The Department of Art is currently not accepting applications for Master of Arts in Art Education until further notice.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The MA in Art Education program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst provides students opportunities to advance their practice as artists, teachers and researchers. The 36-credit program consists of advanced and extended study in studio arts, art history, education and Art Education. The MA Art Education program emphasizes critical examination of Art Education research, curricula in schools, and professional practices. 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.
MA program requirements include required coursework in Art Education Curriculum, Art Education Research and advanced electives in Studio Arts, Art History, and Education. Additionally, completion of a substantive independent research project, related to contemporary Art Education and demonstrating systematic definition and investigation is required. Students can take upper level electives in departments across the university campus, as well as Smith College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College and Amherst College.
COURSEWORK AND TRANSFER CREDIT
All coursework counted towards the MA degree must be at the graduate (500 to 700) level. A minimum of 12 credits must be at the 600–level or above. The total independent study credits should not exceed six credits unless approved by the Art Education Program Coordinator and the Graduate Program Director.
Up to six credits may be transferred from other institutions and/or from non-degree status at this University, to total 12. Such credit must be graduate level and must be approved by both the Graduate Program Director and Graduate School.
Independent study credits are not accepted for transfer into the program unless approved by the Art Education Program Coordinator and the Graduate Program Director.
ADMISSIONS
Admission to the MA Program in Art Education requires a bachelor’s degree in studio art or art education or the equivalent based upon faculty review. Art and art history coursework should total at least 35 credits. The minimum undergraduate GPA required is 2.75, cumulative. Admission preference is given to applicants' with demonstrated interest in Art Education, teaching experience and strong studio portfolios.
The application, two letters of recommendation from previous professors and/or professional employers or colleagues, portfolio of studio work, and transcripts should be submitted to the Graduate School.
PORTFOLIO
Art Education MA applicants must submit a portfolio of 15-20 recent art works, uploaded with their application or by submitting a .pdf, with your name in the title of the document to @email. Please include the following documents with your application:
- Resume
- Artist Statement - as a piece of "other relevent information"
- Slide Script listing: title, date, medium, dimensions (H x W x D) and description if needed
- Portfolio: 15-20 images or up to 10 minutes of video (total running time)
To apply, go to the Graduate School Application page and click "Apply Now" under "Quick Links".
DEADLINE
JANUARY 15TH – Applications & Portfolios (no rolling admissions, Fall admission only)
TUITION AND FEES
Applicants should check with the Office of Graduate Admissions for updates on tuition and fees.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Graduate Record Examination is not required as part of the application for an MA in Studio Arts.
Please contact the Department of Art Office at 413-545-8975 regarding any questions about the portfolio or the Art Education Program.