TLAD 4 + 1 Degree Option
Teaching + Learning in Art + Design’s 4+1 degree option lets current RISD undergraduate students combine your bachelor’s degree with either our Master of Arts in Art and Design Education or Master of Arts in Teaching degree. See below for more information, including how to apply.
Through the 4+1 option, current RISD undergraduate students are eligible to apply for an expedited TLAD master’s program. The 4+1 enables focused and committed undergraduate students to combine any RISD bachelor’s degree with either a Master of Arts (MA) in Art and Design Education or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).
TLAD’s one-year accelerated MA and MAT programs help you to connect your current creative practice with a new personal teaching practice in traditional PK–12 art classrooms, museums, nonprofits, and community spaces. These hands-on degree programs are designed for students who are serious about being art educators in your communities. They require dedication and organization, especially during your final year.
Enrolling in the 4+1 degree option offers many benefits, including a continuance of RISD institutional financial aid for the additional year, and invitations to TLAD class sessions and community events upon acceptance. Additionally, the application process is at no cost and is conveniently streamlined.
Please note that you must be a US citizen or permanent resident to apply for the MAT program. For students in the five-year Architecture bachelor’s program, as well as those enrolled in the five-year Brown|RISD Dual Degree program, you would complete your MAT or MA in Art and Design Education during a sixth year at RISD.
Declaring the 4+1 degree option
In order to receive your undergraduate benefits, you must declare your intent to apply for our TLAD programs for your graduate year.*
You can declare your intent to pursue the 4+1 option during your sophomore, junior, or senior year. To declare, follow the instructions below.
* Declaration does not guarantee you will be accepted to enroll in the 4+1 option. For consideration, you must apply to a TLAD graduate degree program (MA or MAT) during your final undergraduate year, per the process outlined by Admissions (see “Application requirements” below).
What you need to do to declare the 4+1 option
- Complete the declaration form during your sophomore, junior, or senior year.
- Speak with your advisor and/or the department head of your degree program.
- Attend a 4+1 Info session, and meet with TLAD Graduate Program Director Caitlin Black.
- During your final undergraduate year, apply to your chosen TLAD graduate degree program (see eligibility note above) per the application process outlined below.
What you will receive after declaring your intent to apply for the 4+1
- Invitations to TLAD class sessions and community events
- Priority registration in TLAD electives while you are enrolled in your undergraduate degree program
- Information on teaching opportunities at RISD and in the local community
What to keep in mind after declaring the 4+1
- Keep your grades at or above the required minimums of an overall 3.0 gpa and a 3.0 gpa across all studio courses.
- Check your email for information from TLAD about department courses, events, and teaching opportunities.
- Check out TLAD electives.
- Come to TLAD events.
- Stay in communication with any questions, concerns, or changes to your undergraduate degree program and/or graduation date.
Application requirements
Only current RISD undergraduate students may apply for our 4+1 degree option. To apply, reach out directly to Admissions at admissions@risd.edu.
See below for more information about what you will need for your application.
Application fee
The 4+1 option is only available to current RISD students, for whom the application fee is waived. Email admissions@risd.edu to coordinate.
References
For your references, you must provide the names and email addresses of three RISD faculty members. You do not need to request full letters of recommendation.
Transcript
When you apply, you can submit your unofficial transcript. Your official transcript will be automatically imported after you secure your undergraduate degree.
Portfolio
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Your portfolio should consist of 20 images exhibiting the depth and breadth of your studio experience. Ten images should represent work that reflects your investigations within a single medium. Seven images should represent your confidence in handling a variety of media. Three images need to be samples of drawings.
Master of Arts in Art and Design Education (MA): Submit a portfolio of 20 images that most clearly represent your creative practice as an artist or designer.
Use SlideRoom to submit your graduate portfolio .
Statement of purpose
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Submit a statement (500–700 words) describing why you desire to become a K-12 art educator and to enter the TLAD MAT program specifically. Please be sure to address the following questions within your statement:
- Describe an aspect of your background or life experience that defines who you are and how this has influenced your choice to become an art educator.
- Why do you want to attend the TLAD MAT program at RISD specifically?
- How do you imagine your academic studio and work experiences will contribute to your practice as an art educator in the classroom and your success in graduate school?
- What, in your opinion, is the purpose of art education in K-12 schools?
Master of Arts in Art and Design Education (MA): Submit a written statement (500–750 words) describing your interest in art and design education and your desire to enter the TLAD MA program specifically. Please be sure to address the following questions within your statement:
- Describe an aspect of your background or life experience that defines who you are and how this has influenced your choice to become an art educator.
- Why do you want to attend the TLAD MA program at RISD specifically (especially as opposed to an MFA program)?
- What are your specific interests related to art and design education, and how would these contribute to the thesis research you would complete within the program?
- Our MA program is unique in that students customize a program of study. How would you customize your MA program to maximize the resources of RISD, Brown, and Providence, and that would support your potential research interests at the same time?
- How do you imagine the MA will support your future goals and interests after graduation (i.e., where do you see yourself in the future and how will this MA help)?
International students
If you are an International student, the English proficiency requirement will be waived. Email admissions@risd.edu to coordinate.
Please note that you must be a US citizen or permanent resident to apply for the MAT program.