Art Education (MAT)

The graduate program in Art Education offers different options leading to endorsement for K-12 Art Education Certification.

MAT in Art Education, K-12 Certification: for those 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.

K–12 Art Education Certification-only: for those who possess a baccalaureate or master's degree in fine arts, visual arts, studio art, or graphic design. This 27 credit option 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.

Please check with the program coordinator or the Office of Educator Preparation for information on required state tests that may be required for endorsement for NH K-12 Art Education Certification. 

Program Objectives

The MAT in Art Education addresses the following art education competencies, which ensure that as a result of successfully completing the program, students will:

• acquire knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the visual arts in diverse contemporary and past cultures;
• have knowledge of and competence to teach a variety of studio art forms including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and crafts;
• develop a portfolio of personal art work and exhibit selected art works in accordance with professional artistic and technical standards;
• complete a supervised observation and internship with pupils of both elementary and secondary levels;
• have a knowledge of comprehensive programs of visual arts education; procedures for organizing, promoting, and managing a comprehensive visual arts education program; and the selection and organization of visual arts learning experiences and curriculum development in visual arts education;
• have a knowledge of diverse technical and skill-related aspects of visual arts education including diverse mediums and the related techniques for working with them; the elements and principles of the visual arts; display and exhibition design; tool appropriateness, function, and use; and visual arts vocabulary;
• develop an appreciation of the other arts including dance, film, music, literature, theatre, and practical arts;
• have awareness, comprehension, and ability to describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate works of visual art;
• have knowledge and understanding of the technical and safety aspects of methods and materials used in visual arts instruction.

These objectives meet all of the New Hampshire state-mandated competencies in art education that address dispositions, pedagogy, curriculum and assessment, and art content.

Requirements for certification may change, subject to changes made by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE). Teacher candidates can find the latest NHDOE standards at education.nh.gov/index.htm.

For information on Admission Requirements please visit the Graduate Admissions webpage at https://www.plymouth.edu/admissions/graduate/application-deadlines

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

Art Education, K–12 Certification Only

Curriculum Requirements