PSU offers three options for K-12 Certification as an Art Educator. These programs are for students who possess a baccalaureate degree in fine arts, visual arts, studio art, or graphic design.
This 36 credit program requires three art education courses to fulfill professional competencies: Elementary Methods and Materials in Art Education, Pedagogy and Planning in Secondary Level Art Education, and Curriculum Development and Assessment in the Arts. Individual cases will be reviewed to determine studio and art history preparation relevant to certification competencies. Additional coursework may be required.
Program-at-a-glance
Coordinator: Erin Sweeney
Program Type: Part-time, Hybrid
Time to Complete: 2-3 years
Estimated Cost: $643/cr In-State | $874/cr Out-State Credits: 36
Application Deadline: Rolling Admission via PSU Application
Accreditation: NECHE
GPA Requirement: 3.0 or better Career
Career Outcomes:
- Art Educator in K-12 schools, private schools, community art programs, art therapy
- Leadership positions in administration and/or curriculum development
Curriculum & Requirements
There are three different options in Art Education
- MAT in Art Education, K-12 Certification
- MAT in Art Education, K-12 Certification - Fifth Year Option*
- Art Education, K-12 Certification Only
*follows the MAT in Art Education, K-12 Certification requirements.
MAT in Art Education, K–12 Certification
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Component | ||
| ED 5000 | Understanding Social Behaviors | 3 |
| ED 5010 | Philosophy, Ethics & Education | 3 |
| ED 5030 | Research Design | 3 |
| Learning Theory Component | ||
| ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | 3 |
| ED 5270 | Foundations of Teaching | 3 |
| SE 5400 | Classroom Interventions and Special Education Strategies | 3 |
| Content Area Component | ||
| Complete nine credits from the following: | 9 | |
AE 5560 | Special Topics in Art Education | |
AR 5300 | The Arts in Society | |
AR 5560 | Studio Topics in Art | |
AR 5910 | Independent Study | |
IN 5560 | Special Topics: Integrated Arts | |
IN 5970 | Integrating the Arts | |
IN 5400 | Imagination, Creativity and Innovation | |
| Professional Competencies (if not previously met) | ||
AE 5050 | Elementary Methods and Materials in Art Education | |
AE 5060 | Pedagogy and Planning in Secondary Level Art Education | |
AE 5700 | Curriculum Development and Assessment in the Arts | |
| Capstone Experience | ||
| AE 5410 | Art Education Internship in Teaching K-12 | 9 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Art Education, K–12 Certification Only
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Education Standards: | 0-6 | |
ED 5400 | Introduction to the Professional Education Standards | |
ED 5410 | Intermediate Level: Professional Education Standards | |
ED 5420 | Advanced Level: Professional Education Standards | |
| Content Standards: | 0-9 | |
SE 5110 | Development and Characteristics of Learners (Development and Characteristics of Learners ) | |
AE 5560 | Special Topics in Art Education | |
AR 5560 | Studio Topics in Art | |
| Pedagogy Standards: | 0-9 | |
AE 5050 | Elementary Methods and Materials in Art Education | |
AE 5060 | Pedagogy and Planning in Secondary Level Art Education | |
AE 5700 | Curriculum Development and Assessment in the Arts | |
| Internship: | ||
| AE 5410 | Art Education Internship in Teaching K-12 | 3-9 |
| Total Credits | 3-33 | |
Admission Information
Requirements
The MAT in Art Education requires the following materials to be submitted through our online application
- Recommended 3.0 or better GPA in undergraduate coursework in a BFA program
- Official transcripts from any/all college level work
- One professional recommendation
- Current Resume
- Statement of interest
- Art Portfolio*
- NH Residency Verification form (NH residents only)
*Art Education applicants must upload a studio portfolio consisting of 20 representative works. This portfolio can be a Zip archive, PowerPoint presentation, or other single file. This will be reviewed by the Art Education program coordinator. portfolio guidelines
Deadlines
Students pursuing Art programs can apply for admission to any of the upcoming semesters. Here are the annual application deadlines:
- Fall semester - August 1
- Spring semester – Extended to December 31
- Summer semester – April 15
*We suggest submitting your documentation at least two weeks prior to the posted date to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed by the deadline.
2025-26 Estimated Graduate Per Credit Tuition and Mandatory Fees
| New Hampshire Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $599 | $44 | $643 | |
| CAGS | $641 | $44 | $685 | |
| EDD | $698 | $44 | $742 | |
| Out-of-State Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $830 | $44 | $874 | |
| CAGS | $802 | $44 | $846 | |
| EDD | $888 | $44 | $932 | |
More information is available through the Student Financial Services Office.
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans only. You will need to complete the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid – please review our international admission requirements to learn more.
More information can be found on the Student Financial Services website.
Each year, Plymouth State offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted graduate students. Selection criteria include academic and professional achievements, commitment to graduate study, and achievement or pursuit of personal or professional goals. Visit the PSU Scholarship Opportunities webpage for additional information.
Explore Program Details
- Provide arts, pedagogical, curriculum, and assessment leadership and implement best practices in teaching, planning, and pedagogy in contemporary art education settings in a comprehensive art curriculum.
- Analyze the developmental learning needs of students and class communities and address these needs in planning and pedagogical practice.
- Participate in the school community, build on constructive criticism and self-reflection, advocate for arts education, develop team and community relationships, and work with curriculum and assessment at the program, school, district, and national levels.
- Develop confidence, a distinct teaching voice, professional identity as an artist-educator and the active engagement in lifelong learning and ongoing professional development in the arts and education.
- Demonstrate knowledge and ability in foundational to advanced studio processes, new media, tools, materials and safety, western and non-western art history, aesthetic theory, art criticism, the role of the arts in society and the development of a portfolio of personal artwork and recognition of exhibition/presentation opportunities.
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Adjunct Faculty TeachingProgram Coordinator, Integrated ArtsEmail: plindber@plymouth.eduPhone: (603) 535-2647
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Associate Professor of PracticeProgram Coordinator, Art Education (M.A.T.)Email: Erin.Sweeney@plymouth.edu
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