IS A DEGREE IN STUDIO A PREREQUISITE FOR ENTRY TO RISD’S MAT PROGRAM?
Yes, we require that applicants demonstrate a high level of proficiency in studio (fine art or design) as evidenced through the successful completion of at least an undergraduate degree program in a studio major. The preferred degree is a BFA, but we also consider applicants with BA degrees in studio disciplines.

IF I SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE RISD’S MAT PROGRAM WILL THIS QUALIFY ME TO TEACH IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS THE NATION?
A good and very important question. RISD’s MAT program is a Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-approved teacher preparation program and, as a result of the Interstate Compact, has reciprocity in at least 44 other states. It is, however, important for applicants to understand that while RISD awards the MAT degree and recommends its graduates for certification or licensure, the award of teacher certification is determined by individual states — each of which has its own specific requirements. So, in addition to a candidate having successfully completed an approved teacher preparation program such as ours, candidates must pass any test(s) of teacher knowledge designated by a specific state. An essential feature of RISD’s program is the involvement of Art + Design Education faculty throughout all stages of your future job search. The faculty takes particular pride in this relationship, which has led to an extremely high placement rate for our graduates.

WHAT WILL MAKE MY APPLICATION COMPETITIVE IF I WISH TO APPLY FOR THE MA IN ART + DESIGN EDUCATION TRACK IN MUSEUM EDUCATION?
A competitive applicant for a program of study in museum education will have a strong record of academic achievement, which is likely to include a degree in art history or studio art combined with art history. The applicant may also have (but it is not required to have) some prior art museum experience, perhaps as an intern or a volunteer, and should possess excellent communication skills.

I AM THINKING OF APPLYING TO THE MA IN ART + DESIGN EDUCATION TRACK IN COMMUNITY ARTS EDUCATION, BUT WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS PROGRAM AND THE MAT PROGRAM?
Both degree programs are concerned with the development of a pedagogy for art teaching and learning among children and youth. The essential difference is that RISD’s MAT program is a teacher preparation program that leads to teacher certification for individuals who wish to teach in K—12 schools where certification is required. Candidates for the MA Community Arts Education track view themselves as teaching artists who wish to work outside the formal structure of schools Ñ in settings such as cultural organizations, community arts centers, out-of-school time programs and artist’s residency programs in collaboration with schools. The MA in Art + Design Education does not lead to teacher certification.

I AM PRIMARILY INTERESTED IN TEACHING AT A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY. WOULD AN MAT OR MA QUALIFY ME FOR SUCH A TEACHING POSITION?
In the vast majority of cases the answer to this question is no. In our professional opinion, students who wish to teach studio art/design at the college level ought to apply to MFA programs or terminal degree programs in design or architecture. These degrees are generally considered to be the prerequisite qualifications for collegiate teaching.

IN THE INFORMATION YOU DISSEMINATE ABOUT RISD’S MA AND MAT PROGRAMS, YOU INDICATE THAT SELECTED APPLICANTS ARE INVITED TO CAMPUS FOR A MANDATORY INTERVIEW. IF I AM INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW, IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO THIS BY PHONE?
Unfortunately, no. The Department of Art + Design Education believes that a face-to face meeting with candidates 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 an on-campus interview is required for each candidate who is invited to continue the application process.