Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) vs. Master of Arts in Education (MAEd): Which Graduate Degree Is Right for You?
Key Insights
- The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) prepares practicing artists to become certified PK-12 visual arts teachers in Maine.
- The Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) is designed for educators, artists, and professionals seeking career advancement without teacher certification.
- The MAT is a full-time, on-campus program with field placements and student teaching, while the MAEd is fully online and asynchronous.
- Students in the MAEd can complete the program while balancing work and personal commitments through full-time or part-time enrollment.
- Both programs emphasize creative learning, community engagement, and educational excellence while supporting different professional goals.
Graduate degrees in education often have similar names, but they can lead to very different career paths. If you're comparing a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), understanding the purpose of each program is one of the most important steps in choosing the right fit.
At Maine College of Art & Design, both graduate programs are rooted in the belief that creativity can transform learning, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for students of all ages. The difference lies in your professional goals. If you want to become a licensed visual arts teacher, the MAT provides the coursework, field experiences, and student teaching required for certification. If you're already working in education or another creative profession and want to deepen your expertise or expand into leadership, the fully online MAEd offers the flexibility to grow without pursuing teacher licensure.
This guide compares the two programs to help you determine which graduate degree best supports your career aspirations.
Understanding the Difference Between an MAT and an MAEd
Although both degrees focus on education, they serve distinct purposes.
A Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for individuals who want to become certified classroom teachers. Coursework combines educational theory with extensive practical experience, culminating in supervised student teaching and teacher certification.
A Master of Arts in Education is intended for professionals who want to strengthen their educational practice, leadership abilities, or community impact without pursuing teacher licensure. Rather than preparing students for certification, the MAEd emphasizes curriculum innovation, inclusive learning environments, leadership, and applied educational practice.
A simple way to distinguish the two programs is to ask yourself one question:
Do you need teacher certification?
If the answer is yes, the MAT is likely the right path. If you're looking to advance your career, expand your expertise, or develop new leadership skills without becoming a licensed teacher, the MAEd may be a better fit.
MAT vs. MAEd at a Glance
While both programs share a commitment to creative, community-centered education, they prepare students for different professional outcomes. Here's a closer look at each degree.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Best For
Practicing artists and creatives who want to become certified art teachers
Program Format
Primarily on-campus in Portland, Maine, with field placements and student teaching experiences
Program Length
10 months (August–May)
Enrollment Option
Full-time only
Credits Required
36 credits
Cost Per Credit
$735
Designed for Working Professionals
Limited due to intensive field requirements and full-time schedule
Teacher Licensure
Leads to Maine PK–12 visual arts teacher certification
Field Placement Internship
Yes
Field Experience Hours
700 hours required
Student Teaching
Required
Field Placement Supervisor
Yes
Learning Modality
Cohort-based, experiential, and immersive
Capstone Experience
Student teaching and professional practices seminar
Focus Areas
Not applicable
Housing Availability
Campus housing available
Ability to Continue Working Full-Time
Generally not recommended
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
Best For
Educators, artists, and professionals who want to deepen their practice, expand leadership skills, or advance into new roles
Program Format
Fully online and asynchronous, allowing students to learn from anywhere
Program Length
Full-time: 10 months; Part-time: 10–18 months
Enrollment Option
Full-time or part-time
Credits Required
30 credits
Cost Per Credit
$720
Designed for Working Professionals
Yes — courses are designed for students balancing careers, family, and other commitments
Teacher Licensure
Does not lead to teacher certification
Field Placement Internship
No
Field Experience Hours
None required
Student Teaching
Not required
Field Placement Supervisor
No
Learning Modality
Flexible, asynchronous online learning with faculty mentorship
Capstone Experience
Six-credit capstone focused on applied practice and community impact
Focus Areas
Students may customize electives or pursue focus areas such as Expressive Arts Therapy or Arts Leadership & Administration
Housing Availability
Not applicable
Ability to Continue Working Full-Time
Designed to accommodate working professionals
Choose the MAT If You Want to Become a Licensed Art Teacher
The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for artists who want to transition into teaching visual art in PK-12 schools. Through an immersive, cohort-based experience, students develop the instructional knowledge, classroom management skills, and artistic practice needed to become effective educators.
Unlike many graduate education programs, the MAT emphasizes learning by doing. Students complete coursework alongside extensive field experiences before moving into supervised student teaching, gaining firsthand experience in classroom environments. By working in real classrooms before graduation, students build confidence, refine instructional techniques, and develop practical teaching experience that supports a successful transition into the profession.
What you'll experience in the MAT
Students progress through an intensive sequence that includes:
- Graduate coursework in art education
- Field placements in schools
- 700 hours of field experience
- Supervised student teaching
- A professional practices seminar
- Faculty mentorship throughout the program
Because of the program's immersive nature and field requirements, the MAT is designed as a full-time experience and is generally not recommended for students planning to maintain full-time employment.
Career opportunities after the MAT
Graduates are prepared for careers such as:
- PK-12 visual arts teacher
- Museum educator
- Community arts educator
- Teaching artist
- Education leader within cultural organizations
For seven consecutive years, 100% of MAT graduates seeking teaching positions secured employment within three months of graduation, reflecting the program's strong preparation for careers in art education.
The MAT is an excellent choice if you:
- Want to earn Maine PK-12 visual arts teacher certification
- Value extensive classroom experience before entering the profession
- Are prepared for a full-time graduate program
- Hold a BFA, BA in Studio Art, or equivalent artistic preparation
Choose the MAEd If You Want to Advance Your Career Without Teacher Certification
The Master of Arts in Education serves educators, artists, and professionals who want to deepen their educational practice while maintaining the flexibility to continue working.
Delivered fully online through asynchronous coursework, the MAEd allows students to learn from anywhere while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Rather than focusing on teacher licensure, the program emphasizes leadership, curriculum development, community engagement, and creative approaches to education.
Flexible learning designed for working professionals
Many graduate students are already established in their careers. The MAEd recognizes that reality by offering:
- Fully online coursework
- Asynchronous classes that fit diverse schedules
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options
- The flexibility to continue working while earning a graduate degree
Students can apply new approaches to curriculum design, leadership and community engagement in their current roles while progressing through the program.
Customize your graduate experience
Students can tailor the program to align with their professional interests through electives and focus areas, including:
The program concludes with a six-credit capstone that challenges students to develop an applied project centered on community impact and meaningful educational practice.
Career opportunities after the MAEd
- Design inclusive, student-centered learning environments
- Integrate contemporary art into curriculum and educational programming
- Incorporate social-emotional learning into their work
- Lead community-based arts initiatives
- Apply research-informed strategies to educational leadership
Potential career paths include:
- Advanced educator
- Museum or gallery educator
- Community arts educator
- Nonprofit program manager
- College or university adjunct instructor
- Corporate trainer or learning and development specialist
- Recreation director or youth program leader
- Municipal arts or community programs coordinator
The MAEd may be the right choice if you:
- Need the flexibility to continue working while earning your degree
- Want to advance your career without relocating
- Do not need teacher certification
- Want to specialize through elective focus areas
- Are interested in educational leadership, curriculum innovation, or community engagement
How to Choose Between the MAT and the MAEd
If you're still deciding between the two programs, consider these questions.
Do you want to become a certified art teacher?
If earning Maine PK-12 visual arts teacher certification is your goal, the MAT provides the coursework, field experiences, and student teaching required for licensure.
Will you be working while earning your degree?
The MAEd was developed with working professionals in mind. Its online, asynchronous format allows students to continue advancing their careers while earning a graduate degree.
Do you want extensive classroom experience before graduation?
The MAT includes 700 hours of field experience and supervised student teaching, giving graduates practical classroom preparation before entering the profession.
Are you already working in education or another creative field?
Professionals looking to strengthen leadership skills, improve curriculum design, or expand community-based educational practice may find the MAEd better aligned with their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MAT considered a master's degree?
Yes. A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a graduate-level master's degree. It is designed for individuals preparing to become licensed teachers and typically combines advanced coursework with field experiences and student teaching.
What skills do graduate art education programs help you develop?
Graduate art education programs often emphasize curriculum design, instructional strategies, creative problem-solving, leadership, communication, community engagement, and inclusive teaching practices. The specific skills you develop depend on the program's focus and whether it is designed for teacher certification or professional advancement.
What can you do with a master's degree in art education besides teach?
A graduate degree in art education can support careers beyond the classroom. Depending on your experience, opportunities may include museum education, nonprofit leadership, community arts programming, curriculum development, arts administration, corporate learning, and higher education.
How long does it take to earn a graduate degree in art education?
The timeline depends on the program and enrollment format. At Maine College of Art & Design, the MAT is completed in 10 months as a full-time program, while the MAEd can be completed in 10 months full-time or 10 to 18 months part-time.
Is an online master's in education respected by employers?
Yes. Employers generally evaluate a graduate degree based on the quality and accreditation of the institution, the skills developed, and the candidate's experience, rather than whether coursework was completed online or on campus.
Find the Graduate Program That Matches Your Goals
Both the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Arts in Education reflect Maine College of Art & Design's commitment to artistic excellence, creative problem-solving, and community engagement. While the programs share a common foundation, they are designed to support different stages of professional growth.
If you're ready to become a licensed visual arts teacher through an immersive classroom experience, the MAT provides a direct pathway to certification. If your goal is to strengthen your leadership, expand your educational practice, or create meaningful learning experiences while continuing your career, the flexible online MAEd offers a graduate education built around your life.
Ready to take the next step? Explore the MAT and MAed to determine which path aligns with the impact you hope to make through art and education.
