By Jana Cunningham, communications specialist, University Marketing & Communications
The University of Utah College of Fine Arts is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of its new Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Fine Arts, MAT-FA, program. This two-year, primarily online program includes short on-campus summer residencies and is geared toward teaching artists – licensed or not – seeking a graduate level degree that emphasizes advanced coursework and pedagogy in teaching in and across the arts, including performing arts and visual arts.
“This program is taking shape at a really critical juncture,” said John W. Scheib, dean of the College of Fine Arts whose background is in music education. “We’re consistently learning more about the positive impact of arts experiences on education, and yet we have to work to keep arts funding vibrant. So, we are excited that this program is going to further support and refine the delivery of arts education in our communities.”
Due to the unique low-residency and hybrid structure, the program will provide working arts education professionals teaching in community or school-based settings the opportunity to obtain a master degree in their field of interest and expertise without having to relocate or stop working.
The program will embolden arts educators by providing the skills needed to discover new interdisciplinary knowledge they can use to enhance the quality and access of youth arts programs and curricula. It will also provide them the tools to promote the value of the arts in their communities.
“Arts advocacy is incredibly important both in our public-school spaces and in community settings,” said Anne Dibble, MAT-FA program administrator. “The intention of this program is to improve the ability of educators to act as advocates, as well as to educate the public on the power and intrinsic values associated with arts education.”
Applications for the summer 2018 semester are due by Feb. 1, 2018. For more information on the program, please visit the MAT-FA’s website.