Curriculum

The 30-credit MA in Teaching Art provides the training and experience you need to apply for initial certification as an art teacher for all grade levels in the state of New York. 

With coursework combining pedagogical theory with hands-on practice, the program embraces a progressive social justice and multicultural approach to art education that prepares you to be an effective teacher and advocate for the arts in the classroom and society at large.

Core Course Sequence

You will study the historical, cultural, and sociological contexts of artmaking and art teaching, taking core courses in critical pedagogy, arts education, and research methods. The curriculum covers issues and approaches in contemporary art teaching, including media literacy, race and the politics of visual representation, and special education and disability studies. 

The MA in Teaching Art incorporates practical and professional experience through two student teaching placements, one in an elementary school and one in a secondary school, guided closely by faculty mentors. You will also have the opportunity to work with NYU’s Visionary Studio workshop for high school students. 

Culminating Experience

You will take a final project course with a research component to investigate how contemporary artistic practices inspire forms of creative and critical inquiry into social issues.