The required courses in the MAT degree program in Art Education prepare candidates who possess a baccalaureate of fine arts degree in the visual arts (or equivalent degree) to  teach the visual arts in all grades.  

Art teacher candidates must be well rounded in their KNOWLEDGE base of both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art mediums. They must be dedicated to teaching all students about the role of art in American society as well as historically and globally (SOCIAL JUSTICE). A commitment to teaching developmentally appropriate aesthetics, appreciation, criticism, and multiple means of expression and response are paramount (AUTHENTIC LEARNING).   

The program embodies the mission of the National Art Education Association to advance art education through professional development (COLLABORATION), service, advancement of KNOWLEDGE, and LEADERSHIP. We are committed to excellence with a substantive focus that contributes to a quality art education for the children of New York State.

To this end, art teachers who graduate from Oswego State University are able to provide quality instruction resulting in authentic learning in the visual arts, with the research skills and technological abilities to enable growth and development of the field. They meet the needs of diverse student populations as a matter of SOCIAL JUSTICE, and assess student growth and development.  

Graduates REFLECT critically on the National Art Education Standards; have high expectations for all students; and use the standards to set ambitious goals. They understand the range of responses from all students and reflect upon the complex and multi-faceted aspects of teaching. Teachers graduating from this program are creative and imaginative; provide appropriate instructional units (PRACTICE); and regularly seek to refine and improve their teaching.

This degree will qualify a candidate to receive an initial certificate to teach visual arts in all grades in New York State.  For this and all NYSED teaching certificates, passing the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations and meeting other criteria for NYSED teacher certification is also required (see www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/). 

Program requirements are officially described in the current SUNY Oswego Graduate Catalog, which can be obtained by contacting the Graduate Studies Office (315-312-3152, 601 Culkin Hall, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126).

For further information contact Dr. Joyce Smith, Advisement Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction Department, 102 Wilber Hall, SUNY Oswego, Oswego NY 13126, 315-312-4052.