Vermont State University’s graduate education programs are designed for those just beginning their teaching journey or transitioning from a professional arts career. Vermont State offers both master’s and post-baccalaureate options to help you earn your K–12 teaching license in art, dance, music, or theater. Choose the route that fits your background and career goals.
Your Pathway to Licensure for Artists and Educators
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Affordable Education with Financial Support
Vermont State offers affordable tuition, making higher education accessible. A significant percentage of students receive financial aid, and Vermont State provides assistance in identifying scholarships and grants to support your education.
Flexible & Career-Focused Learning
Vermont State’s education programs are designed with working adults in mind. These programs combine the convenience of online coursework with in-person practicum experiences close to home. You’ll receive expert instruction while gaining real classroom experience in your own community. You'll be prepared to lead inclusive, engaging, and culturally responsive arts classrooms. From curriculum design to field-based teaching, you’ll graduate ready to inspire the next generation of learners through your creative discipline.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, this post-bacc program offers a streamlined path to licensure in Art Education. You'll gain the tools to teach in K–12 classrooms while developing your own artistic practice.
Art Education
Post Baccalaureate Certificate
What makes it stand out:
Coursework and practicum aligned with Vermont’s Art Education licensure standards.
A flexible format designed for career changers and working professionals.
A deep dive into art instruction, educational equity, and curriculum development.
Dance Education
Post Baccalaureate Certificate
Designed for degree holders looking to enter education, this post-bacc pathway prepares you for licensure in Dance Education (K–12). Learn to build lesson plans, choreograph school performances, and foster student creativity through movement.
A clear path to licensure through online coursework and in-person experience.
Foundations in education theory, movement literacy, and culturally responsive teaching.
Support from experienced faculty and mentors in Vermont schools.
Ideal for you if you want:
Develop your artistic voice while preparing to guide the next generation of creators. This graduate program blends art practice with education theory, preparing you to teach visual arts to students in grades K–12 through inclusive, culturally responsive instruction.
M.A. Art Education
Master of Arts
Why choose this program?
Eligibility for initial licensure in Art Education (K–12).
Field-based practicums and a full student teaching semester in a local school.
Training in curriculum development, studio practice, and arts integration.
M.A. Dance Education
Master of Arts
Transform your love of movement into a meaningful teaching career. Vermont State’s Dance Education M.A. prepares you to teach dance in K–12 school settings, combining creative movement, pedagogy, and education equity into one dynamic program.
Eligibility for initial licensure in Dance Education (K–12).
Opportunities to teach and choreograph in real-world school environments.
Online coursework paired with in-person practicum and student teaching experiences.
Ideal for you if you want:
Turn your passion for performance into a career in the classroom. This program prepares you to teach instrumental, vocal, and general music at the elementary and secondary levels, with a focus on inclusive practices and comprehensive musicianship.
M.A. Music Education
Master of Arts
What you'll gain:
Eligibility for initial licensure in Music Education (K–12).
Hands-on teaching experiences through school-based practicums and mentorship.
Instruction in music theory, pedagogy, curriculum design, and classroom management.
M.A. Theater Arts Education
Master of Arts
Share the power of storytelling and performance with the next generation. Vermont State’s Theater Arts Education program trains you to teach drama and theater in K–12 schools, helping students express themselves through creativity and collaboration.
Eligibility for initial licensure in Theater Arts Education (K–12).
Real-world teaching experience in school-based arts programs.
Coursework in directing, performance, theater history, and inclusive education practices.
Ideal for you if you want:
| Program | Credential | Format | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Education (K–12) | Master of Arts | Online + In-Person Practicum | Artists preparing to teach visual arts in schools |
| Dance Education (K–12) | Master of Arts | Online + In-Person Practicum | Dancers ready to teach movement and choreography in K–12 classrooms |
| Music Education (K–12) | Master of Arts | Online + In-Person Practicum | Musicians who want to lead band, chorus, or general music instruction |
| Theater Arts Education (K–12) | Master of Arts | Online + In-Person Practicum | Performers seeking to teach drama and storytelling in schools |
| Art Education (K–12) | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Online + In-Person Practicum | Bachelor’s degree holders seeking licensure in visual arts education |
| Dance Education (K–12) | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Online + In-Person Practicum | Dance professionals pursuing teaching credentials |
| Music Education (K–12) | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Online + In-Person Practicum | Musicians looking to become licensed K–12 educators |
| Theater Arts Education (K–12) | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Online + In-Person Practicum | Theater artists seeking classroom certification and experience |
Explore Your Graduate Education Path
Music Education
Post Baccalaureate Certificate
Theater Arts Education
Post Baccalaureate Certificate
Make the leap from stage to classroom. This program offers a path to licensure in Theater Arts Education for individuals with a bachelor's degree in theater or a related field.
Already have a degree in music? This post-bacc program helps you earn your K–12 teaching license and enter the classroom equipped to lead band, chorus, and general music instruction.
What makes it stand out:
What makes it stand out:
A comprehensive introduction to arts education theory and practice.
Student teaching experiences that prepare you for full-time classroom instruction.
Coursework in educational methods, inclusive theater education, and performance.
Licensure-focused curriculum in music pedagogy, planning, and assessment.
Practicum placements in Vermont schools with experienced music educators.
Emphasis on inclusive practices and classroom readiness.
K-12 Arts Education Graduate Programs
Vermont State University is Vermont’s public regional university, accredited by NECHE and formed through the unification of Castleton, Northern Vermont, and Vermont Tech. With over 100 career-focused programs and a growing suite of flexible online options, Vermont State is committed to accessible, high-quality education.
About Vermont State University
Small state. Wildly ambitious.
You’re figuring out what’s next. Balancing school, work, or life. Vermont State is built for students like you—ready to move forward, chase your goals, and create your own path. That’s the State of Possibility.
Choose How To Learn
On Campus
Learn in person at one of our five welcoming campuses across Vermont, with small classes and close connections.
Online
Study from anywhere with fully online programs designed for maximum flexibility and support.
At Vermont State University, you can complete your degree in the way that works best for you:
Hybrid
Enjoy the flexibility of taking some classes online while still having access to the full on-campus experience. It’s the best of both worlds.
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