About the Program

Accredited: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE)
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Accredited

Enrollment in all teacher education programs follows the guidelines for "Admission to Teacher Education Programs" found in this catalog. Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the department.

The Art Education Graduate Program prepares students for professional certification to teach visual arts in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (PK-12) in New York State schools. This program develops art education professionals who:

  • understand contemporary art and culture and are committed to teaching students in meaningful and critical ways.

  • consider teaching to be a dynamic and continuing process utilizing current media technology.

  • are sensitive to issues of diversity and capable of adapting their teaching strategies to meet individual needs.

  • are encouraged to be active in their professional, cultural, and art communities.

  • are competent in theory, research, and methodology in art and art education.

The Art and Design Department offers graduate studies that lead to a master of science in art education and eligibility to apply for New York State professional certification to teach visual art in grades pre-kindergarten–12 (PK-12). This program requires 30 credit hours of study. Within the required program format, students are encouraged to pursue individualized programs of study.

Candidates should consult the Teacher Certification website for current seminars and workshops.

*Those seeking an art education initial certification, please see our Postbaccalaureate Certification-only Program.

Advisement
Academic advisers are assigned by the department and must be consulted each semester in order to register for courses and graduate in a timely manner; however, students remain responsible for fulfilling department and college requirements specific to the program.

About the Art and Design Department

402 Upton Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-6032
Fax: (716) 878-4231
https://artdesign.buffalostate.edu/

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in a visual art-related field as well as initial certification in art education from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).

  • Writing Sample: a 500-1000 word sample of your best writing on an area pertaining to art education

  • An interview with the Art and Design Department chair

  • A bachelor’s degree in a visual art-related field from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) as well as NYS initial teacher certification in Visual Arts.

    Requests for exceptions to admission requirements may be directed to the department chair. In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.

    Professional Licensure Disclosure
    New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate has requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. SUNY’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. Other states frequently have their own requirements, so if your goal is to practice in another state, this disclosure will help you check to see what that state requires.

    Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their State’s licensure entity using the links provided in the full disclosure document to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.

    Review full disclosure and licensure by state.

    • Program Requirements

    Required Courses (9-12 credit hours)
    AED 688 SEMINAR IN ART EDUCATION 3
    AED 689 RESEARCH 3
    AED 690 MASTER'S PROJECT 3-6
    or AED 695 MASTER'S THESIS

    Content Specialty Courses (15-21 credit hours)
    Courses in: Art Education (AED), Fine Arts (FAR), and/or Design (DES) 15-21

    General Education Courses (0-6 credit hours)
    Select 0-6 credit hours 0-6

    Total Credit Hours 30
    All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated and should be selected under advisement.