Master of Arts (Visual Arts Education)
The mission of the Masters of Arts in Visual Arts Education program at Eastern Michigan University is to build on the student's knowledge, skills and teaching experiences in visual arts education.
The program is designed for persons currently teaching art or who have earned a teaching certificate in visual arts, and emphasizes a comprehensive approach to teaching the visual arts and bringing critical, diverse, and meaningful art learning experiences to K-12 classrooms. It enables certified visual art teachers to update and fine-tune their understanding of contemporary V.A.E. theories and practices, to design visual art education research, and to integrate technology. Students work closely with the visual arts education faculty and may seek guidance from other members of the art faculty. The M.A. in the V.A.E. program supports the department-wide focus on student-centered learning, on excellence in teaching, creative work and research, and on meeting the visual arts education state and national teacher preparation standards.
MODEL
Eastern Michigan University's advanced professional education programs develop leaders who demonstrate reflective thought and scholarship within the context of a culturally diverse society. In addition, the master of arts in art education program produces educators who are committed to their ongoing professional growth and are aware of the challenges of democracy in our culturally diverse society. These educators will assert leadership and the ability to cultivate abstract thinking skills and analyze visual statements for personal meaning.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Entry requirements are a minimum of 34 credit hours of art education and studio art with a minimum 2.8 grade point average in these classes. In addition, each applicant is expected to hold a teaching certificate for the teaching of art. Criteria considered in the admissions process in order of importance: transcript, teaching philosophy, statement of research interests, quality of art work as evidenced in slides, and letters of reference.
Applications to the MA programs are evaluated by the department on an ongoing basis- the committee meets three times per semester (Fall and Winter) to review materials. Appropriate application materials are due to the department by the second Friday of any of the first three months of the Fall or Winter semester (each of these deadlines corresponds to each of the three reviews by the MA committee).
In addition to materials for the department, appropriate materials are due to the Graduate School by the deadlines they establish, posted independently of the department on the Graduate Admissions Homepage.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Graduate Coordinator will meet with each student to construct a program of study. Students should follow closely the Graduate School requirements for "Application for Diploma."
After the student has completed six hours of course work in art education, a program adviser will evaluate for approval the selection of a thesis proposal or paper option in an appropriate art education area. A required thesis review will be conducted by a faculty committee. For more information, consult the M.A.E. fact sheet.