Graduate Students

Graduate AdmissioNS

Applicants to the Graduate Program apply via the School of Education’s online system. 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)

GRADUATE ADMISSION DEADLINES

CCNY accepts students twice a year, to start in either the Spring or Fall semesters.

To apply for a Spring semester start, the Regular Decision application deadline is October 15th. Applicants will be notified in early December.

To apply for a Fall semester start, the Regular Decision application deadline is March 15th. Applicants will be notified in early May.

Note: If you miss these deadlines, see information below about Non-Degree/Non-Matriculated status.

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS FAQs

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 (Non 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 (No MA): 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.

GRADUATE TRACKS

CCNY offers four graduate level tracks in Art Education: Three of the tracks lead to Certification in New York state in teaching art (PreK-12). Students in each track take coursework that prepares them to be active and reflective practitioners in the field of art education.
Get more information about Required Graduate Coursework at the end of this page.

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

Download the Initial Certification Planning Sheet here.

OPTION 2: MA + Professional Certification

This 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 in 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.

Download the Professional Certification Planning Sheet here.

OPTION 2: MA without Certification (Non Certification)

This 38-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.

Download the Non-Certification Planning Sheet here.

OPTION 4: Advanced Certificate (No MA)

This 26-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 also appropriate for anyone interested in teaching in community centers, museums, or other spaces for learning. This program does not lead to a MA.

Download the Advanced Certificate Planning Sheet here.

GRADUATE COURSEWORK

Students in Art Education take a series of courses that emphasize critical approaches to teaching art in multiple settings, the social context of art education in society, contemporary research in art education, and the integration of one’s artistic and teaching practices. 

EDSE 4100E: Curriculum and Assessment in Art Education

This course introduces the historical, cultural, and social foundations of art education. Discussions about the nature of learning in the arts prepare students to develop their own arts curricula and embedded assessment strategies.

Includes 30 hours of fieldwork.

EDSE 4200E: Identity, Community, and Culture in Art Education

This arts-integrated course explores the role of identity, culture, and community in multiple arts settings with an emphasis on identity development, community building, and culturally relevant pedagogy.

Includes 10 hours of fieldwork.

EDSE 4300F: Materials and Methods in Art Education

This studio-focused class introduces students to strategies for teaching creativity in multiple settings. Students merge explorations of contemporary art practices with educational theory to develop lessons in the arts.

Includes 30 hours of fieldwork.

ARTE 3100A: Critical Perspectives in Art Education

Students explore current research in art education and how it applies to their own work. Discussions about the history, philosophy, and foundations of art education prepare students to participate in field-level advocacy. The class culminates in a self-directed research project.

ARTE 3100C: Community-Based Art Education

This course introduces the theories and practices of teaching visual art in community settings such as museums, community centers, after school programs, and informal spaces. Students analyze current community arts projects, develop teaching strategies, and design their own community arts program based on research in the field.

Includes teaching practicum in City Art Lab.

EDSE 7200I: Master’s Projects

Students develop an independent master’s thesis project in conversation with classmates and faculty.

Courses in Education

In addition to coursework in art education, students pursue courses in the School of Education that prepare them to teach in urban schools. These courses emphasize human development, literacy, inclusive education, and state requirements for certification.

Courses in Art & Art History

Students take courses in art history and studio art to augment their understanding of the nature of art and art-making in our society.