MFA Teaching Eligibility Quiz
Quick Take
- An MFA teaching qualification is a strong asset but rarely enough on its own.
- Most K‑12 schools require a state teaching credential or equivalent.
- Colleges often hire MFA holders for studio positions, especially if they have a solid portfolio and research record.
- Combining an MFA with a teaching certificate, teaching experience, or a dual‑degree program makes you market‑ready.
- Check your state or country’s specific certification rules before you apply.
Master of Fine Arts is a post‑baccalaureate degree focused on advanced studio practice, critical theory, and professional development in visual, performing, or literary arts. It is typically a two‑year program that culminates in a thesis exhibition or performance, positioning graduates as practitioners rather than merely scholars.
What the MFA Actually Gives You
The MFA equips you with three core assets: deep creative expertise, a professional‑level portfolio, and research experience. Schools value the portfolio because it demonstrates your ability to mentor students in technique and concept. However, teaching is also about pedagogy, classroom management, and meeting curricular standards-areas the MFA rarely covers in depth.
State Teaching Credentials vs. Academic Degrees
Teaching credential (also called a teaching license) is a state‑issued certification that verifies you have completed required coursework in education, passed pedagogy exams, and often completed a supervised teaching practicum. In most U.S. states, this credential is mandatory for teaching in public K‑12 schools, regardless of your subject‑area degree.
For private schools or community‑college positions, the credential requirement may be relaxed, but many employers still prefer it because it signals a baseline of instructional competence.
Accreditation and Professional Standards
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is an accrediting body that sets curriculum standards for art and design programs in North America. An MFA from a NASAD‑accredited institution carries weight with hiring committees, as it assures a certain level of rigor and relevance.
Similarly, state education departments define the minimum qualifications for teachers, including required credit hours in education, background checks, and continuing‑education mandates. Understanding these standards helps you map your MFA pathway onto the bureaucratic requirements.
How an MFA Stacks Up Against Other Art Degrees
| Degree | Typical Length | Focus | Common Teaching Eligibility | Typical Salary (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MFA | 2 years (post‑BFA) | Advanced studio & research | College/University studio instructor; K‑12 with credential | 45,000-70,000 |
| BFA | 4 years (undergrad) | Foundational studio practice | Assistant teaching positions; community‑college adjunct | 30,000-50,000 |
| MA (Art History) | 2 years | Theory & criticism | Secondary school art teacher; college lecturer (non‑studio) | 35,000-55,000 |
The table shows that while the MFA is the most studio‑oriented credential, the BFA can land you entry‑level teaching jobs if paired with a credential, and an MA may be preferable for theory‑heavy positions.
Pathways to Teaching with an MFA
Below are three common routes you can take after earning your MFA:
- Earn a teaching credential. Enroll in a post‑secondary teacher‑education program (often 1‑2 years) that fulfills your state’s coursework requirements. Many universities offer combined MFA/credential tracks.
- Build a professional portfolio. Employers look for exhibition history, publications, or commissioned work. Include a teaching philosophy statement that ties your practice to learning outcomes.
- Gain experience. Volunteer as a teaching assistant, run workshops, or teach in community art centers. These experiences count toward the supervised‑practice requirement in many credential programs.
In New Zealand, for example, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) requires a teaching registration with the Teaching Council, which can be met by a combined postgraduate teaching qualification and an MFA.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many MFA graduates assume their degree alone opens every door. Here are the traps to watch:
- Skipping the credential. Public‑school districts will reject applications without the proper license, regardless of artistic merit.
- Ignoring state‑specific requirements. Some states mandate a certain number of education credits or specific exams like Praxis.
- Undervaluing the portfolio. A glossy CV can’t replace a body of work that shows you can teach technique and critique.
- Neglecting networking. Art departments often hire through referrals; attend conferences, join NASAD, and showcase your work.
Related Concepts to Explore
Understanding the broader ecosystem helps you plan a smoother transition into teaching. Consider digging deeper into:
- Continuing education requirements for teachers, which may include annual workshops or graduate seminars.
- Art education standards such as the National Core Arts Standards (USA) or the New Zealand Curriculum Arts Learning Area.
- Community college adjunct positions, which often require a master’s degree but may accept extensive professional experience in lieu of a credential.
- Professional development grants that fund artists‑educators to create curriculum‑aligned projects.
Next Steps Checklist
- Confirm your state’s teaching credential requirements (visit the Department of Education website).
- Enroll in a credential program if you lack the required education credits.
- Update your portfolio with recent work and include a teaching philosophy.
- Seek out teaching assistantships, workshops, or community‑center gigs for experience.
- Network with art department faculty and attend NASAD conferences.
Follow this checklist and you’ll turn a brilliant MFA into a credible teaching career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching credential to teach art in public high schools?
Yes. Most U.S. states require a state‑issued teaching license for any public‑school position, even for specialized subjects like art. The license typically demands coursework in education theory, classroom management, and a supervised practicum.
Can I teach at a community college with only an MFA?
Often, yes. Community colleges frequently hire adjunct instructors who hold a master’s degree in the subject area. However, having a strong exhibition record and teaching experience greatly improves your chances.
What’s the difference between an MFA and a MA in Art History for teaching?
An MFA is practice‑oriented; it prepares you to teach studio techniques and guide student creation. A MA in Art History is theory‑oriented, positioning you for lecturing on visual culture, criticism, and museum studies. Schools may prefer one over the other depending on whether they need studio or classroom instruction.
Are there fast‑track programs that combine an MFA with a teaching credential?
Yes. Several universities offer joint MFA/education programs that let you complete both degrees in three to four years. These programs embed pedagogy courses and practicum experiences within the MFA curriculum.
How important is a professional portfolio when applying for teaching jobs?
Extremely important. Hiring committees assess your ability to model techniques, give constructive feedback, and inspire creativity. A well‑curated portfolio - showcasing solo shows, group exhibitions, commissions, and any teaching‑related projects - can outweigh a lack of formal education experience.