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 (5134) exam with a minimum score of 158 prior to admission for licensure in the state of West Virginia. It is the student's responsibility to check requirements for licensure in other states. Specialization in art education requires the completion of a minimum of thirty hours with a recommended total of thirty-six. A minimum of 50% of coursework must be at the 600-level or higher. 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.
Admissions for 2027-2028
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 Ed 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 |
Degree Progress
The MA Art Education program requires the following milestones for all students. According to the School of Art and Design graduate catalog, students will receive a committee evaluation at the end of each semester. They must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who are either not making adequate degree progress or who are failing to uphold professional standards may receive notice of probation, suspension or dismissal. Students may be notified of academic consequences outside of routine evaluation processes if an issue must be addressed immediately.
Each year, no later than the first day of classes of the Fall semester, the Graduate Advisor for the School of Art and Design will distribute an updated version of the graduate handbook.
Benchmarks
- Year One: Develop and receive committee approval to begin work on a written thesis or research project. Apply for IRB approval, if required for research to be conducted.
- Year Two: Must produce a written thesis or complete an approved research project in lieu of a written thesis by the end of the final semester. Must pass an oral defense of the thesis or project. If the defense is failed, it is at the committee's discretion to request approval from the dean or the dean's designee to hold a second defense. If granted, it is the student's responsibility to schedule the second defense. No further attempts beyond two will be allowed.
- MA Art Education students seeking optional certification must complete requirements mandated by the State of WV Department of Education including completing 125 clinical observation hours. An additional semester may be needed to conduct required student teaching.
Satisfactory Progress
- Must pass committee evaluation at the end of each semester.
- Must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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.