Program Overview

Program Coordinator Andrea Kantrowitz, (845) 257-3783, kantrowa@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 050S
Credits 30
Program Length MSEd is a 15 month program including summer and winter courses, and the degree must be completed within 5 years.
Modality Online
Full-time/Part-time Full-time
Transfer Credits 0
Capstone Complementary Studio and Academic Thesis

Program Description

The Master of Science in Education in Visual Arts Education (MSEd) Program serves certified art teachers who are pursuing a master's degree for professional advancement and artist-teacher development. The MSEd program meets New York State art teacher requirements to complete a master's degree for Professional teaching certification, and is intended for artist-teachers interested in a dynamic, fully- online graduate program that offers personalized mentorship and flexibility for working professionals.

The Visual Arts Education Graduate Program is a fifteen-month, fully-online learning experience where art teachers reinvigorate and bring depth to their studio practices, carry out original research related to their teaching practices, and develop strong connections between the two. The unique curriculum allows for robust engagement as artist-teacher-researchers under the close mentorship of Art Education faculty.

Apply to a SUNY New Paltz graduate programAdmission Requirements

  • One official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work providing evidence of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale
  • Evidence of certification or licensure in Art Education, or evidence of pending certification or licensure
  • A 300-500 word teaching-artist's statement discussing the candidate's  current teaching and creative practices, and goals for graduate study
  • Two letters of reference from current administrators or colleagues, former teachers, or other professionals familiar with the candidate's qualifications and who can support the candidate's ability to do graduate work.
  • Satisfactory TOEFL or IELTS scores for students who have a non-US degree.

  • Portfolio of 12- 20 images of original creative work: 

    • We require a minimum of 12 individual pieces; additional detail photographs and installation documentation can be included. You may include external links to videos as part of your portfolio. Each work sample must be labeled with the title of work, medium, size, and date. Images can be labeled and ordered as they are uploaded. For good image quality and fast upload, we recommend jpeg images no larger than 1280 x 1280 pixels @ 72 PPI. 

    • Each image should document a finished work or present a detail or alternate view of finished work. Please do not submit composite images that include explanatory text, preparatory drawings, and comparisons with other pieces. Our online portfolio includes a label section and we encourage you to provide more details and context about your work there and in your artist statement.

Application Deadlines

April 15 Summer Admission

Admission is closed for 2025.  Applications for Summer 2026 admission will open August 1st.

No Spring/Fall admissions.

COURSE WORK TIMELINE

MSEd in Visual Arts Education students must complete a total of 30 credits, develop and complete a body of artwork and an original research study, and give a public presentation of their work. Coursework is completely remote with no in-person component. Courses in this program may not be taken out of sequence.

Summer (11 Credits)
ARE501Graduate Readings in Art Education1
ARS511Introduction to Graduate Studio Research4
ARH569Art in Contemporary Culture 3
ARE519Art and Pedagogy I:Contemporary Approaches3
Fall (4 Credits)
ARS512Graduate Studio Research I2
ARE517Visual Arts Research I2
Winter (1 Credits)
ARE520Winter Session Review1
Spring (4 Credits)
ARS513Graduate Studio Research II2
ARE518Visual Arts Research II2
Summer (10 Credits)
ARS714Graduate Studio Research III4
ARS501Graduate Art Seminar 3
ARE721Art and Pedagogy II3
Total Credits30
  • Complete the prescribed coursework with in six years after matriculation.
  • Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all course work with no more than two grades below B-
  • A thesis is required. Under the guidance of a graduate committee, the student will develop an appropriate presentation commensurate with accepted standards of scholarship.

Graduate Checklist

  • Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.   

  • Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable. 

  • Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.  

  • Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study 

  • Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit. 

  • Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher. 

  • Pass your capstone or culminating assessment. 

  • Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview. 

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Expand knowledge of diverse histories and contemporary practices in studio art, design, and art education  

  • Demonstrate—in written, visual, and oral forms—an understanding of a work of art or design, in terms of its social, political, cultural, aesthetic and historical context  

  • Develop and articulate self-reflective practices as artists, designers, teachers, and citizens  

  • Create collaboration and engagement with local and global art, design, and learning communities  

  • Build professional networks to support lifelong learning and sustainable practices