Art, Master of Arts in Teaching

The University of Idaho’s Master of Art in Teaching, Art (M.A.T. Art) is an advanced degree for artists and certified teachers who want to enhance their expertise and experiences specifically in studio art. You have the option to complete the degree through a flexible, self-directed online program, allowing you to benefit from a high quality studio art education without interrupting your current teaching career.

The program allows you to specialize in an area of studio art that best fits your interest and talents. Areas of concentration include painting, drawing, sculpture, graphic design and interface and information design. The curriculum is flexible, with opportunities to customize as needed. 

The M.A.T. Art program focuses on contemporary issues and new techniques and materials in the field of studio art. You will build on your current teaching knowledge and experiences to develop a more advanced skill set and high-level expertise in a specific area in studio art. Our committed faculty and staff will be with you every step of the way with personal and individualized advising. The M.A.T. Art degree is a non-research thesis degree.

The 30-credit M.A.T. Art degree program is available online, an excellent solution for those with busy teaching careers.

Prepare for Success

The Master of Arts in Teaching, Art (M.A.T. Art) is designed for self-motivated, skilled, and well-educated art teachers. The program is extremely competitive, with less than 50 percent of applicants accepted. You must submit a portfolio of your personal studio work in order to be considered.

While the online program provides a great deal of flexibility and is an excellent option for contracted certified teachers, distance learning is not for everyone. To succeed in the self-directed program, you must be motivated and have the self-discipline to study independently. Read more about distant learning

Your First Year

Most students in the online M.A.T. Art program attend part time while they continue teaching full time. You may take three to six credits a semester. During your second semester you will file a study plan, a list of courses you must take to complete the degree.

All candidates for the terminal degree must present a thesis, including a one-person exhibition of professional quality work (you may choose to have your exhibition in your community) supported by a written statement and public defense on the nature of the work.

Of the 30 credits required to complete the degree, at least six must be in education and at least 20 in art. The following courses are required for the M.A.T. Art degree:

• Art 570 – Internet Portfolio Development
• Art 508 – Readings in Art
• Six credits in 500 level art studio courses

Potential students should apply for the 30-credit M.A.T. Art program through the University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies. You will also submit supporting application materials, including a portfolio of your personal work, to the Department of Art and Design for review.

Art and Design Graduate Policies and Procedures

What You Can Do

The Master of Art in Teaching, Art (M.A.T. Art) is ideal for experienced art teachers in elementary and secondary public schools or in other organizations, such as galleries and community centers. Those with an M.A.T. Art degree may become a:

• Middle School/Junior High Art Teacher
• Elementary Art Specialist
• High School Art Teacher
• Charter School or Alternative School Art Teacher
• Private School Art Teacher
• Community Art Program Teacher/Director
• Parks and Recreation Art Program Teacher/Director
• Art School Teacher/Artist
• Gallery/Museum Educator
• Independent Artist
• Art Nonprofit Employee
• Summer Camp/Retreat Art Program Instructor
• Artist-in-Residence
• Summer School Art Program Director
• Private Business Art Consultant

Opportunities

Most of the art teachers in Idaho schools are alumni of the University of Idaho. Your M.A.T. Art degree will give you the expanded expertise and skills you need to advance in your teaching career and potentially increase your earning power. The degree program is also an excellent opportunity to further explore and develop your own creativity and artistic talent.

Current Research

Art education program faculty members are internationally and nationally recognized for their expertise and artwork. They are renowned practicing artists with solo and group exhibitions around the world. Their current work and research focuses on mixed media painting and collage.

Activities

National Art Education Association, University of Idaho Student Chapter: Students regularly present workshops at the Idaho Art Education Annual Conference and attend the national conference. Members sponsor a variety of workshops for the local community and the university.

Hands-On Experience

Focused Studio Work: Studio experiences are at the core of the Master of Arts in Teaching, Art program. You will fulfill the required studio coursework at an institution of higher learning near where you live or attend special summer sessions at the University of Idaho. You also have the option to take directed studies online and post your studio progress on your art web site for faculty critique.

Non-Research Thesis: Every degree candidate will prepare a non-research thesis in an area of studio art that is of specific interest to you. You’ll have the opportunity to create a body of new work, exhibit it in your hometown or on campus, and write an accompanying paper (technically not a thesis) that describes your research, artwork, exhibition and the implications for improving your future teaching. Recent graduates have completed theses in painting, book illustration, collage, small sculpture and printmaking.

Online & Outreach

Prichard Art Gallery : An outreach facility of the University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture. Located in downtown Moscow, the gallery exhibits the work of regional artisans and art and design students.

High School Art Exhibition : Annual event hosted by the University of Idaho Department of Art and Design. Students from every high school in Idaho participate in this event. A committee of jurors selects the best-in-show winners for awards and prizes.