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M.S. in Art Education - Professional Development

The MS in Art Education – Professional Development track (Option 2) is suitable for practicing artists, current teachers, and community or museum arts educators. Our dedicated faculty members have a range of educational experience in visual and cultural literacies, covering elementary, secondary, museum, and informal learning environments. With over a 70-year history, we believe in the intrinsic value of art to transform lives. Intent on achieving our mission, we aim to educate seasoned art educators to use art education as a platform for social change. 

apply for this program
Rolling Admissions. Apply by March 1st for our preferred Summer start.
Program Overview

This option invites students to participate in a scholarly community that allows the exchange of ideas, the cultivation of expertise, and the opportunity to connect theory and practice. Students engage in art making, curriculum development, and the study and critique of contemporary issues impacting the field. 

Distance Learning

Most students complete this degree online. Our online courses are taught alongside our residential offerings by faculty members in the department, providing all the rigor of a Florida State University graduate program. Online students typically take asychronous classes that fit around students’ ongoing professional commitments.  

  • Admissions Requirements
    • EXPERIENCE & GPA REQUIREMENTS
      • An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework
      • The applicant must be in good standing in the institution of higher education
      • An undergraduate major related to Art, Art Education, Arts Administration, Museums, or Performing Arts
      • Thirty (30) hours of Arts and/or Art Education coursework or relevant work experience in a school or cultural organization. (Students may satisfy deficiencies upon acceptance into the program)
    • GRE Test Scores
      • Earn a minimum percentile ranking of 55% on the Verbal and 25% on the Quantitative portions of the GRE.
      • The GRE waiver may be requested for students that have ONE of the following:
    • TOEFL (for International Students only)
      • Minimum scores: 80 internet/213 computer
  • Application Materials
    • Resume/CV
    • Transcripts 
      • Official transcripts must be submitted
      • For detailed information on this process, visit: Graduate Admissions.
    • Letters of Recommendation
      • Students must submit three letters of recommendation 
      • The letters of recommendation should be from someone who can describe your ability to meet the graduate level of rigor and expectations in coursework, writing, and speaking skills
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Academic Writing Sample
      • Most people submit a paper that they wrote in college, retouching it for content and style.
      • If you don’t have a paper that you have already written, you can write one from scratch.
      • You’ll want to submit a piece of writing that demonstrates your ability to analyze a topic in the same (or related) field to which you are applying.
    • Portfolio 10-12 pieces
      • A portfolio is one of the most important pieces of your graduate school application. Not only does it demonstrate your skills, but it shows your level of professionalism in how you’re able to present yourself and your work.
      • Your portfolio should include 10-12 pieces of your artwork showing a range of artistic competencies. Up to half of the images may show examples of student results in your classroom.
      • This portfolio should be submitted on the SLATE system.
  • Rolling Admission Deadlines
    • SUMMER ADMISSION
      • Preferred
      • Apply by March 1
    • FALL ADMISSION
      • Apply by July 1
    • SPRING ADMISSION
      • Apply by November 1
  • Objectives
    • Students will be prepared in the historical foundations,  theoretical underpinnings, and current research practices of the field. 
    • Students will have the opportunity to grow their skills through learning, applied research, and professional opportunities. 
    • Students will leave the program positioned to advance their career and make an impact in the field. 
  • Structure
    • This is a an online or residential program, and students take classes online or on FSU’s main campus. 
    • Minimum 33 credit hours. Usually takes part-time students 6 semesters to complete. 
    • Degree culminates with a supervised research project. 

Advisor Contact Info

Professional Development
Dr. Amber Ward
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