About us
The mission of the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy is to critically engage cultural meaning that fosters social change and advances the public interest through the arts and visual culture through excellence in:
- Research
- Policy
- Teaching
- Leadership
Our programs promote understanding of the arts and visual culture for all students through a curriculum that is research-based, interdisciplinary and intent on collaboration with communities both within and outside the University, state, nation, and world.
We emphasize understanding of arts and culture, especially visual culture, in a global, culturally diverse and technological society. This content is explored through the following:
- Pedagogical theory and practices
- Critical inquiry of historical and contemporary artworks
- Analysis of public and educational policy in the arts and cultures
- Inquiry in the philosophical, historical and policy foundations of art education, arts management, and cultural policy administration
Our curriculum includes attention to understanding:
- Multimedia technologies in cultural production
- Critique of policies
- Teaching
- Learning
- Assessment
- Awareness of comparative international practice
The MA program in Art Education gives students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be well-informed and reflective practitioners, teachers and researchers.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Art Education & Public Pedagogy is a two-year, 31-hour degree program. The coursework introduces students to contemporary research and concepts in the art education field. While it is situated in research, students have ample opportunities for practice, whether it be through assignments or via their own research, led by their advisor.
Students develop an individualized plan of study in consultation with their faculty advisor; and have the option to write a thesis or complete a project, and a final oral defense to obtain their degree.
At the end of this program, MA Art Education students will be able to:
- Use critical thinking, evidence-based principles and current information to analyze situations, issues and problems impacting contemporary art education theory and practice
- Connect art education theories to pedagogy and practices in particular teaching settings, including schools, museums and/or community space
- Develop and implement curriculum and assessment based on big ideas and essential questions
- Research and improve teaching practices through critical reflection, data collection and analysis and risk taking
This program does not lead to teacher licensure. For more information, visit the program website.