University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MA) in
Art Education
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS MA Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$790.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Art Education (MA)
About this Program
The Master of Arts (MA) in Art Education cultivates a community of artist-researcher-teachers who ask critical questions and propose innovative solutions to issues within the field of art education. Considering spaces of visual art learning within and beyond the traditional classroom settings, the program deepens student understanding and implementation of pedagogical practices. Core coursework provides a strong foundation connecting research to creative and teaching practices. With the opportunity to select and pursue areas of specialization, the program is tailored to each student’s expertise and interests to address issues within art education in their own communities of practice and to become involved in creative solutions on the local, national, and international scale.
If you are an art teacher in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, this program counts toward Rank changes (Rank II or Rank I). Graduates of the MA AE are encouraged to work with the Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) in Frankfort, Kentucky to enact these changes.
Designed For
Individuals who are passionate about teaching art and inspiring creativity in others should consider a master’s in art education. This program is ideal for current or aspiring educators who want to deepen their knowledge of artistic practices and advance their skills in curriculum design, classroom instruction, and educational leadership.
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Learn more about the Art Education online program.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Masters (MA) in Art Education program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
- Critically engage with social, cultural, artistic, and environmental issues that shape contemporary art education across diverse learning contexts.
- Design and conduct original research that integrates inquiry-based methods and theories in art education to address real-world challenges.
- Collaborate within a community of artist-researcher-teachers to exchange knowledge, challenge assumptions, and advance the field of art education.
- Create and present a capstone project that demonstrates innovative, research-informed, and community-responsive contributions to art education.
In consultation with the graduate advisor, students in the MA in Art Education complete core courses and a variety of electives designed for students to engage with contemporary questions, issues, and ideas within the field of art education.
Course Examples
- A-E 650 Qualitative Research Methods
- A-E 655 Art Curriculum Theories
- A-E 665 Issues in Art Education
- A-E 700 Advanced Research in Art Education
- Three (3) guided electives
- Three (3) free electives
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
The MA in Art Education (MA AE) is a planned two-year online program open to qualified applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree in Art Education or closely related area of study such as Art Studio or Art History from an accredited college or university in the United States or abroad. Applicants may hold a teaching license and/or have some experience in teaching art in schools, museums, or community settings. Please note this degree program is not licensure seeking.
Application Requirements
The Graduate School, which is the administrative unit for all graduate students, and the Master of Arts in Art Education graduate program, which is responsible for the academic curriculum, require different application materials.
Application materials for admission to the Graduate School are listed on the Graduate School website.
Application materials for the MA in Art Education graduate program will be submitted online on the graduate admissions application and include:
- A resume indicating your education, professional and volunteer experience, accomplishments and qualifications for graduate study.
- A statement of purpose (one page, single-spaced) indicating the reasons for your interest in graduate study in Art Education at UK and what you hope to accomplish with the degree. Please also discuss your personal or professional skills that will aid you in successfully completing classes online.
- Sample of research writing. The writing sample should demonstrate critical and analytical thinking such as a research paper or an essay on teaching practices.
- Art teaching portfolio. A curated portfolio of recent works by the candidate and/or their students with brief narrative descriptions about the included pieces.
- Three recommendations: Contact information in the form of email addresses for three recommenders who will be notified to submit their recommendations electronically to the online system.
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for online students?
Yes! Online students enrolled in a degree-bearing program are eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships. Learn more at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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