In RISD’s Department of Teaching + Learning in Art + Design, graduate students choose between two degree programs: the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), an intensive, one-year (summer through spring) cohort teacher preparation program for artists and designers that culminates in recommendation for teacher certification in art pK-12, and the Master of Arts (MA) in Art + Design Education, a one-year (fall through spring), research and practice orientated degree for candidates with diverse backgrounds who are interested in crafting a program of study that explores contemporary pedagogical and creative practices.