Discover how to apply to Maine College of Art & Design’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Find application deadlines, scholarship details, and important dates.
Application Deadlines & Key Dates
Consider completing your application by the earliest deadline. We cannot guarantee decision extensions, deferral requests, or graduate housing if you apply in the rolling admissions period.
We begin reviewing completed applications starting in December and aim to provide an admission decision within a month of completing your virtual interview.
Priority Application Deadline: Sunday, January 18, 2026
We encourage international applicants and those studying abroad from their home institution to apply by this deadline.
Rolling Admission
After the Application Deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits.
Projected Program Start Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
The program begins with a student orientation, and classes begin on the same day.
Application Requirements
Applications are reviewed with consideration of the portfolio, personal essay, academic achievement, and cohesion across application materials, as well as performance in the virtual interview.
Application
Submit the MAT application and pay the $70 application fee. Eligible students may request a fee waiver by emailing graduateadmissions@meca.edu.
You can use the Applicant Portal to upload your college transcripts, track your admission progress, and make an enrollment decision. We require all materials to be submitted before we begin to review your application.
Portfolio
Please submit 10–20 digital images of work, or up to 15 minutes of video.
A strong portfolio should be properly documented to succinctly convey your studio practice and include detail shots as necessary. Your portfolio must showcase proficiency in two or more mediums.
We encourage you to submit your most recent work to demonstrate your skills and interests at the time of application.
Personal Essay
The Personal Essay is an opportunity to convey your interest in the MAT program. Please address the following prompts in one 750-word essay:
- Outline your interest in our MAT program. Why are you pursuing an MAT and why now? How is MECA&D a good fit for you, and how do you see yourself being a strong addition to the cohort?
- Describe your creative practice in the context of your portfolio and program application. Why are you showing us this body of work? What art historical connections can you identify in your portfolio, and how might your relationship with your studio practice translate into teaching in the art classroom?
- Share your goals for graduate studies. What do you want to achieve during your time in our MAT program? What are your career goals after graduate school? How can our community and network help you reach your goals?
A strong essay shows understanding of the relationship between your personal journey, your creative vision, and your artistic goals.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Please use your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to highlight your experiences and achievements beyond your essay and your portfolio. Upload your document as a PDF in the application portal.
Endorsement Forms
Rather than write a letter of recommendation, we ask your recommenders to complete a digital Endorsement Form. The form will ask your recommenders to address qualities that a strong art educator should possess:
- Passion for the visual world;
- Capacity for innovation and intuition;
- Willingness to foster respectful critique; and
- Ability to reflect on challenging situations.
In the application, you will be asked to provide contact information for two recommenders, and we will send each of them an email invitation to submit their Endorsement Forms. At least one of your recommenders should be an instructor, professor, or in the field of art or education.
You may submit your application before your letters of recommendation are submitted, but your application will not be complete without them. Please follow up with your recommenders and track their submission status in the Applicant Portal.
College Transcripts & Academic Prerequisites
All applicants should either hold a BFA or BA in Studio Art, or meet our alternate prerequisites (see “all other degree holders” for more information). We also ask that you have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher from previous and current degrees.
Maine College of Art & Design alumni can request a transcript transfer via email to registrar@meca.edu.
You can upload unofficial transcripts after submitting your application or request official transcripts to be delivered electronically to GraduateAdmissions@meca.edu. Official transcripts are only required at the time of enrollment.
BFA or BA in Studio Art Degree Holders
Your academic history satisfies our prerequisites.
All Other Degree Holders
You are alternatively qualified for our MAT program by meeting the following prerequisites:
- 6 earned credits in Art History.
- Completing the Praxis Art: Content Knowledge (5134) test with a passing score of 158 or higher.
We offer conditional acceptances on a case-by-case basis, allowing adequate time to meet our alternate prerequisites before our program start date.
Undergraduate Seniors
All of the above prerequisites apply to you, and you must complete your undergraduate studies with an expected graduation date ahead of our program start date. We reserve the right to rescind your offer of admission if you fail to meet the GPA requirement upon completion of your undergraduate studies.
International Applicants
International applicants are asked to submit additional materials in order to be offered admission. See Requirements for International MAT Applicants.
Start or continue your application here
Admitted Students
Admitted students should plan to reply to their offer of admission by April 15. International students should enroll as soon as possible to complete additional legal requirements. Visit the Academic Calendar for more information.
All incoming MAT students will start during the Summer Institute in July. We do not offer Fall or Spring entry.
Next Steps
Contact & Support
Admissions
- Email: elyse.grams-staff@meca.edu or graduateadmissions@meca.edu
- Phone: 207.699.5023
- Office: 522 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
Financial Aid
- Email: finaid@meca.edu
- Phone: 207.699.5074
International
- Email: ebrighi@meca.edu
Admitted Students
- Email: rkatz@meca.edu