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Education

Art Education

License-only: On Campus PreK-8 or 5-12 Initial Licensure Program

Earn a license to teach visual art in PreK-12 schools.

Do you picture yourself teaching art to students in a public school? If you have a Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, or have taken 18 credits of studio art for your undergraduate degree, completing this program will provide you with the license you need. Building on your knowledge of art and art history, the coursework will help you develop the skills to create a vibrant classroom where you can guide students to expand their artistic and educational horizons.

Study the fundamentals of visual art, arts and human development, equity and access to education through the arts, and more. Work with our faculty to co-create new approaches to teaching and learning. You'll expand your own skills and ideas, and through self-reflection and examination of multiple perspectives, you'll emerge as an effective and compassionate educator.

You'll also put new knowledge to use in a student teaching experience that will ground you in teaching within other contexts.

Upon completion, you’ll have an educator license from New England's premier university for teacher preparation, knowing you have what you need to land the career you're passionate about. That's because employers in Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, saying that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. 

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

25 Credits
Gain skills and expertise
Our art education program prepares you to:
Maureen Creegan-Quinquis headshot
Arts in Education
Maureen Creegan-Quinquis
Maureen is director of the Art Education, Integrated Teaching through the Arts, and Arts, Community, and Education programs, and the chair of the STEAM department (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). She is a working, exhibiting artist. She is also the co-author of Strategies to Integrate the Arts in Social Studies. Her work concentrates on visual arts education and creativity.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:

$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Arts in Education Programs

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this license-only program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Art Education
  • Tuition
    $925/credit x 25
    $23,125
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $625
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.