation for careers as teaching artists, museum educators, and community arts professionals. Students in this track pursue a series of art education courses focused on teaching in multiple settings along with electives in education, studio art, and art history.

Non-Certification Planning Sheet

Option 4: Advanced Certificate

This 26-credit track is for students who already have an MFA/MA in Art or Art History and are seeking NY State Certification in Visual Arts. Students in this program pursue a set of prescribed courses that meet NY State Certification requirements and includes one semester of student teaching. This program is also appropriate for anyone interested in teaching in community centers, museums, or other spaces for learning. This program does not lead to a MA.

Advanced Certificate Planning Sheet