Art Education Master's Degree Programs Leading to M.Ed. and licensure as Teacher of Visual Art

The M.Ed. in Art Education program is a joint program of the Creative Arts in Learning Division of the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences and the Art Institute of Boston (AIB). This program leads to either an Initial or Professional Teacher of Visual Art License in either PreK-8 or 5-12. This master's degree program offers two tracks.

One track of the program is specifically designed for the student who holds an undergraduate degree in the visual arts, or its equivalent and wishes to receive Initial Licensure to teach visual art in Massachusetts public school systems.

The other track of the program leads to Professional Licensure and is an advanced program designed for students holding initial license or provisional certification, to enhance their existing pedagogical knowledge with an emphasis on bolstering their studio art expertise.

The Teacher of Visual Art Program examines changing ideas about art practices in a variety of contexts, including classrooms, communities, and the many cultures that make up our society. The focus on pedagogy emphasizes inquiry across disciplines. This encourages students to think about visual art and its relationship to other art forms through an integrative framework. Students are challenged to examine how their identity as reflective thinkers, researchers, and artists working in schools, shapes and influences their teaching practices. Throughout the students' course of study, art making, critical thinking and collaborative work are key aspects of their educational experience.

The program is grounded in many broad beliefs. Faculty and administrators in this program believe that well-designed preparation for graduate students entering the field of visual art education must link theory with classroom experiences, in order to formulate new definitions of art, knowledge and culture. Students are immersed in creative and imaginative practices that enable them to envision new contexts for viewing and making art. Our graduate students are introduced to theories of learning that exemplify the most current research in the fields of art and education, including visual culture, new media, art history, multicultural education, special education and child development. In addition, students investigate the historical, philosophical and cultural conditions that have contributed to the character of art education in contemporary contexts.

NOTE: Lesley University reserves the right to revise courses, credits or programs of study to strengthen the academic integrity of the program and/or satisfy external accrediting agencies. Licensure programs will be revised from time to time, to be in compliance with the regulations of the Massachusetts Regulations for Educator Licensure, 603 CMR 7.00. All students should contact their faculty advisors to obtain current information regarding program requirements.

Master of Education Degree Leading to Initial Teacher License as Teacher of Visual Art (Pre-K-8)

It is recommended that each student meet with his or her Faculty Advisor at the beginning of the program.
* These courses designated above must be completed before the practicum (GARED 7001). GARED 6114 may be taken concurrently with the practicum (GARED 7001).
** Graduate level studio art courses require a prerequisite of the equivalent of 18 credit hours or more undergraduate studio art work.

Master of Education Degree Leading to Initial Teacher License as Teacher of Visual Art (5-12)

It is recommended that each student meet with his or her Faculty Advisor at the beginning of the program.
* These courses designated above must be completed before the practicum (GARED 7004). GARED 6114 may be taken concurrently with the practicum (GARED 7004).
** Graduate level studio art courses require a prerequisite of the equivalent of 18 credit hours or more undergraduate studio art work.

Master of Education Degree Leading to Professional Teacher License as Teacher of Visual Art (Pre-K-8)

* Subject to approval of faculty advisor.

Master of Education Degree Leading to Professional Teacher License as Teacher of Visual Art (5-12)

* Subject to approval of faculty advisor.

For information on Massachusetts licensure, see: http://www.lesley.edu/certification.html.