Art Education, MAT
Why Pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Art Education?
Art has the power to transform lives. Whether it's painting, sculpture, graphic design, or any other medium, art fosters creativity, expression, and personal growth—and you already know its profound impact. If you’re eager to share that knowledge and passion with others, Piedmont University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Art Education is designed for you.
This program is tailored for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in studio art and wish to become certified art teachers in Georgia. Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, this graduate program offers flexibility for those who may want to continue working while pursuing their teaching certification.
The MAT in Art Education combines comprehensive coursework with hands-on internships, providing real-world teaching experience. If you're not currently employed in an accredited art teaching role, your internship must take place in an accredited school during regular school hours.
How a Piedmont Art Education MAT Degree Benefits You
- Achieve Georgia Teaching Certification – Gain the credentials needed to teach art in both public and private schools across the state.
- Expand Your Expertise – Deepen your understanding of studio art while learning effective methods for teaching these skills to students.
- Flexible Learning Options – Pursue your master’s degree in a format that fits your schedule, allowing you to balance work, life, and study.
- Broaden Career Opportunities – Open doors to PK-12 teaching positions in both public and private schools throughout Georgia by earning your initial teaching certification in art education.
Career Opportunities
An arts education master of arts in teaching degree from Piedmont opens doors to a wide range of professional pursuits.
A Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Art Education prepares educators to design engaging, standards-based curricula and foster creative expression in students—key for a career in Public Schools. This advanced training also supports classroom management, assessment strategies, and advocacy for the arts within diverse educational environments.
A Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Art Education equips educators with advanced instructional strategies, curriculum development skills, and a deep understanding of visual arts—making it ideal for teaching in Private Schools. This foundation also supports personalized learning approaches and integration of the arts into broader academic goals.
A Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Art Education prepares professionals to design and lead educational programs, workshops, and interactive exhibits in museums. This background fosters the ability to engage diverse audiences, interpret artwork effectively, and promote lifelong learning through the arts.
A Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Art Education provides the skills to develop inclusive, engaging art programs for all ages—making it ideal for work in an Art Community Center. This foundation supports creative outreach, workshop facilitation, and community engagement through the visual arts.
More About Art Education
Learn more about Art Education and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Piedmont University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Art Education is designed to lead to initial certification in the state of Georgia. This 46-credit hour program is specifically tailored for candidates who hold a BA or BFA in Art and wish to teach in a PK-12 setting.
The program combines online and face-to-face instruction, offering flexibility for working professionals. Students benefit from personalized attention and support from dedicated faculty members, as well as unique opportunities to engage with Piedmont’s college museum, summer studio courses, and weekend workshops—all of which distinguish our art education program from others in Georgia.
As part of the MAT program, students will participate in two studio-based summer courses, held over two weeks each summer. These immersive, hands-on experiences not only reinforce the importance of teaching art but also encourage students to continue creating art alongside their teaching practice.
This program is available only on the Demorest campus and is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for initial teacher certification.
NOTE: Candidates from other states may be eligible for certification under the Interstate Certification Compact.
Piedmont art instructors are aided by an inspirational backdrop. For instance, the Smith Williams Art Studios house dedicated spaces in ceramics, drawing, digital fabrication, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Meanwhile, the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art houses a permanent collection and holds exhibitions bringing artists from around the world to Piedmont University. And when you are a Lion, you will be able to make use of those facilities on a regular basis.
Piedmont’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education (MAT) is designed for those who hold a BA or BFA degree in art. The program’s coursework and requisite clinical experiences will make you eligible for state certification as an art educator. You may be eligible to receive experiential credit for Internship I, but Internship II and Internship III must be completed at Piedmont. Additionally, candidates must apply for and be admitted to teacher education and pass the Georgia’s certification assessment in the content area of art education prior to Internship III.
Eligibility for application requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university. This degree program leads to initial certification.
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from the college or university awarding the Bachelor’s degree showing all course work from all colleges and universities attended. (Piedmont University transcripts are on file.)
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague.
- This degree leads to an initial Georgia Teaching Certificate.
- For Art Education, the art department chair must approve a portfolio of past work and a philosophy of teaching before acceptance
- Personal Affirmation Form
Related Programs
Intrigued by a master of arts in teaching arts education degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Art Education.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming an Art Education student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Secondary Education.