RISD Graduate Degrees / MAT/MA: Teaching + Learning in Art + Design

Teaching + Learning in Art + Design offers an innovative center of inquiry in which graduate students explore, develop and contribute to new practices in art and design teaching within the realm of praxis — in K-12 schools, community arts organizations, art museums, and colleges and universities. At RISD practice-based studies are enhanced through the department's partnerships with public and independent schools, community-based youth arts organizations, the RISD Museum of Art, regional and national art museums, and Brown University's Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning.

Graduate students choose between two degree programs: the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), an intensive, one-year cohort teacher preparation program for artists and designers that culminates in recommendation for K-12 teacher certification in art, and the Master of Arts (MA) in Art + Design, a two-year, practice-based program consisting of one year of full-time study at RISD followed by one year of distance, e-learning thesis research. The MA offers two program tracks: Museum Education for those wishing to become art museum educators, and Community Arts Education for individuals interested in combining artistic practice with teaching in community settings.

current enrollment
graduate students: 22

download more information on this program

visit risd admissions

MAT/MA: Teaching + Learning in Art + Design download wallpaper
1024 x 768
1280 x 800
1440 x 900

Do I need a degree in studio art to get into RISD's MAT program?

Yes, we require that applicants demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a fine art or design studio discipline as evidenced through the successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Will an MAT from RISD qualify me to teach in public schools nationwide?

RISD's MAT program is approved by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and, as a result of the Interstate Compact, has reciprocity in at least 44 other states. Please note, however, that while RISD recommends MAT graduates for certification or licensure, the award of teacher certification is determined by individual states — each of which has its own specific requirements.
What is the difference between RISD's MAT program and the Community Arts Education track in the MA program?

The essential difference is that the MAT program leads to teacher certification for individuals who wish to teach in K-12 schools that require certification. The MA Community Arts Education track does not lead to teacher certification and is designed for teaching artists who wish to work outside the formal structure of schools — in settings such as cultural organizations, community arts centers and artist's residencies in collaboration with schools.
Will an MAT or MA qualify me to teach at a college or university?

Unfortunately, no. In the vast majority of cases, you really need an MFA or other terminal degree in architecture or design to teach at the college level.
If my application makes it through the initial screening and I am invited to campus for an interview, can I do this by phone instead?

Again, no. We believe strongly that a face-to face meeting not only provides us with an opportunity to really get to know you, but more importantly, it provides you with an invaluable opportunity to get to know the program. For this reason we require an on-campus interview with each candidate who is invited to continue the application process.
Can you help me get a job after graduation?

An essential feature of RISD's Teaching + Learning in Art + Design program is our faculty's involvement in all stages of your future job search. We take particular pride in this relationship, which has led to an extremely high placement rate for our graduates.

link to general questions on Graduate Studies at RISD

download more information on this program