Master of Science for Teachers Programs
MST Visual Art
The MST in visual art leads to permanent New York state certification of art for grades K-12. This certification allows applicants to teach in New York state public schools and features pedagogical studies and student teaching. Master of science for teachers in art education is for those holding the BFA or BA (art major) degree. Classes begin in September and end in May. Graduates of teacher education programs at RIT have a 96 percent pass rate on the New York State Teacher Certification Examination.
Admission requirements
The applicant should have received a baccalaureate degree in an arts field from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or Canada, with a major concentration in art, art education or industrial arts education. The applicant’s undergraduate studies should include a minimum of 54 quarter credit hours (36 semester hours) in drawing, painting, design or the crafts. If the applicant for admission holds the BA or BFA degree and seeks the MST degree in art education, the undergraduate program must have adhered to the studio course distribution required by the New York State Department of Education.
The following provides an overview of the degree requirements in the MST art education program:
| Major Concentration | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. |
| Education, Psychology, and Sociology | 20 |
| Art Education Concentration | 22 |
| Methods and Materials in Art Education, Seminar in Art Education, Practice Teaching Studio Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 48 |
MST Fine Arts Studio
The MST fine arts studio offers a master’s option for students who have received “initial” teaching certification from another institution. Students combine major fine arts studio classes in painting, printmaking, sculpture, drawing and new forms with supporting courses, if desired, from graduate offerings in other schools and departments of the university. This MST option alone does not result in teacher certification. This program may be completed in one year.
Admission requirements
The MST fine arts studio program is offered to candidates who hold an undergraduate art education degree (with a minimum of 36 semester credits in art). Candidates need to be well-versed in studio production, art history and aesthetic and art criticism. Candidates must have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter they plan to teach as described in professional, state and institutional standards. Candidates must submit a slide portfolio representing their studio practice, a reflection essay on becoming an art educator and a completed graduate application form.
The following provides an overview of the studies covered by the degree requirements:
| Major Concentration | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. |
| Fine Arts Studio | 24 |
| Humanities, Art History | 8 |
| Forms of Inquiry | 2 |
| Minor Concentration | 9 |
| Electives | 5 |
| Total | 48 |