Curriculum

Students who prefer part-time study will take fewer online classes during the year and participate in a third Summer Residency.

This cohort-based program allows students to learn together. This model creates a bond between students, as well as a sense of community. Our hope is that our students will continue to stay in touch, and even collaborate, after the program, both personally and professionally.

To view the M.A. in Studio Practice for Art Educators (Hybrid) program courses, visit the Course Description page.

*Please note that Teachers College uses the word “point” to reference what may be more commonly known as a “credit.”

Curriculum Features

Some of the courses that you’ll take during the residency will be more theoretical, but that doesn’t mean they are separate from studio practice. Studio practice in contemporary art is not always materials-based; it is often very conceptual and idea-driven. It’s about the relationship between people and people interacting with each other.

Dr. Olga Hubard, Director and Associate Professor of Art and Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

The program supports your development as a studio artist and equips you with the tools needed to continue to effectively teach the next generation of artists across the globe. Graduates who already hold NYS initial certification and who meet other requirements for professional certification may use this master’s degree to apply for professional certification on their own. Out-of-state applicants should check with their Department of Education.

Highlights of the M.A. in Studio Practice for Art Educators (Hybrid) curriculum include:

• Coursework that combines studio practice with theoretical and pedagogical thinking
• A model for teaching art online
• A capstone exhibition project at the Macy Art Gallery located on the Teachers College campus, featuring a selection of your artwork completed in the program
• A student-centered approach to learning, giving you opportunities to tailor your studio work to align with your personal interests and goals
• Immersive six-week Summer Residencies in New York City

Read more about our Summer Residency

Teachers College Studio Spaces

During the immersive Summer Residencies, students will have access to the historic Teachers College studio space. These studio spaces date back to the early 1900s. The ample and timeless spaces are fully equipped with the modern technology and amenities our students need to do their best work.

The Teachers College studio spaces include:

• Painting and Drawing studio
• Sculpture studio
• Photography and Video studio
• Makerspace
• Printmaking studio
• Ceramics studio

Coursework Basics: Online and On Campus

Students in the M.A. in Studio Practice for Art Educators (Hybrid) combine online coursework in the early Summer sessions and academic year (Fall and Spring) followed by Summer Residencies in late summer.

The program is a cohort, and students begin the program in the first Summer session. Summer A features an online course taken at the beginning of the Summer. Summer B is on campus (Summer Residency) and directly follows Summer A.

Students choose from the following studio courses: drawing, new media, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, or video.

Full-time students can finish in as little as 14 months. The expected duration for part-time students is 28 months.

Students must take the following courses in the semesters indicated:

Full-Time

Summer A (Year 1) (3 credits online)

• A&HA 4040 Studio Practice and Seminar for Artist-Educators (3)

Summer B (Year 1) (7 credits at TC)

• A&HA XXXX Studio (3)
• A&H 4043 Exploring Teacher/Practitioner Life Stories Through the Arts (3)
• A&HA 4902 Research and Independent Study (1)

Fall (Year 1) (6 credits online)

• A&HA 5063 Advanced Studio (3)
• A&HA 5086 Art in Visual Culture (3)

Spring (Year 1) (6 credits online)

• A&HA 5063 Advanced Studio (3)
• A&HA 5045 Professional Practice for Artists (3)

Summer A (Year 2) (3 credits online)

• A&HA 4041 Studio Practice and Seminar for Artist-Educators 2 (3)

Summer B (Year 2) (7 credits on campus)

• A&HA XXXX Studio (3)
• A&HF 4092 Education and the Aesthetic Experience (3)
• A&HA 4902 Research and Independent Study (1)
• A&HA 6999 Presentation Rating (0)

Part-Time:

Students completing the degree part-time must complete all courses required of full time students. Students will work with an advisor to plan a course schedule that meets all requirements. Listed below is a sample path to complete the degree part-time:

Summer A (Year 1) (3 credits online)

• A&HA 4040 Studio Practice and Seminar for Artist-Educators (3)

Summer B (Year 1) (3-7 credits on campus)

• A&HA XXXX Studio (3)
• A&HA 4902 Research and Independent Study (1)

Fall (Year 1) (3-6 credits online)

• A&HA 5063 Advanced Studio (3)

Spring (Year 1) (3-6 credits online)

• A&HA 5063 Advanced Studio (3)

Summer A (Year 2) (0-3 credits online)

• Nothing

Summer B (Year 2) (3-9 credits on campus)

• A&H 4043 Exploring Teacher/Practitioner Life Stories through the Arts (3)
• A&HA 4902 Research and Independent Study (1)

Fall (Year 2) (3-6 credits online)

• A&HA 5086 Art in Visual Culture (3)

Spring (Year 2) (3-6 credits online)

• A&HA 5045 Professional Practice for Artists (3)

Summer A (Year 3) (0-3 credits online)

• A&HA 4041 Studio Practice and Seminar for Artist Educators (2)

Summer B (Year 3) (3-6 credits on campus)
Choose from the following:

• A&HA XXXX Studio (3)
• A&HF 4092 Education and the Aesthetic Experience (3)
• A&HA 6999 Presentation Rating (0)

Course Descriptions

Capstone Project

At the end of the program, each student creates their own Capstone Project, which is a selection of the student’s work from their time at Teachers College and an accompanying artist statement. Our students then get to see their work displayed as part of an exhibition at the Macy Art Gallery located on the Teachers College campus.

Coursework Requirements and Course Descriptions

Coursework Requirements

Students are required to complete 32 points to graduate from the M.A. in Studio Practice for Art Educators (Hybrid). The courses in the program combine studio art with discussions of art work and review of work done by other artists. Students are required to devote six hours per week of studio time outside of class meeting hours for each three-point course. Students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout the program.

Advisement

We strongly recommend that admitted students connect with their academic advisor soon after admission and stay connected throughout the program. This helps students plan their coursework and ensures they get the most out of their M.A. in Studio Practice for Art Educators (Hybrid) education.