M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.A. in Art Education
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Art Education at The Catholic University of America is a graduate program designed to provide professional and academic training for individuals passionate about teaching art. It aims to equip graduates with the skills to become innovative and effective art educators in diverse settings, including PreK-12 schools, community art programs, and museums. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing students to enhance their artistic research practice and transform lives through art.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Art Education is a 30-credit low-residency program. It combines convenient online classes in the fall and spring with exciting two-week summer studio experiences on campus in Washington, D.C. The curriculum is structured around core courses in art education and art history, including Artistic Development in Art Education, Contemporary Issues in Art Education, Methods of Art Education K-12, Contemporary Art History, and Artist/Researcher/Teacher. Students also select advanced studio courses (e.g., Intro to Digital Design, Printmaking and Multimedia, Ceramics) and elective courses from education or psychology departments. The program includes research methods (Creative and Critical Thinking in Art, Inquiry into Practice) and may culminate in a thesis project or equivalent capstone experience.
Research Focus: The program's research focus centers on enhancing artistic research practice and exploring contemporary issues in art education. Students engage with pedagogical practices, community art, and the integration of technology in art education. The curriculum aims to prepare teacher-leaders who can impact future students in various 21st-century learning environments. There may be opportunities for students to be involved in international research partnerships, such as those with the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills regarding international teacher education in art + design, which can embed research into coursework.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Art Education program at Catholic University fosters connections with a variety of art-related institutions and educational settings. Its location in Washington, D.C., provides unparalleled access to world-renowned museums such as The National Gallery of Art, the Freer Gallery, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the African American Museum, and the Hirshhorn Museum. These connections offer opportunities for students to engage with diverse art forms and educational approaches. The program prepares graduates for roles in traditional school settings as well as alternative community or cultural settings, museums, or private organizations, indicating strong ties to the broader art and education industries.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Art Education program explicitly incorporates a global perspective, particularly through its involvement in international art and design exchange programs. For example, some cohorts have had opportunities to participate in all-expense-paid international art + design exchange programs with embedded research opportunities, collaborating with Master's students in countries like Norway and Brazil. This international collaboration broadens students' perspectives and practices in art and design education on a global scale. The program aims to prepare educators who are aware of global trends and diverse cultural expressions in art.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.A. in Art Education program are highly skilled in art pedagogy, art history, studio practices, and educational leadership. Their comprehensive training prepares them for diverse roles where they can inspire creativity and foster artistic understanding in others.
K-12 Art Teacher: Teaching art in elementary, middle, or high schools, developing curriculum, and fostering artistic development in students. (Requires state licensure/certification).
Museum Educator: Designing and leading educational programs for various age groups in art museums or galleries, developing interpretive materials, and facilitating engaging art experiences.
Community Art Program Coordinator/Director: Developing and managing art programs and workshops for community centers, non-profit organizations, or after-school initiatives.
Arts Administrator (Education Focus): Managing educational programming, outreach, and development for arts organizations, cultural institutions, or non-profits.
Artist-in-Residence: Working with schools, museums, or other organizations to provide hands-on art instruction, workshops, and artistic demonstrations, often while also pursuing their own artistic practice.
Curriculum Developer (Art Education): Designing and evaluating art education curricula for school districts, educational publishers, or online learning platforms.
Art Therapist (requires additional certification/licensure): Using art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals address emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges, often requiring a separate master's degree in art therapy and subsequent certification.
Higher Education Instructor/Lecturer (Art/Art Education): Teaching art or art education courses at community colleges or universities (often requires further doctoral studies for tenure-track positions).
Art Education Researcher: Conducting studies on the impact of art education, effective teaching methodologies, or the role of art in child development for academic institutions or research organizations.
Educational Consultant (Arts Integration): Advising schools or districts on strategies to integrate art across the curriculum, enhancing learning outcomes in other subjects through creative approaches.
