M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.Ed. in Art Education
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Art Education is a 30-credit-hour program that combines advanced study in art education theory with practical studio art experience. It aims to develop educators with higher credentials and a deeper understanding of creative art, enabling them to foster artistic expression and appreciation in students from kindergarten through high school. The program emphasizes the integration of Christian ethics and ideals within an academic framework, challenging students to achieve excellence in both their artistic practice and teaching methodologies. Its flexible format is particularly beneficial for current educators seeking professional development without interrupting their teaching careers.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of art education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. It typically includes graduate credit in professional art education core courses, such as "Curriculum Development in Studio Art," and choices from "Research Topics in Art History: Artist" or "Research Topics in Art History: Periods or Styles." Additionally, required core courses in education cover broad pedagogical topics like "Classroom Management for Elementary and Secondary Teachers," "Tests & Measurement," and "Technology in Education." A significant component of the program is dedicated to studio art semester hours, allowing students to continue refining their skills in various artistic mediums or explore new ones. This dual focus ensures graduates are well-rounded in both their artistic capabilities and their instructional strategies.
Research Focus: While the M.Ed. in Art Education is primarily a practitioner-focused degree aimed at enhancing teaching effectiveness, it does incorporate a research component, as indicated by courses like "Research Topics in Art History" and general "Research - Methods & Procedures" courses common in M.Ed. programs. This focus aims to equip art educators with the ability to critically analyze educational practices, evaluate current methodologies, and potentially contribute to the body of knowledge in art education through informed inquiry. While a formal thesis might not be a universal requirement, the program cultivates an understanding of evidence-based instruction and the importance of research in transforming classroom practices.
Industry Engagement: The program at Mississippi College is deeply rooted in preparing graduates for direct impact within the educational sector. Being the only institution in Mississippi offering a graduate degree in Art Education, it naturally has strong ties to K-12 school systems across the state. Faculty members often bring real-world teaching experience, offering practical insights and mentorship. The "low-residency" format is a direct response to the needs of working teachers, demonstrating an understanding of the industry's demands. Graduates are well-prepared to meet the requirements for a Class AA Teaching License in Mississippi, directly addressing a key professional credential for art educators. The curriculum's emphasis on effective instructional practices and curriculum development also aligns directly with the needs of school districts seeking highly qualified art teachers.
Global Perspective: While the M.Ed. in Art Education program doesn't explicitly detail global-specific coursework, Mississippi College as an institution promotes an inclusive and diverse learning environment, hosting students from various countries. In the field of art education, understanding diverse cultural perspectives on art, historical art movements from around the globe, and the role of art in different societies is inherently valuable. While not a direct program component, the broader institutional emphasis on a Christian worldview can also implicitly encourage a global understanding of art's universal human expression and its role in diverse communities worldwide. Students' exposure to different cultural backgrounds within the university community can also broaden their perspectives on art and education.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Art Education from Mississippi College is specifically designed to enhance the skills and career prospects of art teachers and those aspiring to educational leadership roles within the arts. This unique program in Mississippi provides a blend of advanced pedagogical knowledge and refined artistic practice, preparing graduates to be highly effective and impactful art educators across various settings.
K-12 Art Teacher (Advanced/Lead): The most direct path, allowing graduates to continue teaching art in elementary, middle, or high schools with higher credentials (Class AA Teaching License in Mississippi) and a deeper understanding of curriculum development and effective teaching strategies. This can lead to leadership roles within school art departments.
Art Education Coordinator/Supervisor (District Level): Graduates can move into administrative roles within school districts, overseeing art programs across multiple schools. This involves developing curriculum, providing professional development for art teachers, and advocating for art education.
Museum Educator: Working in art museums or galleries, these professionals design and deliver educational programs for diverse audiences, including school groups, families, and adults. They connect visitors with art, organize workshops, and develop educational materials.
Community Arts Program Director/Coordinator: Graduates can manage and develop art programs for community centers, non-profit organizations, or after-school initiatives. This involves curriculum design, program implementation, outreach, and potentially fundraising.
Curriculum Developer (Art Education): With a strong understanding of pedagogy and art education theory, graduates can work for educational publishers, online learning platforms, or school districts to design and develop art curricula and instructional materials.
Teaching Artist/Artist-in-Residence: Leveraging their advanced studio skills and pedagogical knowledge, graduates can work as teaching artists, leading workshops or residencies in various settings like schools, community centers, or even healthcare facilities, often combining their artistic practice with educational outreach.
Professional Development Specialist (Art Education): These specialists design and deliver training for other art teachers, sharing best practices, new technologies, and current research in art education. They might work for educational organizations, state departments of education, or as independent consultants.
Higher Education Instructor (Art/Art Education - Community College): While a doctorate is often required for tenure-track university positions, an M.Ed. in Art Education can qualify graduates to teach art or art education courses at community colleges, providing foundational instruction to aspiring artists and educators.
Educational Consultant (Arts-focused): Graduates can work independently or for consulting firms, advising schools, cultural institutions, or organizations on developing and improving their art education programs, curriculum, and instructional strategies.
Arts Administrator (Education-focused): These roles involve managing the educational aspects of arts organizations, such as theaters, symphonies, or dance companies. Responsibilities might include developing educational outreach programs, grant writing, and overseeing budgets for educational initiatives.
