Master of Arts (in Art Education)

The M.A. in Art Education

The M.A. in Art Education program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst provides candidates opportunities to develop and advance their practice as artists, teachers, and researchers. Students can take upper-level electives in departments across the university campus and Smith College, Hampshire College, Mt. Holyoke College, and Amherst College.

Admission to the M.A. Program in Art Education requires a bachelor’s degree in studio art or art education or related discipline, or the equivalent based upon faculty review, and a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA. For an Initial Teaching License track, candidates’ transcripts will be audited by faculty for SMKs in Visual Arts. All candidates must submit two letters of recommendation and a slide portfolio of their own work. Visit the M.A. in Art Education Admissions page for more information.

Degree Tracks

The M.A. in Art Education program provides two tracks: an open track & an Initial Teacher License track.

Open Track M.A. in Art Education

The 36-credit program consists of advanced and extended study in Art Education, studio arts, art history, and education. The M.A. in Art Education program emphasizes critical examination of Art Education research, curricula in schools, and professional practices in PreK-12 public or private schools, museums, and community organizations. The curriculum is developed from studio art experience and practice; art history and criticism; and research, literature, and theory in the fields of art education and education. M.A. program requirements include required coursework in the Art Education curriculum and research and advanced electives in Studio Arts, Art History, and Education. Completion of a substantive independent research project related to contemporary Art Education also is required. A minimum of 12 credits must be at the 600 level or above.

An Initial Teaching License Track M.A. in Art Education

The 36-credit program prepares teacher candidates to earn an Initial Teacher License in Visual Arts granted by the State of Massachusetts for PreK–12 settings. The coursework is designed to align the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education in Massachusetts’s Visual Arts Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) and Professional Standards for Teachers (PST). Requirements include: Art Education core courses exploring artistic development, material inquiries, cultural diversity, and social justice frameworks, advanced electives in Studio Art, Art History, Criticism, and Education followed by Pre-Practicum and a full semester of Student Teaching Practicum along with the seminar class. Completion of a substantive independent research project, related to art curriculum or pedagogies is required.