Curriculum

The Ohio State University Online Master of Arts in Art Education is a 30-hour comprehensive program that is completed in two years. The curriculum focuses on meaning-making, critical thinking and reflective practice, emphasizing:

  • Teaching artmaking with meaning
  • Designing meaningful art curriculum
  • Critical multiculturalism
  • Creating connections between practice and research
  • Arts advocacy

Each cohort takes core classes together, developing a community of support and learning as they work together and share their diverse experiences as art educators.

Our program offers rolling admission, with students being able to apply to start autumn, spring or summer semesters. Students typically take one 3-credit hour class and one 1-credit hour of Reflective Practice, Research and Portfolio each semester.

During summer terms, students choose two 3-credit hour elective courses in order to tailor their studies to their interests and take advantage of faculty expertise. 

Please note, our program does not lead to licensure.

Curriculum

  • 7000.30 - Issues, Frameworks and Theories for Art Educators
    Critically analyze articles that provide an overview of topics for art education research; graduate faculty research; national and international issues, and research resources. (3 credits)
     
  • 7604 — Teaching of Studio Activities
    Students will create their own art in this course through innovative and contemporary  practices, while learning how to use their personal artmaking as a model for fostering creative thought and play in student artmaking. (3 credits)
     
  • 7607 – Curriculum Planning and Assessment in Art Education
    Students in this course are guided in learning about approaches to curriculum development, what causes curriculum and assessment to change, the roles of arts in society, contemporary art, and arts integration. Students develop a unit of study guided by instructor and peer feedback. (3 credits)
     
  • 7767 – Critical Analysis of Multicultural Art Education
    Investigation and analysis of multicultural theories, issues and practices for art education. (3 credits)
     
  • 7200.3 – Overview of Research for Arts Educators
    Introduction to research methodologies in the field of arts education. (3 credits)
     
  • 7777 – Research to Advocacy
    This course engages practicing arts educators in developing effective advocacy strategies, arguments and approaches grounded in reliable research and assessment measures. Educators clearly communicating these measures can effectively leverage them in persuading administrators, parents and policy makers to energetically support and advance the critical work of arts education. (3 credits)

Students take one Reflective Practice, Research, and Portfolio credit hour per semester, which provides a structure and opportunity to observe and reflect on their practice in relation to the coursework. These credit hours culminate in a final reflective practice portfolio.

Electives take place over 6-week summer sessions. Course options include:

  • 7708 - Universal Design for Learning: Disability Studies
    This course explores Universal Design for Learning in Art Education for the purposes of enhancing the learning experiences of students with disabilities and all learners and makes practical applications to classroom experiences.
     
  • 5367 – Reel Injuns: Identity and Representation
    Introduces broad range of issues, theories and practices of visual culture within the gaze of American Indians and how reaction to or rejection shapes indigenous identities, as well as non-Native understandings of American Indians. This course will explore action research practices, historical research methodologies, and critical readings.
     
  • 7606 – Technology and Digital Texts
    Theory and practice of engaging others in technologies and digital texts relative to art education practice.