collageA bachelor’s degree is given to students who fulfill the necessary requirements given by the college or university they are attending. The requirements include three to seven years of focus on a subject, typically referred to as a major or concentration.
A pursuit of higher education in the field of art education leaves one with a heightened sense of esthetic. Students can also gain a penchant for expert analysis of works old and new.
Best Art Education Programs
1. Harvard University
As the oldest institution of higher education in the united states. Harvard has Digital Media Design Degree for you to develop the skills needed to design engaging and effective digital media and explore the artistic and technical aspect of creating interactive system.
2. University of Southern California
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the university is near the corporate offices and production facilities of major motion picture. The USC is a highly regarded school of cinematic art. USC offers student the opportunity to gain hands on experience with the state of the art equipment. They offered B. A. Studio Arts with Emphasis in Digital Media; B. S. Computer Science with Emphasis in Game Culture and Technology; M. F. A. Fine Arts with Emphasis in Digital Media or New Genres.
3. Columbia University
It’s hard not to fall in love with this ivy league school. It has a beautiful campus, and the diversity is amazing. Under Art and Design area they offer you varying degrees, from Cinematography, Music to Visual and Performing arts.
4. University of Central Florida
One of the largest university in US, UCF offers you more than 200 degree. One of it is Visual Art and Design, they have 2 Digital Arts Degree program and it the right place to pursue your passion. Whether you want to become an innovator, change-maker, Collaborator, or Creator of emotion, whatever you aspire to be, UCF Visual arts and design program help you to get there.
5. Carnegie Mellon University
The School of Art in Carnegie Mellon, Housed within one of the most respected research universities in the United States. If you love to do some experiment with your artwork. There are a lot of degree in this university that maybe will match your expectations.
You must have your dream university. However, what you have to realize is that you have a big role for our culture and technology development in the future. So, make sure you use your time as well as possible and don’t waste any opportunity that comes to you.
Students who are interested in obtaining an MFA degree program in painting but who are concerned about the cost may want to learn more what affordable programs are available to them. Below, five different affordable MFA programs that offer concentrations in painting will be discussed in greater detail in addition to general admission standards. All of these programs offer tuition rates of less than $25,000 per academic year, with the exception of one school’s out-of-state graduate tuition; many also offer a number of ways for students to receive tuition waivers or scholarships.
Affordable MFA Programs in Painting
University of Michigan
Students may be interested in the MFA program in studio art offered by the University of Michigan. This program allows students to focus their studies on painting and can be completed in two years during which time students will complete a total of 60 credits. In addition to studio and critique courses, students are required to complete a three- to five-week international experience, for which there are funding options. There are a number of other funding opportunities available to enrolled students in order to make the program affordable. The school offers both teaching and research assistantships that can provide students with up to full tuition waivers. Additionally, there are a number of grants and project funding opportunities available that help students offset the cost of attending the program and conducting research.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University offers an MFA program in visual arts in which students can focus their studies on painting if they wish, though this program does not require that students select a concentration area. Instead, enrolled students are able to select courses from a variety of different artistic disciplines in order to explore all of their interests and develop their skills in multiple areas. All students who are accepted into this program receive a graduate fellowship that covers the entire tuition cost for both years of the program, which is designed to make the program affordable for all applicants. In this program, students will complete a total of 60 credit hours and are able to work on their projects in their private studios.
University of Washington
At the University of Washington, students who apply for the MFA program in painting and drawing are automatically considered for a number of different funding options, including fellowships, scholarships, and teaching assistantships. Students who receive fellowships and assistantships often are able to have part of their tuition waived, making the program more affordable. In this program, students are required to complete a total of at least 90 credit hours over two academic years. They complete these credits by taking studio courses, seminars, art history courses, and by fulfilling the requirements necessary to complete the master’s thesis. Additionally, the program requires that students complete elective credits which students can choose according to their interests.
Ohio State University
The MFA program in studio art offered by Ohio State University is affordable in that it offers funding to the majority of accepted students through graduate associate positions. Students work a certain number of hours a week teaching courses or providing assistance to professors in exchange for tuition coverage and a living stipend. The program allows student to select a study area like painting and drawing that will help them focus their studies. In addition to taking studio courses in painting fundamentals, students also may be interested in courses that cover multi-level painting, conceptual approaches in painting, and the topic of abstraction.
Temple University
Another affordable option for students is the MFA painting program offered by Temple University, with financing available in the form of teaching assistantships and academic internships. This program offers interdisciplinary study through its art history courses, a required seminar and studio electives that cross various disciplines. Additionally, students choose 21 credits from drawing, painting and sculpture, as well as take a required course in professional practices; if they wish, painting students may study abroad in Rome, Italy. A final thesis exhibition is required.
The 10 Best Online Master of Arts in Art Education Programs
We recognize that heading back to school as an educator is not easy. We want to ensure that you find a program that will satiate your artistic and academic thirsts, but not break the bank. What we found were some fantastic schools that all had primarily online courses. Some programs required 1 or 2 Summers on campus, but most of the content is presented online. Furthermore, a number of the rankings below are offered entirely online. If you are ready to expand your knowledge of Art education and show the world that the arts absolutely have a place among the curriculum, then try one of these online art education degrees.
1. Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. There are 36,104 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits BU to award bachelor’s through to doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications.
Carnegie classifies BU as a category RI for “highest research activity.” There are 18 academic schools awarding degrees- meaning that students at BU have an incredibly wide-range of opportunities. Students may focus their studies on theater arts, law, medicine, economics, liberal arts, education and more. When it comes to online programming, students have over 50 online programs that include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees and certificates.
Boston University offers a Master of Arts in Art Education. We selected this online master’s degree for the high academic quality and flexible options. This art education online program requires 32 credit hours for completion and may be completed in as few as 18 months. Art educators graduate with the resources and skills to make best-practice decisions in the Art classroom.
Courses cover areas like:
- Curriculum Planning
- History of Art Education
- Advocacy and Policy in Arts Education
- Child Growth and Development in Art Education
This online masters art education program also offers the Summer Studio Program. This optional, weeklong residency program is great for an arts education leader who wants to experience studio sessions and trips to museums and special events. For a high-quality and flexible online master’s degree in Art Education that prepares you for the demands of the field, the M.A. at BU is a great option!
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $58,560/year
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
2. University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida
University of Florida is a public land sea and space research university located in Gainesville, Florida. There are 55,781 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits UF to award comprehensive degrees and professional certifications.
When it comes to academics, many of UF’s programs are among the top 15 in the nation and include a vast array of fields from which to study like agriculture, journalism, finance, and zoology. There are also over 100 programs available online including a master’s in art teacher education, PhD in higher education, and a bachelor’s in biology. In terms of quality of education, affordability, faculty and more, the University of Florida is a fantastic choice for higher education.
University of Florida offers an online Master of Arts in Art Education. We selected this online master’s in arts education for the affordable tuition rate, many areas of specialization, and high level of academic quality.
This is a two-year 36 credit hour degree that has maximum flexibility built into the curriculum. You will gain critical knowledge that leads to a firm understanding of the field of art education. Unique elective course offerings include:
- Thinking in Art Education
- Art Education Beyond School Walls
- Perspectives on Artistic Development
- Globalization, Art, and Education
The curriculum is divided as such: 9 credits for art education foundation, 3 credits for research, 9 advanced studio credits, 3 credits for art history criticism, 6 credits for art or education course material, and 6 credits for individual research and a capstone experience. If you are looking for a high value degree that is high quality, try this master’s in Art education.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $10,770/year in-state and $27,335/year out-of-state
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
3. University of Nebraska at Kearney – Kearney, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public institution located in Kearney, Nebraska and is part of the University of Nebraska system. There are 6,275 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UN Kearney to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certificates.
When it comes to online education, UN Kearney offers robust programming for a wide range of degrees. In fact, there are 20 online degrees and certifications. If you are looking for a high quality and affordable online degree, UN Kearney is a great option.
University of Nebraska offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Art Education. This program is a good fit for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in art education or a related field. We selected this online masters in art education program for its affordable tuition rate and high academic quality. This master’s degree is fully online and requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students can choose from a concentration in classroom education or museum education.
This art education masters online degree is divided into two main components: core courses and electives. 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
The remaining 18 credit hours are electives-giving the students a lot of flexibility. This Master of Arts in Art Education online is a great option for anyone who is looking for an affordable and flexible online degree.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $6,216/year in-state and $13,656/year out-of-state
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
4. Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University is a public land sea and space research university located in Columbus, Ohio. There are 61,677 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits OSU to award comprehensive degrees and professional certifications.
OSU offers a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students alike in fields like music theory and earth science. When it comes to online offerings, OSU offers a number of programs for both undergraduate and graduate students alike including an online master’s in art teacher education and an online PhD in nursing practice. If you are looking for a high quality and flexible online degree, Ohio State University is a fantastic pick.
Ohio State University offers a masters in art education online. We selected this program for the high-quality academic prestige. This online master’s degree is a suitable program for individuals who are looking to make an even stronger impact on the lives of their students in the Art classroom. The degree is both research-based and practicum-based.
The master’s in art education online requires 30 credit hours for completion. Some of the core courses include:
- Teaching of Studio Activities
- University Design for Learning: Disability Studies
- Curriculum Planning and Assessment in Art Education
- Education Abroad
This is a great masters art education online for any person who is looking to change the world through Art education.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $11,560/year in-state and $37,512/year out-of-state
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
5. Penn State University World Campus – University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University World Campus is the global campus of Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). There are 88,914 students enrolled in The Pennsylvania State University system. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Penn State to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certificates.
Penn State has a robust world campus- offering a vast range of high-quality online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students. In fact, their online degree and professional certificate offerings are comprehensive and available at all levels. Some of their unique online offerings include an online master’s in agriculture with an emphasis in turf and turfgrass management and an online associate degree in information science. Some of the most popular online degrees are in the fields of engineering and education.
Penn State University offers a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Art Education. This online master’s degree is catered to individuals who are looking to advance their understanding of art education and advance in their career. We selected this course for the flexible online format and the prestigious academic quality. This online master’s degree in Art education divides into three main components:
- core courses
- foundational courses
- elective courses
All students are required to fulfill 30 credit hours for completion. The core courses are comprised of 18 credit hours of Art education-related courses relevant for today’s teacher. Classes include:
- New Media and Pedagogy
- Diversity, Visual Culture, and Pedagogy
- Informal Learning
- Action Research in Art Education
If you are looking for a contemporary approach to Art education from a prestigious institution, this is a great option.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $23,189/year in-state and $39,248/year out-of-state
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
6. Eastern Illinois University – Charleston, Illinois
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a public 4-year institution located in Charleston, Illinois. There are 8,608 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits EIU to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications.
Their academic programming includes a number of great options for both undergraduate and graduate students including programming in African American studies and Zoology. EIU offers a wide range of degree programs for students of any age. There are in fact over 20 fully online degree and certification programs that focus on career-ready degrees such as their online Master of Arts in aging studies and online Master of Arts in art education. For those in search of an affordable and high-quality online degree, try Eastern Illinois University.
Eastern Illinois University offers two hybrid Arts education degrees: a Master or Art in Art Education and a Master of Art in Community Arts. The Master of Art in Art Education is a good fit for individuals who are already teaching art and looking to improve their practice. The community arts program works well for myriad of educators looking to improve their knowledge of art education and work in multiple settings as an art educator. Both programs require some time on campus. They are both 32 credit hours in length and require one summer on campus at EIU.
We selected these programs for their affordability. In fact, EIU offers the most affordable tuition rate of all of our programs. If you are looking to expand your knowledge or include more art in your work, either of these degrees are a great affordable option.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $7,691/year in-state and $18,458/year out-of-state
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
7. University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public university located in Orlando, Florida. There are 70,310 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 30:1.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UCF to award degrees at all levels as well as post-master’s certificates.
Innovation at UCF shines through their approach to improving:
- curriculum
- student life
- technology
- facilities
Academic offerings are vast and include everything from architecture to video production. The online university is massive- including 40 degrees that range from the bachelor’s to doctorate level. The most popular programs are in health, business, psychology, and education. The online education offerings include a master’s in art education, special education and education leadership among others.
University of Central Florida offers one of the best masters of art in teaching online programs. This online master’s degree is designed for individuals who do not have teacher licensure and does fulfill the licensure requirements for the state of Florida. We selected this program for a variety of reasons including their affordable tuition rate and flexible online format. Educators who complete this course may become:
- K-12 art instructors
- arts programming educators
- museum instructors
- art consultants
If you are looking to use your skills as an artist in the education sector, this is a great option.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $6,916/year in-state and $25,759/year out-of-state
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 30:1
8. Academy of Art University – San Francisco, California
The Academy of Art University (AAU) is a private 4-year institution located in San Francisco, California. There are 7,805 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Western Association of Schools and College and the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design accredits AAU to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
Originally founded in 1929 as a school for advertising AAU now includes a number of the other visual and performing arts like acting and art education. When it comes to online fine arts programs, it is difficult to find an institution that offers more full- online degrees. AAU offers over 80 degrees and certifications available online including:
- journalism
- animation
- cinematography and film/video production
- costume design
- art education
We like AAU for its unique online art education programming as well as the wide range of online art degrees awarded to non-traditional learners.
Academy of Art University offers a Master of Art in Art Education. We selected this program for the quality of academics. This online degree requires 39-units for completion. The courses include, among others:
- Overview of the Theories and Practices of Art Education
- Educational Psychology
- Curriculum and Development for the Art Classroom
- Integrating Technology into Art Education
- History of Art Education
Whether you have a lot of experience in the studio or very little, the online Masters of Art Education online at Academy of Art University are a great option.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $27,696/year
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
9. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) – Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a private special-focus Arts & Design school located in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1826, MICA is the oldest college of art and design in the United States. MICA is known for its high caliber student body and dense number of Fulbright Scholars. There are 2,147 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
MICA offers a number of fantastic student support services including:
- dual credits
- placement services for its graduates
- academic and career counseling
As a special-focus institution, MICA specializes in degree programming that emphasizes the Arts. Students may select from areas like Art History and Ceramic Arts. The online degree programs focus on design, business, and art teacher education. For a high-quality Arts degree, MICA is one of the best.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) awards a low residency/ primarily online Master of Art in Art Education. We selected this online art education masters program for the quality of academics and accelerated format. This 14-month degree does require some time on-campus in Baltimore, Maryland. These take place during two Summers as this program is designed to accommodate the schedule of working art teachers. According to the site:
“The MAAE is grounded in the belief that artist-teachers experience transformative learning when their studies focus on compelling questions emerging from their own studio and teaching practices. In this sense the MAAE is holistic”
This hybrid degree requires 34 credit hours for completion and includes exciting courses like:
- Contemporary Art Education
- Art History
- Qualitative Research
- Studio Investigations
- Contemporary Issues in Art
- Writing for Publication
If you are looking for a quality degree from a top-notch art institute, this is a great option.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $50,160/year
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
10. Kent State University – Kent, Ohio
Kent State University is a public research institution located in Kent, Ohio with a number of satellite campuses located throughout the state. There are 26,597 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Kent State University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications.
When it comes to academic programming, Kent State offers everything from accounting to zoology. There are a number of unique programs as well like their bachelors in photojournalism and doctorate in language interpretation and translation. There are nearly 20 online degrees available at Kent State including their online master’s degree in art teacher education and online bachelor’s in public health. Kent State University is a great option for those seeking a quality and flexible online art education degree.
Kent State University offers a Master of Arts in Art Education online for individuals who currently work as art educators. We selected this program for the high-quality academic programming. This online master’s degree requires 33 credit hours for completion and includes courses like:
- Art History
- Art Education Philosophy
- Teaching Design in Relation to Curriculum and Instruction
Students have the option to culminate their experience with a master’s project of a thesis. If you are looking for a convenient and high quality online Master’s Degree in Art Education try Kent State.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Tuition of $11,766/year in-state and $21,952/year out-of-state
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Admissions Standards for Affordable MFA Programs in Painting
The application process for MFA programs in painting involves submitting a number of documents to each program that a student is interested in. Generally, this includes a completed application form, letters of recommendation, past academic transcripts, and a personal statement. Some programs may expect students to have previously studied art, though this is usually not a strict prerequisite if students are able to demonstrate their artistic experience in another way. One of the most important components of the application for these programs is the portfolio, as students will be required to submit samples of their work in painting and other artistic disciplines so that the admissions committee can assess each applicant’s ability and whether they are a good fit for the program.
To summarize the above information, there are a number of MFA programs around the country that are affordable to students because of the fellowships, assistantships, and various scholarships they offer.
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