Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Art Education
Online
Master degree
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 1,857 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* per unit for international students / USD 1,477 per unit for domestic students
Key Summary
About: The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art Education prepares students to produce professional artwork and develop teaching and communication skills. Students meet performance criteria in art and design, curriculum, instructional strategies, technology use, visual literacy, human development and special needs. The programme requires an MFA capstone demonstrating research-based analysis, design and implementation, plus a professional portfolio and presentation skills.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles as K–12 art teacher, museum educator, curriculum developer, art program coordinator, community arts specialist, or arts administrator. These roles use skills in pedagogy, assessment, technology, visual literacy, inclusion, and portfolio development and research.
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Art and Design Skills
- Produce artwork representing skills in a broad range of creative media (midpoint only).
- Produce a body of professional-level artwork demonstrating personal vision, rigor, and cohesiveness (final only).
Teaching and Communication Skills
- Design effective art education curricula targeting specific audiences with consideration for the needs of diverse learners.
- Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge of sound instructional strategies based on content standards in the visual arts, key contemporary art theories and experiences in the field.
- Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge for appropriate uses of technology in art education settings.
- Articulate the importance of art in education based on advanced levels of research, observation, and experience.
Visual Literacy
- Articulate the formal and expressive properties of works of art and design as well as their content, meaning and purpose at an advanced level.
Knowledge of Human Development
- Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge of human developmental stages and their application to learners’ cognitive, social, emotional, and physical abilities in art education settings.
- Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge of learners' diverse linguistic and cultural needs in art education settings.
- Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge of learners with special needs (physical, cognitive, gifted, etc.) in art education settings.
MFA Capstone Project
- Propose an original art education capstone concept worthy of the MFA degree (midpoint only).
- Develop a capstone project based on research that demonstrates advanced levels of analysis, insight, design, and methods based on the distinctive needs and characteristics of art education settings and audiences (final only).
- Implement and document an original art education capstone project that demonstrates depth of art skill and application of educational theory and best practices (final only).
Professional Readiness
- Demonstrate professional-level presentation skills appropriate to art education settings.
- Demonstrate an advanced level of breadth and depth of accomplishment as an artist and art educator through a professional portfolio.
Degree Requirements
- Successful completion of the Final Capstone Project
- Minimum grade of C in all required 60 units
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirement:
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
- 1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course
Major Classes
- ARE 600 - Educational Psychology
- ARE 601 - Overview of Art Education Theories and Practices
- ARE 610 - Teaching Audiences in a Diverse Society
- ARE 611 - Teaching Audiences with Special Needs
- ARE 615 - Integrating Technology into Art Education Settings
- ARE 625 - Curriculum Design and Planning
- ARE 626 - Innovative Instructional Design and Practices
- ARE 640 - Internship Placement and Concurrent Class Meetings
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design
- Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.