Earning a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arts Education degree can bring numerous benefits when it’s leveraged to your advantage. You will learn advanced knowledge and skills in the theories, pedagogy and instructional practices in art education. If you have a solid Gifted and Talented Education academic background, your art education competencies will open doors of career advancement opportunities, too. You must then look at the best online programs offering master’s degrees in art education and get a head start on these benefits!
Originally published: January 2018
Last updated: March 2024
Did you know that postsecondary teachers in Music Education, Art, Drama, and Theater earn $77,280 in median annual wage? Other popular career paths with excellent compensation include curriculum coordinators, lead teachers, and academic administrators. Many professionals in this field also hold master’s degrees in Special Needs Education, Early Childhood Education, and Technology in Art Education. Earning a master’s degree in art education will also open opportunities for research and advocacy in the field. The opportunity for advancement of art education in your community is too good to pass up.
Table of Contents
- The 10 Best Online Master of Arts in Art Education Programs
- Boston University
- University of Florida
- University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Ohio State University
- Penn State University World Campus
- Eastern Illinois University
- University of Central Florida
- Academy of Art University
- Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
- Kent State University
Methodology:
- Affordability (1/3). These programs were selected for their reasonable cost of attendance, a combination of fair tuition and generous financial aid options.
- Flexibility (1/3): These programs best suit working professionals because of their flexible course schedules, accessible online learning platforms, and generous transfer credit policies.
- Academic Prestige (1/3). The universities offering these programs are regionally accredited. Programmatic accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is a bonus. Rankings and reviews by students, alumni and third-party entities were also considered.
In the end, your choice of an online M.A. in Art Education program will be based on your unique personal interests and professional goals. You should then consider these online programs through the lens of your own needs and wants.
The 10 Best Online Master of Arts in Art Education Program
1.) Boston University
Boston University’s M.A. in Art Education program is known for its excellent academic quality and flexible options. Students gain the professional competencies, skills and resources to apply the best practices in art education in their classrooms and other work settings.
Time-to-degree is as few as 18 months, but many students complete it in 24 months, on average. The online learning modality enables good work-life balance even for busy working professionals.
The rigorous curriculum covers topics like:
- Curriculum Planning
- History of Art Education
- Advocacy and Policy in Arts Education
- Child Growth and Development in Art Education
Students can also participate in the Summer Studio Program, an optional, week-long residency program for students who want to experience studio sessions and trips to museums and special events.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online with optional in-person activities
- Requirements: 32 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1
- Tuition: $1,994/credit
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 94%
Pros:
- The academic programs are known for their world-class quality, thanks to expert professors, contemporary curriculum, and excellent student support services.
- The urban campus provides students with plenty of extracurriculars in and out of the campus.
Con:
- Some students lack cultural awareness, and the student body’s diversity has room for improvement.
2.) University of Florida
Boston University’s M.A. in Art Education program is known for its excellent academic quality and flexible options. Students gain the professional competencies, skills and resources to apply the best practices in art education in their classrooms and other work settings.
Time-to-degree is as few as 18 months, but many students complete it in 24 months, on average. The online learning modality enables good work-life balance even for busy working professionals.
The rigorous curriculum covers topics like:
- Curriculum Planning
- History of Art Education
- Advocacy and Policy in Arts Education
- Child Growth and Development in Art Education
Students can also participate in the Summer Studio Program, an optional, week-long residency program for students who want to experience studio sessions and trips to museums and special events.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online with optional in-person activities
- Requirements: 32 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1
- Tuition: $1,994/credit
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 94%
Pros:
- The academic programs are known for their world-class quality, thanks to expert professors, contemporary curriculum, and excellent student support services.
- The urban campus provides students with plenty of extracurriculars in and out of the campus.
Con:
- Some students lack cultural awareness, and the student body’s diversity has room for improvement.
3.) University of Nebraska at Kearney
University of Nebraska – Kearney’s M.A. in Education – Art Education program best fits motivated individuals who want to increase their knowledge and skills in the theories, pedagogy and research on art education. Most students are practicing professionals employed in museums, K-12 schools, and art galleries, among other settings.
Regardless of their backgrounds, students prepare for successful careers in art education, whether working with fellow teachers or students, artists or museum patrons, or the local community. Note that the master’s degree doesn’t lead to initial K-12 teaching certification.
Students choose from two concentrations:
- Classroom Education
- Museum Education
All students must complete the two-part curriculum with its core and elective courses. The course offerings include:
- History, Theories and Philosophies of Art Education
- Multicultural Art in the Elementary and Secondary Curriculum
- Art for Students with Diverse Needs
- Women in Art
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in art education, museum studies, visual arts, or fine arts for admission purposes.
- Location: Kearney, Nebraska
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online
- Requirements: 33 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
- Tuition: $326/credit (resident); $522 (non-resident)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Retention Rate: 77%
Pros:
- Students can enjoy the full college experience and benefit from a smaller and safer campus.
- UNK provides satisfactory admission-to-graduation support services.
Con:
- On-campus parking fees can be burdensome.
4.) Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is recognized for its academic excellence, and it’s evident in its M.A. in Art Education program. Students develop their critical thinking, decision-making and leadership skills as artists and educators.
The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the balance between research and applications. Students learn competencies in the design of effective art curricula, the promotion of arts advocacy and social justice, and the best practices in art education strategies.
The core courses include:
- Teaching of Studio Activities
- University Design for Learning: Disability Studies
- Curriculum Planning and Assessment in Art Education
- Education Abroad
Students progress as a cohort and, thus, strengthen their sense of community and camaraderie.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Admitted students can start during the autumn, spring and summer semesters.
This isn’t a licensure program.
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
- Total Tuition: $26,001.10 (resident); $27,401.10 (non-resident)
- Accreditation: HLC
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 94%
Pros:
- The challenging academics are balanced by the wide range of extracurricular opportunities offered, from student organizations to athletic teams.
- The stellar student support services contribute to the impressive freshman retention rate and graduation rate.
Con:
- The sheer size of the campus and the student body can be overwhelming.
5.) Penn State University World Campus
The Penn State World Campus Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Art Education program welcomes educators, teachers and other professionals who want to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the theories, pedagogy, and best teaching practices in art education. The comprehensive curriculum consists of core, foundational and elective courses for a well-rounded education.
The core courses include:
- New Media and Pedagogy
- Diversity, Visual Culture, and Pedagogy
- Informal Learning
- Action Research in Art Education
Students must complete an action research project as a culminating requirement. The action research project must demonstrate practical applications of their learnings toward addressing current issues or improving their teaching practice.
The NCATE-accredited program is a partnership between Penn State World Campus and Penn State’s School of Visual Arts, meaning students have access to their resources. Students can earn the master’s degree and professional development hours at the same time, as well as prepare for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification.
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online and experiential learning
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
- Tuition: About $1,027/credit
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 91%
Pros:
- The online programs share the same academic rigor, student support services, and professors as the on-campus programs.
- The application and admission processes are accessible.
Con:
- Online students may feel left out of on-campus activities unless they put in the effort.
6.) Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University offers an M.A. in Art Education program that combines the convenience of online classes and the experiential learning of on-campus intensive studio courses. Certified art teachers benefit from the rigorous curriculum, particularly in the improvement of their teaching strategies. Students can maintain a good work-life balance, maintain full-time employment, and earn the degree in two years.
The core courses include:
- Foundation of Art Education
- Artistic Development and Learning
- Assessment and Curriculum Design in Art Education
- Research Methods in Art Education
The studio courses require in-person presence at EIU’s on-campus classrooms for eight days every summer. The on-campus immersive work can be preceded or followed by at-home independent work. During the studio courses, students learn about printmaking techniques, creative casting, and digital and water media methods.
- Location: Charleston, Illinois
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online courses with in-person studio courses
- Requirements: 32 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
- Tuition: $335.85/credit
- Accreditation: HLC
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Retention Rate: 73%
Pros:
- Freshmen students assert that their seamless high school-to-college transition was due to EIU’s great admission-to-graduation services and resources.
- The small campus community made it easier to establish connections, too.
Con:
- The small campus community can be limiting for students who want a large, urban campus.
7.) University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers a standout M.A. in Art Education program that welcomes students without a teaching license or certification. The graduate program is a non-licensure program, but students receive reliable information about the teaching certification process.
Students also receive assistance in finding the best internships and job placements. Graduates are qualified for jobs as K-12 art teachers, museum instructors, and art consultants, among other jobs.
The curriculum features rigorous courses that expand your knowledge and skills in contemporary principles and best practices in art education. Examples include:
- Teaching Art K-12
- Art For Exceptionalities
- Teaching Art Appreciation With Interdisciplinary Strategies
Students develop their online portfolio that can be used in their work, too, such as when teaching art in K-12 settings.
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online
- Requirements: 37 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 29:1
- Tuition: $327.32/credit (in-state); $1,151.72 (out-of-state)
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 92%
Pros:
- The beautiful and expansive campus complements the dynamic student life including athletic events, Greek letter societies, and student-run organizations.
- The strong sense of community, school spirit and traditions balances the competitive academics.
Con:
- The large class sizes can mean less individualized attention from professors, particularly in lecture hall-style classes.
8.) Academy of Art University
The Academy of Art University’s Master of Arts in Teaching – Art Education program prepares students for success in securing the California K-12 art teaching credential. Applicants must have a bachelor’s in fine arts degree with an emphasis on art education with at least 2.5 cumulative GPA for admission purposes. Other admission requirements include passing the CBEST and CSET/Art exams, as well as completing prerequisite courses.
The courses include:
- Teaching Audiences in a Diverse Society
- Teaching Audiences with Special Needs
- Instruction and Assessment of Academic Literacy
Students must also complete a final capstone project where they demonstrate their unique advocacy for art education in the 21st century. Their cumulative GPA must be at least 3.0 to be awarded the master’s degree.
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online courses and on-site teaching at a Northern California school
- Requirements: 27 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
- Tuition: $26,444/academic year
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Retention Rate: 71%
Pros:
- This is considered among the nation’s best art schools because of its emphasis on academic excellence, personal expression, and student support services.
- The students benefit from the abundance of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Con:
- Some facilities require upgrades.
9.) Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Maryland Institute College of Art offers a low residency/primarily online M.A. in Art Education program recognized for its academic quality and accelerated format. The 14-month degree program requires on-campus activities during the summer, but the courses are primarily conducted online.
The curriculum features a well-rounded series of courses that contribute to the students’ transformative learning experiences. Examples of the courses include:
- Contemporary Art Education
- Art History
- Qualitative Research
- Studio Investigations
- Contemporary Issues in Art
- Writing for Publication
Students also develop the soft skills essential in their work as art educators.
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online
- Requirements: 34 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 4:1
- Tuition: $2,215/credit
- Accreditation: MSCHE
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 66%
Pros:
- The campus community emphasizes creativity, innovation and out-of-the-box thinking that students take to heart in their art portfolios.
- The academic programs are designed to allow students the opportunity for interdisciplinary studies regardless of their major.
Con:
- The small student body isn’t as diverse as expected, and it doesn’t provide plenty of networking opportunities.
10.) Kent State University
Kent State University offers a NASAD-accredited M.A. in Art Education program for individuals who currently work as art educators, museum guides, and community workers engaged in art education. Many students consider the master’s degree program as a stepping stone toward doctoral studies and most students will leverage it for career advancement purposes.
Students also develop research skills, both in the quantitative and qualitative aspects, in preparation for their thesis; students can also choose the non-thesis option where the culminating requirement is a master’s project.
The core courses include:
- Art History
- Art Education Philosophy
- Teaching Design in Relation to Curriculum and Instruction
Graduates possess the competencies to make significant contributions to the field of art education and its promotion.
- Location: Kent, Ohio
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
- Tuition: 17,200 total
- Accreditation: HLC
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 81%
Pros:
- Kent is known for its strong arts and sciences academic programs with supportive professors, academic advisors, and staff members.
- Students have access to numerous faculty-led research opportunities.
Con:
- The large student population can result in a high student-to-faculty ratio in some courses.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
