Admissions
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Art Education (BAE) with Licensure
If you are currently an undergraduate student at Ohio State, or if you already have a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State, follow the instructions in the Bachelor of Art Education w/Licensure Handbook. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, but did not earn your undergraduate degree from Ohio State, go the Undergrad Admissions website to apply as a transfer student.
- The application deadline is March 1
Bachelor of Art Education (BAE) Informal Option
The department has developed a handbook of information about the BAE Informal Option that includes application information. Please be sure to read the Bachelor of Art Education Informal Option Handbook, as the requirements for applying are different from the BAE with Licensure track. Portfolio reviews are done once a year in March.
- The application deadline is March 1
- This program does not lead to a teaching license.
Licensure Only
The department offers a Licensure Only option for those who already hold a BFA or BA in an art-related field. Completion of this two-year program does not result in a second degree; rather it prepares the student for gaining licensure in the state of Ohio. Successful progress through the Licensure Only program includes educational coursework, classroom observation, and pre-practicum and practicum experiences. Although this is a non-degree granting program, it is approved for financial aid because it prepares students for a professional license. Students interested in pursuing the Licensure Only program should read the Licensure Only Handbook to determine if they are a good candidate for this program. Contact Lauren Pace or Ryan Heitkamp if you would like to know more about this type of licensure option.
- The application deadline is March 1
Master of Arts in Art Education Degree (Online)
Master of Arts in Art Education Degree (On campus)
The application window for autumn 2027 will open August 2026. All applications and their supplemental materials for autumn 2027 must be received by October 30, 2026 to be considered for autumn 2027 admission.
Incomplete applications will not be considered; it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all application materials have been received before the deadline.
If you want to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Associateship (GTA) or to be nominated to the University Fellowship Competition, your application must be complete (ALL application materials received including letters of reference) by October 30. Since you are relying on your recommenders to submit their letters of recommendation by the deadline, you should submit your application well in advance and inform your recommenders of the deadline date. Submitting an application within days of the deadline does not allow enough time for your recommenders to submit their letters. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded for review. Departmental funding decisions are typically made after the University Fellowship Competition in late February/early March. Late applications will not be considered.
- $60 domestic
- $70 international
Upload one transcript from all previously attended institutions with your application. Scan all pages of the transcript including the back. The admissions office will not accept advising reports or web printouts. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required. Uploaded transcripts are preferred, but if you are unable to upload, you may send the hard copy to:
Graduate and Professional Admissions
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004
Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application. If accepted, applicants will then be required to submit official transcripts. Transcripts are considered official if sent directly from the college or university directly to Graduate and Professional Admissions.
The GRE and MAT are optional for applicants applying to the Art Education MA program. For applicants who wish to submit scores for the MAT or GRE, follow the information below.
- Official Miller Analogies Test (MAT) OR GRE Scores
Scores are considered official if they are sent to Ohio State directly from the testing service. For the MAT, use school code: #1574; for the GRE, use school code: #1592.
The Graduate Studies Committee encourages applicants to prepare well before taking the GRE or MAT. The suggested minimum scores for admission are:
GRE: MAT: 1000
Applicants who score below the suggested scores may be required to complete an applicant interview.- Verbal: 156
- Quantitative: 148
- Writing: 4.0
Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only). We do not accept DUOLINGO
The TOEFL or IELTS scores requirement applies to all international applicants (see exemptions below). Use school code 1592. Visit the Graduate and Professional Admissions website for a list of exemptions and up-to-date minimum scores required by Ohio State.
- While the university requires a set of minimum scores, the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy requires scores above these minimums.
- TOEFL = a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (5.0 on the updated TOEFL as of January 2026)
- IELTS = 7.0 on the IELTS Academic test or IELTS Online
The following materials should be uploaded with the application:
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with your academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance. These letters are extremely important and you are advised to select recommenders who are familiar with your best work as it relates to your scholarly and professional goals. It is strongly advised that you inform your recommenders of the application deadline date and submit your application well in advance of the deadline.
- Resume: A resume of your educational background and professional experience.
- Statement of Intent (no more than three typed pages, double-spaced): The statement of intent should include:
- Your professional goals and relationship of academic and professional experience to those goals.
- Academic and professional preparation not evident from other credentials submitted.
- An indication of why you have chosen to pursue a career in art education, arts policy, arts administration, and subfields as well as why you are applying to The Ohio State University.
- Anticipated use of graduate study in pursuit of the stated goals.
Writing Sample: Please use the rubric below as a guide for your application’s writing sample.* If you are submitting a paper that was previously written (i.e. a past class paper, a published article), please make sure (or edit your paper in a way) that it meets the rubric’s standards under “Capstone.”
-OR-
*If you are writing a completely new writing sample for your application, please choose ONE article below. Construct an essay around the article, making sure that it meets the rubric’s standards under “Capstone.” Please do not exceed 10 pages of content, double spaced, 12 point font.
Hamlin, J. (2017). At the intersection of education, art and activism: The case for Creative Chemistries. Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, 6(2), 179-189.
Nordlund, C., Speirs, P., & Stewart, M. (2010). An invitation to social change: Fifteen principles for teaching art. Art Education, 63(5), 36-43.FileAn invitation to social change (PDF)370.76 KB
If you are unable to upload any of these documents, a hard copy or scanned version may be sent directly to:
Academic Program Specialist
The Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy
231 Sullivant Hall
1813 N High St
Columbus, OH 43210
pace.162@osu.edu
If you wish to be considered for a GTA position, this application must be submitted to the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy by October 30.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email the next day from the admissions office instructing you how to check the status of your application online. This email is very important, so if you do not receive it, check your junk mail folder first and then contact the Graduate and Professional Admissions at gradadmissions@osu.edu.
DO NOT assume that your application is complete until you have confirmed it by checking the status. The department and the university are NOT responsible for alerting you if something is missing