The Art Education program at CCNY seeks students with diverse life experiences who are interested in developing their artistic and teaching practices to become reflective and critical arts educators in schools, community centers, and museums.
Info sessions
Interested in joining our Art Education family? Not yet sure if you want to join, but would like to know more? Whatever level of interest you’re at, we’d love for you to join us for an online info session! You can sign up for a date that works for you with the link below. If any of the dates listed in the link don’t work for you, email us at arted@ccny.cuny.edu and let us know.
https://forms.gle/RkkZxKTBgAwoUrN5A
How to Apply
Undergrads
Current CCNY students interested in pursuing a BA in Art Education should contact the Art Ed department at arted@ccny.cuny.edu. Students transferring from other schools or who have not yet been admitted to CCNY should first contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for information about the application process.
More information about our Undergraduate program can be found here.
Graduates
Applicants to the Graduate Program apply via the School of Education’s online system. Read our Admissions FAQ section on this page for additional information. A completed application includes the following:
- Online application submitted via the School of Education.
- Personal statement describing interest in pursuing art education, career goals, and supporting experiences (1-2 pages).
- Three letters of recommendation from former professors, supervisors, or mentors.
- Portfolio: Prepare an online portfolio of 15-20 images of creative work produced within the last three years. If you have previous teaching experience, you may also submit examples of student artwork. When prompted by the online application system, submit a pdf document that includes the URL of your online website and a set of thumbnail images of which works of art you would like the committee to review.
- Selected students will be contacted for an interview and onsite essay with Art Department faculty.
Graduate admission eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Art, Art Education, Art History, or related field
- Approximately 24 undergraduate credits in studio art and/or art history
- 3.0 GPA (if you do not meet this, refer to the Admissions FAQ at the bottom of this page)
More information about our Graduate program can be found here.
Deadlines
CCNY accepts students twice a year, to start in either the Spring or Fall semesters.
To apply for Spring 2024:
- Regular Decision Application Deadline: October 15, 2023
- Applicants notified in early December 2023
To apply for Fall 2023:
- Regular Decision Application Deadline: March 15, 2023
- Applicants notified in early May 2023
Note: If you miss these deadlines, see information below about Non-Degree/Non-Matriculated status.
Admissions FAQ
APPLYING
Can I apply credits from when I did my MFA, BA, or first MA to this degree?
If you have applied the credits to obtain an earlier degree, then they cannot be applied to a second degree. If, however, you took additional credits beyond those required for your earlier degree, completed within the past 3 years, then you may apply up to 6 credits to the MA in Art Education pending program approval.
What if I didn’t have a 3.0 GPA in my undergraduate courses?
Many of our students have been away from college for some time and do not feel that their undergraduate GPA reflects their current abilities as students. If this is the case, please submit a written statement with your application explaining why your undergraduate GPA does not represent your academic abilities.
What if my BA is not in an art related field? What if I don’t have enough studio art credits?
If you have less than 18 studio and/or art history credits from previous coursework, you will need to complete additional coursework prior to applying to CCNY. If you have more than 18 credits, you may still apply; if you are accepted you will need to take additional courses at CCNY to meet the NY State Certification requirements.
How do I upload my portfolio images with the application?
Prepare an online portfolio of 15-20 images of creative work produced within the last 3 years. If you have previous teaching experience, you may also submit examples of student artwork. When prompted by the online application system, submit a pdf document that includes the URL of your online website and/or a set of thumbnail images of which works of art you would like the committee to review.
What should I include in my portfolio?
We encourage applicants to select approximately 15-20 images that represent both depth and breadth of their artistic practice. If you have images of work produced by students you have taught, you may also include those.
Which program do I apply to?
- MA with Initial Certification: For candidates who want to be eligible to teach in New York State public schools and who do not have (or would like to add) an MA in Art Education. This program leads to NY State Certification in Visual Arts (PreK-12), pending certification exam scores. Students in this program complete one semester of student teaching in their final semester.
- MA with Professional Certification: For candidates who are already certified in NY State and are seeking a MA in Art Education and their Professional Certification in Visual Arts.
- MA without Certification: For candidates who are interested in teaching in the arts in community centers, museums, and alternative education spaces. Students in this program do not receive NY State certification.
- Advanced Certificate: For candidates who already have an MFA/MA in Art or Art History and are seeking NY State certification in Visual Arts. This program does not lead to a MA.
When will I be notified of the status of my application?
Applications are reviewed a month after the deadline (late April or mid-December). If you have not heard from us by this time, feel free to email us. Selected applicants will be invited to campus for an interview and on-site essay.
What if I don’t meet ALL of the eligibility requirements to apply?
We accept students based on what they bring to the program and how we can support their learning. If you do not meet all of the eligibility requirements, please speak to Dr. Dewhurst and include a brief memo with your application explaining the situation and why you believe you are still qualified to be in the program.
CERTIFICATION
What kind of certification do I need?
Click here for answers to this and more certification questions. Certification in Visual Art is for grades PreK-12.
FINANCIAL AID
How much does the program cost?
Click here for a chart of expected tuition costs.
Is there financial aid?
For information on financial aid, click here. There are occasionally grant opportunities for students posted on the blog. Students planning to teach in a public school upon graduating may be eligible for a CUNY TEACH grant. Accepted students are eligible to apply for a Connor Art Education Fellowship.
TRANSFERRING CREDITS
Can I transfer any credits from other schools?
Yes, up to 6 credits not previously applied to a degree and completed within the past 3 years may be applied to your CCNY degree, pending approval from the Program Director.
TIMING AND COURSE OFFERINGS
How long is the program?
Because almost all of our students work full time and are often juggling family and community responsibilities, students each complete the program at their own pace. Typically, students are able to complete the MA with Initial Certification in 2-2.5 years by taking 2-3 classes per semester plus summer classes. The MA with Professional Certification and the Advanced Certificate typically can be completed in less than 2.5 years.
Can I go Part-Time or Full-Time?
Students select their own pace of study based on their time commitments and needs. The PT or FT status is most relevant for Financial Aid; students should consult with Financial Aid about the best plan for their financial needs.
When do classes meet? Are there evening hours?
During the Fall and Spring semester most classes meet M-Th at either 4:50-7:20p OR 7:30-10:00p. Select courses in art history and studio art are offered during daytime hours. Summer courses meet for one month intensives in Summer Session I which meets in June, Summer Session II which meets in July, or Summer Extended Session which meets less frequently from June-July.
How long are the semesters?
Fall and Spring semesters are 15 weeks.
- Fall: Last week in Aug until third week in December
- Winter: 4-weeks in January
- Spring: Last week in January until third week in May
- Summer: sessions in June/July/August
NON-DEGREE OR NON-MATRICULATION STATUS
What is Non-Matriculation or Non-Degree Status?
Non-matriculated students are not officially enrolled in the Art Ed program. As a non-matriculated student you are allowed to take courses here at CCNY (up to 9 credits). If you then choose to apply and are accepted into the program all of your courses and credits will transfer into the program.
Why is Non-Matriculation or Non-Degree a good idea?
As a non-matriculated student you can get a head start on taking courses for the program if you have missed the admissions deadline. It is not a guarantee of future acceptance. It also allows you to sample a course from the program before you commit to applying. For more information please visit the non-degree/visiting students page here.
To Apply as a Non-Matriculated Student, please download and complete a Graduate Non-Degree Application and email it to trivera@ccny.cuny.edu (please CC mdewhurst@ccny.cuny.edu).