When applying to one of the EDUCATION programs—either the MAT in Art Education or the MAT in Elementary Education—you will need to submit the following:
- ONLINE APPLICATION, with application fee.
- SELF-ASSESSMENT ESSAY: Compose a self-assessment essay that clearly and succinctly describes why you want to become a teacher at this stage of your life. Specifically address why the Visual Arts or Elementary Education program appeals to you. Also describe why you selected Columbia College Chicago as the place in which to fulfill your goal to be a teacher. Please also discuss your understanding of the teacher as a
creative leader, indicating what this means in terms of interaction with
students, colleagues, families and communities beyond the school. Include descriptions of any teaching or other experiences with children/young people
you have had. - TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- RESUME
- An OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT from each and every college attended after high school.
- All MAT students are also required to complete the TEST OF ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY (TAP) and receive a passing score. The tests are administered by the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS). For information and to register, visit the ICTS website: www.icts.nesinc.com. Include a copy of an ICTS passing score report with your application or after passing the test. Students may apply without the test scores and, if admitted, receive conditional admission requiring them to present a passing score by the end of the first term.
Additional Requirements for Elementary Education, MAT (K-9)
Those
applying for the MAT in Elementary Education are required to have a
concentration of 18 undergraduate hours in one discipline, which
includes a minimum of 9 credit hours of upper division work.
Additional Requirements for Visual Arts Education, MAT (K-12)
Those applying for the MAT in Visual Arts Education are required to have 32
undergraduate credit hours in the visual arts, which includes a minimum of 12 credit hours of upper division work. A work sample may be required.
If you are applying to be a student-at-large (available for the Education program only), please contact Sarah Osako at 312-369-7865 or sosako@colum.edu.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS must submit all of the above materials, as well as an official TOEFL score and a credential evaluation. Additional documents are required of admitted students. Please visit our International Students page for more information.