The Art Education Department offers graduate programs for artists who teach or who wish to teach:   a Post-baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program for those preparing to teach and a Master's degree for teachers and other art education professionals who wish to further their work in studio and education.

The Teacher Preparation Program is designed for artists who have a B.F.A. or the equivalent but do not have course work in education. The program prepares students for the Initial License to teach in the public schools. Teacher licensure in Massachusetts requires passing the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). These tests are administered by National Evaluation Systems for the Commonwealth's Department of Education and are separate from the Art Education programs of the college.

The MSAE program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, have a strong studio art background, and are interested in exploring questions in the broad field of visual arts education.  Students are challenged to combine further work in studio, aesthetics, and art history with teaching.

The Initial License is required for acceptance into the MSAE, with the exception of applicants who are not interested in licensure to teach in the public schools K-12. A Master’s degree is part of the second step in the Massachusetts licensure process. Along with three years of teaching experience with the Initial License, it can lead to the Professional License. The Professional License is required five years after beginning to teach with the Initial License. Art education professionals who do not require licensure, such as those who work in museum or community settings, are welcome to apply to the MSAE without an Initial License.