Mar 28, 2024  
2009-2010 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2009-2010 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Fine Arts Education, M.A.


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Associate Professor Zwirn, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-4976, Susan.G.Zwirn@hofstra.edu

This program leads to professional certification for teachers who possess initial certification in visual arts all grades or provisional certification art K-12. It provides advanced study in the curriculum, pedagogy, and content of the fine arts. The program is in conformity with New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and with the recommendations for teacher preparation by the National Art Education Association.

Admission Requirements



Applications for admission to a master of arts program in the department of curriculum and teaching are made to the Office of  Graduate Admission. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

  1. A completed application form to the master of arts program.
  2. New York state initial certification for teaching visual arts. (Applicants who have provisional certification rather than initial certification should see the appropriate graduate program director for program alternatives.)
  3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in each of two categories:
    1. Overall undergraduate course work;
    2. Course work in the content area in which certification will be sought.
    3. Applicants with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.75 may be accepted provisionally, subject to special conditions.
  4. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  5. Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate course work.
  6. A portfolio of artworks (or photographs thereof), including a drawing, a painting, a sculpture, and one additional submission of the applicant’s choice.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Candidates may wish to apply even if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 24 s.h. of the master of arts program in residence at Hofstra University. No more than 9 s.h. may be transferred into the program. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading toward the master of arts degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 33



Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree but will be included in determining the grade point average.

The major in Fine Arts Education consists of a minimum of 33 semester hours of course work, including each of the following:

Introductory Courses - Semester Hours: 6


Choose one course from the following: Semester Hours: 3


Choose From - Semester Hours: 3


Fine Arts Courses - Semester Hours: 6


Electives from the fine arts and/or art history (200-level) (At least 3 s.h. must be completed in studio art)

Electives - Semester Hours: 6


(With advisement) Graduate course work in the fine arts, CT, ELED, FDED, LYST, MHAE, RES, SED, or SPED recommended.

Capstone Activity - Semester Hours: 3


Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of the 33 s.h. course requirement in the master of arts program with no fewer than 24 s.h. in residence.
  2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
  3. Satisfactory completion of a departmental-approved curriculum project.
  4. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

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