Program Descriptions

Undergraduate Students

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. Click here for more information.

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.). This option can lead to state certification if student teaching is completed and student passes the 3 state-mandated tests.

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. Students who select this option will not be certified by the state and therefore are not eligible to teach in a public school. Students would be eligible to teach in a museum, community center, or alternative learning space. Students do not complete student teaching or 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. 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.

Graduate Students

CCNY offers four graduate level tracks in Art Education; two of the tracks lead to Certification in New York state in teaching art (PK-12). Students in each track take coursework that prepares them to be active and reflective practitioners in the field of art education.  Click here for more information.

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 with New York in teaching art. This program is appropriate for anyone interested in teaching in public schools, community centers, museums, or other spaces for learning.

Option 2: MA + Professional Certification

This 32-35-credit track is for students who have previously earned New York State Certification and are interested in deepening their understanding of art education. Or 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.

Option 3: MA without Certification

This 35-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.

Option 4: Advanced Certificate

This 23-29-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 appropriate for anyone interested in teaching in community centers, museums, or other spaces for learning. This program does not lead to a MA.

Undergraduate students can pick up program planning sheets from the Office of Admissions and Student Services located in the North Academic Center, Room 3/223A.

Graduate students can pick up program planning sheets from the

• Chair's Office, North Academic Center, Room 6/207B
• Office of Admissions and Student Services, North Academic Center, Room 3/223A
• Program Office, Shepard Hall , Room  303.

 If you have problems accessing the program planning sheet please go to the Associate Dean's Office, North Academic Center, Room 3/213.