What distinguishes Adelphi’s program from other art education degrees?
Our program is unique in that we maintain a dual emphasis on artistic studio practice with the development of contemporary teaching approaches. Adelphi University provides students an ideal balance of university resources and a small school experience. Our campus is a beautiful arboretum with a spacious arts studios, warm advisement resources, and impressive library collections. Our experienced faculty from both Arts and Sciences and the School of Education come from top programs in Art and Education and work one-on-one with students around every aspect of fine art teaching. Further, students can pursue service learning projects within school art programs and museum education, exhibition opportunities, experience in art research, and an intensive model student teaching program (for exemplary candidates to receive additional mentorship and intensive training).
How long does the program take?
Most students take two years of Fall and Spring study. However, our program is flexible so that students can work during the day, take summer, weekend, or intersession courses, and/or pursue part-time study.
What times and days are most classes?
Nearly all the courses are offered once per week on weekdays, from 4:30-6:20 or from 6:30-8:20. Some elective courses are also offered over summers, weekends, and intersession times between semesters as well. You can search course descriptions and times on our website.
What grade or age level will I be licensed to teach when I graduate?
Successful completion of our program leads to Visual Art certification for all grades: from kindergarten through high school. Students pursue fieldwork and student teaching experience with art instruction for younger students (elementary) as well as adolescence (secondary – middle and high school).
What are the observation hours or fieldwork hours?
Adelphi University students undertake 100 hours of field observation in Visual Arts classrooms in Long Island or NYC while in the masters program. During fieldwork, students learn from an art educator in the field while taking coursework. Fieldwork is a prime opportunity to experience an art lesson or project first-hand. At the same time, the coursework at Adelphi will complement these important hands-on experiences with thoughtful discussions, practice lessonplanning, and art-making. Our fieldwork office and advisors work with students and communities to secure local, high quality sites. We make every effort to ensure students have a meaningful fieldwork experience.
How does student teaching work?
During the final semester of the program, art education students are placed in an elementary and secondary school for student teaching. During this time, students are mentored by their cooperating teachers and university supervisor. Students spend the full day in their school placements, taking on curriculum planning and teaching, while supported by experienced educators. This experience is enhanced by weekly discussion seminars with experienced faculty around relevant topics such as curriculum planning, technology training, classroom management, career development, and other aspects of contemporary art instruction. In addition, student teaching opportunities abroad are also available.
What are job prospects for art education students?
While in the program, many of our students choose to work, as we have flexible class times. Some students work in campus positions or assistantships, while others work off-campus. Additionally, we offer career services resources and assistance from advisors in creating a teaching portfolio and locating summer positions, internships, placements, and full-time jobs during and after the program. Traditionally our alumae obtain a range of positions in New York and beyond within public schools, private schools, museums, camps, community programs, colleges, and a variety of other art education settings.
What financial aid is offered?
Applicants are advised to file a FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility for loans, assistantships, and other aid. Please contact Financial Services (http://ecampus.adelphi.edu/sfs/howtoapply.php or 516.877.3080) for more information about aid and flexible payment options, and feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.
*These FAQ are for general information purposes and may be subject to change. For information specific to you and your application, please contact: cweida at adelphi.edu or (516) 877.4105.
