In South Carolina, art education is considered a critical subject and an area of need. The Lander MAT degree targets exceptional art students who aspire to be art teachers in K-12 settings. The degree is designed for the practical preparation of qualified individuals seeking initial teaching certification in art. Candidates must have a B.A. or BFA degree in Visual Art to be eligible for the program.
Lander University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Why our MAT?
- Accelerated 18-month path toward professional K-12 certification in art
- Graduate degree program including studio, art history and education coursework
- Small classes with one-on-one faculty support
- Supported K–12 classroom experiences
- Affordable tuition
- Eligible for South Carolina Teacher Loans up to $7,500 per year
- Online coursework to accommodate current careers
- Final exhibition of the candidate’s and students' creative work
Program Highlights
- Earn K-12 teacher certification for Art in SC
- Take advantage of the rising demand for art teachers in SC - Art is a "Critical Needs" area in SC
- Develop as an artist AND a teacher
- Take graduate level courses in Art Education, Graduate Art History, and Graduate Art Studio
- Showcase your original artwork in a final MAT Exhibition
- Enter the workforce with an advanced salary
- Learn from the BEST! The greater Greenwood community of art educators is accomplished, encouraging, and close-knit
- Numerous MAT alumni are SC Art Educators Association award winners
Admission Requirements
There are three major steps in the process of degree attainment for the MAT degree program: admission to MAT program, admission to Clinical Practice, and Program Completion.
1. Admission to the MAT Program
Students seeking admission to the MAT program must
- have earned a BA or BFA in visual art from an accredited college or university,
or - be in the process of completing a BA or a BFA degree from Lander University,
and - provide a portfolio of 20 images of cohesive work and an artist statement.
Current Lander University BA or BFA students may be admitted to the MAT degree program (600 level coursework) as early as their senior year of study.
Students wishing to begin MAT coursework in their senior year must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and meet all requirements for taking graduate coursework with senior standing.
2. Admission to Clinical Practice
Admission to Clinical Practice requires:
- Application to the South Carolina Department of Education for certification which requires fingerprint and background check approval;
- Application to the Department of Teacher Education for admission to Clinical Practice;
- Acceptance during the semester prior to the student teaching experience;
- Completion of specified courses in the MAT program of studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Two grades of “C” in any graduate courses preclude continuation in the program. Any grade lower than a “C” must be replaced by retaking the course with a grade of “B” or better before advancing to the next course in the program of studies. Failure to earn a replacement grade of “B” or better means discontinuation in the program
- Completion of 100 hours of field experience including a two-week placement at a single site; and
- Favorable recommendation by the MAT Art Education Faculty and by the Dean of the College of Education.
3. Program Completion
To complete requirements for the MAT degree program, teacher candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate work, successfully complete student teaching, and demonstrate competence with the four learner outcomes of the unit’s conceptual framework as evidenced by observed teaching and compilation of a Professional Education Portfolio.
Program completion requirements include:
- MAT Final Exhibition
- Successful presentation and summative defense evaluated by professionals in the fields of art, art education and education.
- All coursework for the Master of Arts in Teaching must be completed within a period of 6 years.
For more information about the program or assistance with the application procedure, please submit a Request for Information.