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Art Education, MAT

Inspire the Next Generation of Artists
  • K-12

    Program Prepares You to Teach Art in Grades K-12

  • 33

    Credit Hours

Offers

Dedicated faculty with expertise in art education

Collaborative learning environment

Flexible online instructor-led courses, designed for working professionals

Field experiences in NC public schools

Full-time internship during the final semester

“ I did not expect my confidence would be so high by the end of this program... The biggest reason why I felt so prepared [to teach art] is because of the coursework that led up to being in the classroom. ”
Sarah, Art Education, MAT Student
Program Overview

Designed for working professionals

Our intensive program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in art or a related field and would like to teach art at public schools. Enjoy online courses with in-person and hands-on field experience designed to provide maximum flexibility for working professionals. The program can be completed in one year (summer I start) or 17 months (spring start) as a full-time student. We work with part-time students and professionals holding a residency license. We also work with art teachers who already have a licensure and would like to advance their education and knowledge in art education to obtain a master's degree. 

Learn from Experienced Faculty & Teachers

Our curriculum is aligned with NC Professional Teaching Standards and the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) Professional Standards and is designed to prepare students with the latest knowledge in the field of art education. During the final semester, students will participate in full-time student teaching under the guidance of a mentor teacher and faculty supervisor.

Students who successfully complete the program will earn a master’s degree and be prepared for NC K-12 art teaching licensure certification.

View Student Learning Outcomes
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University-School Partnerships

WCE brings longstanding partnerships with 12 school districts and 2,000+ teachers in SE North Carolina.

Pathway to Success

Watson graduates have a strong track record of securing jobs and are often highly rated by principals and other employers, with many recognized as leaders in their schools and districts.

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Support Beyond Graduation

The Watson College continues to support new teachers through the First Years of Teaching Support Program, professional development opportunities and on-campus resource libraries. Even after you graduate, we’re here to help you achieve career success and make a meaningful impact on your students.

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Sample Courses

sample courses
EDN 500 Human Development and Learning
EDN 520 Instructional Development
AED 500 Art Education Foundation and Curriculum
AED 501 Art Education Pedagogy and Assessment
AED 502 Media Arts, Media Literacy and Technology in Art Education
EDN 509 Education in a Multicultural Context
AED 503 Art Education Issues, Research and Practice
(includes field experience)
AED 504 Art Education Student Teaching (full-time internship)
AED 505 Seminar on Teaching, Learning and Leadership
See The Full Curriculum

View More

Art Education MAT Program Details

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Art Education, MAT

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as a group after the published deadline.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator:

Location/Delivery Method:

  • Distance Education (Online Asynchronous and Synchronous with the exception of the field experience and internship which are completed in regional schools physically.)

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025 (17-month Cohort Start Option):
    • November 1, 2024
  • Summer I 2025 (One-year Cohort Start Option):
    • May 1, 2025
  • Summer II 2025:
    • June 1, 2025
      Limited coursework available. 
      Contact the program coordinator prior to application submission.
  • Fall 2025:
    • July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 professional recommendations

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission 
  2. Essay: Education Statement of Interest Essay
    Essay
  3. Art Portfolio: 8-10 visual artworks with 100-word artist statement. Portfolio should be in PDF format in one document or website format. If the work is a digital work, the length should not exceed 10 minutes each. Please provide a link for viewing the work online.
  4. Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor’s degree in art or similar field from a regionally accredited college or university completed before graduate study begins.
  5. Bachelor's Degree Not in a Closely Related Art Field: 
    If the bachelor’s degree is not in a closely related art field (such as studio art, art history, graphic design, photography, or digital/media art), the candidate must demonstrate at least 18 hours of course work in visual art at the undergraduate level or pass the Praxis II: Art: Content and Analysis Test (NC art licensure requirement) or must take art classes at UNCW to meet the requirement (minimum requirements) Applicants in this category should contact the Program Coordinator to discuss options for meeting this requirement.
  6. TeachNC Reimbursement and Scholarship: TeachNC will cover up to $100 towards application and transcript fees associated with applying to UNCW Graduate School.  Click the link below to learn more about the reimbursement and scholarship opportunity. LEARN MORE

For More Information or to Apply

Questions? For more information, contact the Program Coordinator or WCE Recruiter, Dean Heath. Contact Recruiter
Program Details Additional information including program objectives, degree requirements and detailed course descriptions are included in the Graduate Catalogue. See Graduate Catalogue
To Apply For application deadlines and detailed application requirements, or to apply, visit the Graduate School. UNCW Graduate School

Student Opportunities

Cohort Model

WCE’s cohort learning model is designed to provide a strong community of support for graduate students pursuing a teaching degree. Whether you’re on campus or online, you will attend classes together, share field experience opportunities, and build close connections with faculty, teachers in the field and other students pursuing a teaching degree.

Classroom Experience

WCE MAT students participate in field experiences throughout the program, and complete a full-time student teaching internship during the final semester. These applied learning opportunities coupled with rigorous academics result in well-rounded, prepared teachers ready to impact the world around them.

International Study

Through our international study abroad programs, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your horizons and gain a global perspective as you both work and study in schools throughout the world.

Student Organizations

Watson Student Leaders and Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society dedicated to scholarship and excellence in education, are just two of the many organizations that give students an opportunity to connect with other pre-service teachers and professionals in the field.

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