The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Art Education is a graduate program designed for individuals with prior education in the visual arts who are interested in the profession of art education. This includes studio art majors from 4-year higher education institutions, community college art students in related art programs who are planning to complete a BFA in art, artists who want to share their skills, knowledge and experience, career changers, and early retirement professionals. We are most interested in serving students whose passion for the visual arts as well as teaching children and youth is based on a solid background of skills, knowledge and experience. This requires a BFA or equivalent.
Working closely with metropolitan Washington DC area public school systems to meet the growing need for certified visual art teachers, the 30 credit MAT in Art Education Program at George Mason University provides professional training for artist/teachers through a studio-based approach that focuses on art content and skills, knowledge of students, curriculum development and instruction, assessment and professionalism in art education.
Admission to the MAT in Art Education Program is competitive, so we encourage you to plan carefully, read through the questions below and follow the recommendations on the MAT website before you submit your application.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The next deadline for admission to the MAT in Art Education Program for Spring 2009 is October 15, 2008 and for Fall 2009 is March 15, 2009. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you are interested in enrolling in Post-Bac Art Education courses as a Non Degree Student, please send in your MAT Inquiry Form and contact Mary Del Popolo, Art Education Advisor.
Interested in teaching art? Start Here:
1. Visit the MAT in Art Education website: arteducation.gmu.edu
2. Attend a "Think You Want to Be a Teacher?" Program Information Session to meet with the Art Education Advisor and learn more about the MAT Program
TRACK I:
Pre-BFA or BFA Student
TRACK II: Post BFA
Additional MAT Questions
TRACK I:
Pre-BFA
1. I am a first semester freshman in the AVT department and I’m interested in the MAT program. How do I get started in my eventual goal to be art teacher?
Our MAT program is for artists who want to teach—so the first step is to take a strong undergraduate program with sufficient coursework in studio art and art history. By following the recommended BFA curriculum for prospective MAT applicants (which you can find in the Mason catalog or obtain a paper copy from your advisor), you’ll be preparing yourself for the future as an artist and a potential art teacher.
BFA Student
2. I am a BFA student who is interested in eventually applying for the MAT program. When can I start taking the art education classes? Since the classes are 300 level, do I have to wait until I am a junior?
When you are a junior you can start taking the undergraduate classes AVT 396, AVT 493 and AVT 494 as well as the EDUC 301 and 302. You can also join the NAEA Student Chapter and be an active member. You will benefit by getting some art teaching experience as a volunteer in summer camp, after-school and community programs.
3. Since I want to eventually teach art, what concentration should I select? Is there an art education concentration?
There is no specific art education concentration. You can chose any of AVT’s undergraduate concentrations and successfully prepare yourself to teach. It is important to include a variety of studio disciplines in your undergraduate curriculum, so be sure to choose your electives and breadth/experience classes carefully to take a variety of 2D and 3D media.
4. I have an appointment with my art education advisor. How should I prepare for this meeting? What should I bring?
On your first appointment, you should bring a copy of your unofficial transcripts.
5. I’m completing my BFA at another school, not Mason. Will I be eligible for acceptance into the MAT program?
Students completing an art degree at a regionally accredited college or university are eligible to apply to the MAT. Depending on the specific courses in your undergraduate program, we may suggest that you take one or more undergraduate courses to round out your pre-professional knowledge or your studio experience before starting your graduate courses. When you are ready to apply for the MAT—or even earlier—our art education advisor will be happy to review your transcript.
TRACK II:
Post BFA
6. I am a Non-degree student and I’m planning to apply to the MAT Program. How many courses can I take before applying to the program? You can take the 5 pre-professional “Post-Bac” courses that are prerequisites toward the MAT.
7. I want to apply to the MAT Program. What is the first step I should take in this process? Can I make an appointment to meet with an advisor to discuss my plans? The first step is to download, complete and email the MAT Inquiry Form on the MAT website to Mary Del Popolo, the Art Education Advisor who will contact you to discuss your goals. You can also start by enrolling in the 5 pre-professional courses while preparing to apply to the program.
8. What are the ways I can apply for the MAT?
Please use the on-line application from Admissions: http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/
9. I am in the process of applying to the MAT Program. Where do I send my application packet?
Please send your COMPLETE application to Admissions. Do I send my portfolio along with the application packet? Yes, send your
- portfolio in the form of a CD
- letter of intent
- resume
- official transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation (preferably from teachers who have had you as a student).
10. I just finished taking the Praxis I. Where and to whom do I send the scores?
Your scores should be sent directly to George Mason University by the Educational Testing Service. On the day of the test, you can specify up to three schools to receive your scores. If you took the test within the last 10 years, you can click here to request your scores be sent to Mason. George Mason University’s recipient code is RA5827. Praxis I: reading, Writing and Math is a required assessment for entry into Virginia Teacher Preparation Program. Certain scores on college-entrance SAT® tests may substitute for the Praxis I test required for entry into Virginia teacher preparation program. For SAT® tests taken after April 1, 1995, the required scores are 1100 total, with at least 530 verbal and 530 mathematics. For SAT® tests taken prior to April 1, 1995, the required scores are 1000 total, with at least 450 verbal and 510 mathematics.
11. What type of work should be included in the portfolio requirement for the MAT program?
Your portfolio should include examples that reflect the breadth and depth of your art experience with a heavy emphasis on 2-D work, especially drawing and painting as well as 3-D work.
12. After all MAT applications are reviewed, fully-qualified applicants will be invited to an interview session that includes portfolio review and a short written response to two questions. What else should I bring for the interview?
Your portfolio of actual artwork. See #11. Your sketchbooks and visual idea/process journals are also welcome. Please also bring proof of your Praxis I scores.
13. I see that there are art education undergraduate prerequisites classes toward the MAT. Is it mandatory to take these classes before applying for the MAT?
You may enroll in the prerequisites classes prior to applying for the MAT as a Non-Degree student or as co-requisites once admitted to the MAT program.
14. How do I enroll in undergraduate courses taken as a Graduate Student?
If you are accepted as a MAT graduate student, you may take these classes in your first year as a graduate student. When registering for these classes as a graduate student, you must do so in person and supply the registrar with a letter from the Art Education Advisor explaining that these courses are a part of the MAT Program.
15. How do I register using Patriot Web?
Once you apply to the University, you will be given a G# that you will use to gain access to Patriot Web, where you can access your personal, registration, class schedule, financial aid and grade information. For a brief tutorial on registration, click here http://registrar.gmu.edu/students/registration/patriotweb.html
More FAQ About the MAT in Art Education Program
1. When does the MAT in Art Education program begin?
Fall term is late August thru early December; Spring term is late January thru early May. For more detailed schedule information, please refer to the George Mason University academic calendars. At this time, MAT courses are not offered during the summer sessions but you may be able to take post-Bac studio and/or education courses offered in the summer.
2. How competitive is your program to get in?
Since we receive many more applications than we can accept, the process for acceptance is competitive. Download the MAT Course Schematic, Admissions Requirements and MAT Tracks at Mason to get started.
3. Can students work full-time while enrolled in the MAT program?
Since the MAT is an intensive professional program, working full-time is not recommended. During the final semester of Student Teaching Internship, student teachers should not work outside of the full-time internship and seminar experience.
4. Where are classes held?
Classes are held on our Fairfax, Virginia campus with some meetings in area public schools. Please visit http://www.gmu.edu/fairfax/ for full information about George Mason campuses, directions and maps.
Transportation information is available at http://www.gmu.edu/vcenter
5. What type of class schedule can be expected?
Since the first course AVT 396 Introduction to Art Teaching and Learning frequently convenes at area public schools, it is scheduled to meet from 8:30-noon, one day per week. Most MAT classes meet once per week for two hours and 40 minutes. Although most graduate classes at Mason are scheduled during 4:30 – 7:10 pm, some courses have practicum requirements for observations in the public schools during the normal school day.
6. Can I take courses if I'm not in the program?
Yes. As a Non-degree student, you may take the Post-Baccalaureate/ undergraduate courses that are required for the MAT, and any undergraduate studio, art history or theory courses recommended by the art education advisor. Please keep in mind that you must be accepted in the MAT Program before you can take the graduate level 500 and 600 level courses. Registration in courses as a non-degree student is on a space available basis.
7. Where can I learn more about Virginia Teacher Licensure Requirements?
Go to the Graduate School of Education’s website for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Virginia Teacher Licensure Requirements http://gse.gmu.edu/licensure/faqs.htm
8. Are there special requirements and provisions for international students?
There is a great deal of information available for international students on the George Mason University admissions website. Please see the international student pages for TOEFL score requirements, VISA information, application deadlines and special needs if required. International students must be enrolled in degree programs.
Diversity in its many forms is an important goal at Mason and a vital part of the MAT program goals. George Mason University actively upholds EEO and Affirmative Action policy in its hiring and admission processes. It is also well respected as a campus that values international student diversity.
9. What about Financial Aid?
George Mason University offers limited scholarship help and has a full range of independent scholarships, financial aid programs, and grant information. You must be a full time MAT student to receive Financial Aid in the form of student loans. Please refer to the George Mason University Office of Student Financial Aid website. Part-time work-study opportunities may be available for qualified students.
10. Is campus housing available?
Yes, there are a variety of housing options available at George Mason University.
* For information about campus housing, visit the George Mason University Office of Housing and Residence Life.
* For information about off-campus housing, visit the George Mason University Off-Campus Housing Service.
|
