Degree Offered
- Master of Arts
Nature of the Program
The MA Art Education program offers two pathways: one is the masters degree only and the other is the master degree with certification in the Pre K-adult art classroom. Students pursuing certification must successfully pass the PRAXIS ART CONTENT exam prior to admission. Specialization in art education requires the completion of a minimum of thirty hours with a recommended total of thirty-six. The exact course of study is determined through consultation with the student’s advisor and graduate committee. Those pursuing certification in addition to the degree may require an additional semester for student teaching.
M.A. art education students are required to produce a written thesis or, at the graduate committee's discretion, may complete a research project.
A graduate certificate in Therapeutic Art is also offered.
Admissions for 2025-2026
The application deadline occurs annually on January 15. There is a two-step process for graduate applications.
Step 1: Apply to West Virginia University Graduate School online. This application will require you to upload your transcripts, resume, letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, and pay an application fee. Applicants must have had an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Step 2: Submit your portfolio to the WVU School of Art & Design.
For the MA in Art Education, a writing sample needs to be submitted. Applicants with teaching experience may include images of student work. Contact the School of Art and Design for further information regarding the submission process.
The M.A. in art Education requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission into the program.
Major Code: 3728
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Studio and/or Academic Electives * | 12-18 | |
| Art Education or Approved Studies * | 12 | |
| ART 602 | Master's in Art Education Project | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30-36 | |
- *
Additional courses may be approved with advisor consent.
Studio and/or Academic Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Study | ||
| Greek and Roman | ||
| Medieval | ||
| Medieval Architecture | ||
| Art of the Review | ||
| Art Theory | ||
| Modern Art Theory | ||
| Medieval Painting | ||
| Romantic Painting | ||
| Women in Art | ||
| Northern Renaissance | ||
| Italian Renaissance | ||
| Baroque | ||
| American | ||
| Nineteenth Century | ||
| Modern | ||
| Modern Architecture | ||
| GPS-Architect Frank Lloyd Wright | ||
| Print, Propaganda and Art | ||
| The Art of Andy Warhol | ||
| Graduate Painting | ||
| Graduate Graphic Design | ||
| Graduate Graphic Design/Professional Practice | ||
| Graduate Sculpture | ||
| Graduate Printmaking | ||
| Graduate Photography | ||
| Alternative Media | ||
| Graduate Ceramics | ||
| Art and Environment | ||
| Special Topics (Mold Making) | ||
| Special Topics (3D Printing) | ||
| Independent Study: Graduate Studio | ||
| Special Topics (Kiln Building) | ||
| Contemporary ** | ||
| Educational Psychology ** | ||
| Legal/Educational Foundations: Special Education ** | ||
| Academic Interventions for Special Needs | ||
or SPED 609 | Technology Applications for Special Needs | |
- **
Required for students pursing the certification track.
Art Education or Approved Studies
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Intro to Art Education | ||
| Art Education Elementary | ||
| Art Education: Secondary | ||
| Technology Methods in Art Education | ||
| Teaching Practicum/Professional Practice | ||
| Introduction to Visual Arts Therapy | ||
| Theory of Art Education & Art Therapy | ||
| Art Methods/Materials for Special Populations | ||
| Art Assessments and Evaluations with Special Populations | ||
| Advanced Problems in Art Making | ||
| Teaching Practicum |
Major Learning Outcomes
Art Education
The following are general learning goals for students pursuing a Master of Arts:
- Develop advanced capacities to work independently and make effective artistic and intellectual judgments and professional decisions in the area of specialization.
- Demonstrate professional competence in the area of specialization before peers and faculty.
- Gain knowledge and skills in one or more areas outside the major.