Art Education, M.A.

The School of Art offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Design, and Master of Fine Arts. Students pursue course work in MFA two-dimensional studies (painting/drawing, and printmaking), MFA three- dimensional studies (ceramics, glass, jewelry/metals, and sculpture), MFA digital arts (animation, imaging, and interactive media), MA art education, and MA art history and MDes in integrative media.

Within these programs students find a broad range of studio and academic disciplines, united by a deep commitment to technical development sustained by rigorous examination of accompanying contextual and conceptual issues. The School of Art’s MA, MDes, and MFA programs seek to foster a productive and diverse community of artists and scholars whose shared goal is preparation for careers in the visual arts.

The School of Art also offers classes taught abroad in partnership with  International Studies institute (ISI), located in Florence, Italy.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MA Arts Education degree, students in the program are expected to be able to:

• Analyze the changing knowledge base of visual arts education including visual culture, contemporary art, student development research, and critical engagements with technology
• Appraise verbal, visual, and written communication that supports effective and sustained research, exploration, and collaboration with others concerning issues related to the field of visual arts education
• Compare and contrast independent as well as collaborative qualitative research methodologies that organize data and assess applied theory, field-based analysis, and strategies of design thinking
• Examine and distinguish developmental and leadership opportunities among those who design, write, and apply high quality curricula, assessment plans, and transformative learning within visual arts education
• Perform public advocacy, generate consensus, and initiate positive outcomes for diverse communities of learners within K-12 Art Education, Community Arts Education, Art Museum Education, and visual/sensory literacy programs
• Prioritize reflective practices that inform the personal and professional development of artist-teachers
• Create new constructs for content knowledge, research results, artistic skills, leadership experiences, and the value of human diversity within future teaching responsibilities. 

Admission Requirements

Documents required:

• Letters of Recommendations - Contact Information for 3 Professional References
• Portfolio - 10-12 slides of professional work and 10-12 slides of student artwork. Preferred 1 PDF with images labeled.
• Teaching Philosophy - upload on the Statement of Purpose tab

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements