• How to Apply

  1. Declare a major in art history (BA) 
  2. Tell your undergraduate advisor that you intend to participate in the Combined Pathway and contact the MS program director.  
     • Your advisor can help you make sure you’re on track to succeed in the pathway program.  
     • You’ll want to schedule an informal meeting with the MS program director. We like to stay in touch with our students as they are preparing to enter the pathway, and we’d like to invite you to special events for our prospective students!  
  3. Take these program prerequisites during your undergraduate studies: 
     • TSL 4324 [Fall only] 
     • RED 4335 [Summer or Fall] 
     • ARE 4144* [Fall or Spring] 
  4. APPLY during the third year of your BA program.  
     • The deadlines for application are October 20 and February 20 each year.  
     • You will need to submit your application materials and interview with program faculty.  
  5. Complete all undergraduate major requirements. 
     

  *Note: ARE 4144 is not required to complete the pathway but is strongly recommended.  

• Application Deadlines

  • Fall: October 20 

  • Spring: February 20 

• Program Structure

  • SPRING 1: In their final semester of undergrad, students enroll in two 5000-level classes, officially beginning the master’s program 
     
  • SUMMER  
    • Students complete a 6-week intensive class (1st 6 weeks, Summer A) that culminates in teaching a two-week summer camp 
    • At this time, students must take and pass two Florida Teacher Certification Exams, in Subject Area (Art) and Professional Knowledge 
       
  •  FALL 
    • Students complete a full roster of graduate classes and pilot their capstone units that will be used in student teaching 
    • Semester may be carried out remotely / outside Tallahassee 
       
  • SPRING 2: In their final semester, students are student teaching full time in a classroom—this can be completed remotely/outside Tallahassee. 

• Art Education Licensure and Certification Information

  The Art Education program at Florida State University prepares students to pursue teacher certification in the State of Florida. Certification requirements, including examinations and field experiences, are established by the Florida Department of Education and may change over time. Because teacher certification is administered through the State of Florida and coordinated in partnership with the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, certification examination pass-rate data are reported through Anne’s College educator preparation reporting processes.

  Students seeking teacher certification outside the State of Florida should be aware that certification requirements vary by state. FSU’s Professional Licensure and Certification search page provides this information.  Completion of the program does not guarantee certification or licensure in states outside Florida. Students are encouraged to review certification requirements in the state where they intend to teach.

Pathway FAQ

• What does “combined pathway” mean for this program?

  It means you start your master’s degree while you’re still finishing your bachelor’s. Instead of applying after you graduate, you move directly from undergrad into graduate coursework—saving time and getting ahead.  

• How is this different from doing the degrees separately?

  In a traditional route, you finish your bachelor’s first, then apply to a master’s program. In this pathway, you begin taking graduate classes during your senior year, and some of those classes count toward both degrees. This means you can get your MS in just 1 year (instead of the normal 2) 

• When do I start taking graduate classes?

  You’ll begin graduate-level (5000-level) courses in your final semester as an undergraduate. That’s your official start in the master’s program. 

• How long does it take to finish both degrees?

  Most students complete both degrees in about 5 years total, instead of the typical 6 or more years it might take if done separately. 

• Do I still graduate with my bachelor’s degree?

  Yes. You complete all your Art History requirements and earn your BA, then continue seamlessly into the MS in Art Education. 

• What happens after I finish my undergraduate degree?

  You move fully into the master’s program, including summer coursework, teaching experiences, and your final student teaching semester. 

• Is this pathway right for me?

  This pathway is a great fit if you already know you want to go into teaching or art education and want a more direct, efficient route to get there.