the program

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. NYU’s program in art education combines a foundation in critical theory with a solid grounding in practice. With special focus on contemporary art and its social context, the program conceptualizes the artist-teacher as cultural producer, intellectual, and activist. Through a sequence of core courses that incorporate a multicultural approach, 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. Emphasizing the importance of theory and practice, the Art Education program utilizes the idea of praxis to support the critical, reflective, and practical application of theory in diverse educational contexts.

Personal attention is given to each student throughout the duration of program, from initial advisement through completion of the Masters final project. Classes are small in order to foster optimal exchange between faculty and students.

Slideshow: Spring 2008 Final Projects Reception and Exhibition

Slideshow: Fall 2007 Media Lit and Contemporary Art Class Project

enrollment

Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds including studio art, graphic design, and education. Enrolled students are interested in working within the public sector as well as community-based, non-profit, and for-profit educational contexts. Graduates go on to serve as classroom teachers, museum educators, and educational consultants, as well as go on to pursue doctoral studies. The program enrolls 15-25 new students each year. Students may participate in the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Admission is for the fall semester only.

admission prerequisites

In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 27 credits in studio art and a minimum of 9 credits in art history, and a liberal arts/general education from an accredited 4-year college or university. For international applicants, a minimum TOEFL score of 650 (paper-based) is required.

If any of these are not fulfilled, students will be required to take the necessary courses in addition to the courses required for their Masters degree. Students should take these courses during the first year of study in the program. This prerequisite coursework does not count towards the M.A. degree. More information about certification and graduate degree program requirements is available from the Office of Graduate Admissions.

for further information

Please contact Erin Sircy, Art Professions Graduate Advisor, for additional information or inquiries about the Masters of Arts in Art Education Program.