Graduate Curriculum
The Master of Science in Education in Visual Arts Education (MSEd) program serves certified art teachers interested in completing a master's degree and prepares them for future doctoral study. The MSEd makes New York State art teachers eligible to apply for professional teaching certification.
The course work in the MSEd program builds toward the master's thesis. In summers I and II, students concentrate on their studio practice with courses that relate to each student's art practice. During the fall and spring semesters I and II, students take consecutive courses that build their research toward the thesis.
The program is a low-residency summer program, offering an alternative for students who seek a rigorous and focused graduate program in Visual Arts Education, but who cannot pursue full-time graduate studies during the academic year. Students are on campus for two consecutive summers working full time with art studio and art history faculty. During two academic years, students enroll part time in online art education classes to carry out independent and faculty-mentored qualitative research projects related to issues in Visual Arts Education.
Program Capstone: Master's Thesis
Students work with a primary thesis advisor throughout the conceptualization, design, development, and implementation of their research. The development of the thesis is guided by a committee consisting of the primary advisor and a second reader. Both the primary advisor and the second reader provide evaluative feedback regarding the writing of the thesis document.
Students have a choice of writing a curriculum thesis or an action-oriented qualitative study focusing on an issue or aspect of art education. This can include, but is not limited to, research into pedagogic practices; curriculum development; student learning; or reflective teaching practice. Methodological approaches can include, but are not limited to case study, ethnographic, self-study, or survey.
MSEd in Visual Arts Education (33 credits)*
YEAR ONE - 18 credits
Summer, five weeks (12 credits)
- Graduate Art Seminar (3)
- Graduate Studio (3)
- from existing offerings
- Thematic Studio (3)
- selected topics
- Art History (3)
- from existing offerings
Fall, online (3 credits)
- Seminar in Art Education (3)
- online with 2 on-site meetings
Spring, online (3 credits)
- Research in Art Education (3)
- online with 2 on-site meetings
YEAR TWO - 15 credits
Summer, five weeks (9 credits)
- Graduate Studio (3)
- from existing offerings - Thematic Studio (3)
- selected topics - Art History (3)
- from existing offerings
Fall, online (3 credits)
- Thesis in Art Education I (3)
- online with 2 on-site meetings
Spring, online (3 credits)
- Thesis in Art Education II (3)
- online with 2 on-site meetings
Program Capstone
A publishable work of scholarship (research or curriculum)
* Meets New York State requirements for M.S. in Art Ed/Professional Certificate Programs - includes 12 credits linking content with pedagogy (Master's Seminar [3], Research in Art Education [3], Thesis in Art Education [6]). Meets NASAD requirements of 6 credits of art studio and 6 credits of art history/criticism. Meets all NCATE requirements for graduate programs in teacher education.
