Online M.A. in Teaching - Fine Arts

At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:

• Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
• Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
• Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

• Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
• Participate in and guide online discussions.
• Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
• Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.

Master of Arts in Teaching - Fine Arts from the College of Fine Arts.

All courses at the University of Utah, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members.

We expect online MAT-FA candidates to have a commitment to the demands of graduate study and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A bachelor's degree in a specific art form
• A state arts endorsement in theater, dance, visual arts, film or music
• A cognate education degree suitable to the study of arts teaching
• Commensurate arts teaching experience

To earn a master's in teaching fine arts degree, you must complete 30 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in fine arts education. This includes two 12-day summer intensives on the University of Utah's main campus (one in the first year and then another in the second year), along with online assignments that must be completed before or after the on-campus sessions, and several teaching practicums. Additionally, you'll take online classes during the fall and spring semesters over the course of two academic years.

The summer intensives offer an opportunity to collaborate with peers and contribute to the broader vision of arts education. These sessions focus on arts teaching methods and feature seminars with local, national, and internationally recognized educators. You also participate in team teaching experiences on campus and within the community.

The online MAT-FA curriculum includes three arts teaching practicums, where you apply teaching theory in real-world settings. These practicums are conducted in partnership with local and national communities, including art and community centers, or even in your own dance studio.

view program curriculum & requirements

download the mat-fa student handbook (PDF)

The current tuition rate for the online MAT-FA is $667 per credit, but tuition is subject to change. Changes typically occur in the summer but can happen at any time. Review the MAT-FA tuition chart (PDF) or find out your estimated tuition.

Tuition does not include additional fees such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program.

Learn more about UOnline cost and financial assistance, and explore graduate student grant and award opportunities.

Note: This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

As part of your master’s in art education online application, you must submit the following materials:

• Online application
• Statement of Purpose: Describe your background, interests and goals in the study of arts education.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae: List your educational background and experience.
• Letter of recommendation: One letter is required, but you have the option to submit a second letter. 
• Arts Teaching Portfolio that must include:
• Three lesson plans that focus on work in the traditional classroom and alongside community organizations/participants accepted
• One five-to-eight-minute long arts teaching video
• Images of youth work and/or performances conducted alongside various community members
• Optional: Additional creative work
• Current background check: Submit documentation of a cleared background check.

The Arts Education Committee will interview top applicants prior to admittance. Any applicant must be recommended by the Arts Education Committee and approved by the Graduate School at the University of Utah.