Graduate Student Handbook

• 1.1 - Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy
• 1.2 - Mission Statement
• 1.3 - Program Descriptions
• 1.4 - The Ohio State University

1.1 - Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy

The Department is internationally known for the quality of its faculty and the diversity of its programs. The Department’s central concern is the teaching and learning of visual arts in contemporary society. The scope of graduate study in Arts Administration, Education and Policy at Ohio State is perhaps the most comprehensive in the world. With 11 full-time faculty, 3 full-time clinical faculty and approximately 52 MA and PhD students currently enrolled, it is also one of the largest graduate programs in the field.

The Department offers a Master of Arts in Art Education, a Master of Arts in Arts Policy and Administration in cooperation with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Arts Administration, Education and Policy. These programs are oriented toward research and scholarship, pursued toward both theoretical and practical ends. Graduate study may emphasize art education and public policy in a range of settings, including schools, colleges, community arts service agencies, museums, galleries, and the popular media; may be local, national or international in scope; may use a specific disciplinary approach to research in art education (such as those in the fields of philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, and psychology); or be directed toward a topic that requires cross-disciplinary studies.

The Department welcomes the cultural and experiential diversity of its student population. Some students are teachers who have returned for professional development. Others have worked in museums, galleries, art institutions and other creative sector positions. With significant numbers of international students, it is not uncommon to sit in on a course attended by one or more students from Asia, Canada, Europe, Jamaica, or the Middle East. Graduating students go on to a wide variety of careers in school districts, art agencies, universities, and positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The Department has a large and influential group of alumni, many of whom hold positions in universities, museums, and cultural organizations throughout North America and the world.

1.2 - Mission Statement

The Mission of the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy is to critically engage cultural meaning through excellence in research, policy, teaching, and leadership that fosters social change and advances the public interest through the arts and visual culture.

1.3 - Program Descriptions

Our programs promote understanding of the arts and visual culture for all students through a curriculum that is research-based, interdisciplinary, and intent on collaboration with communities both within and outside the University, state, nation, and world. We emphasize understanding of arts and culture, especially visual culture, in a global, culturally diverse, and technological society. This content is explored through the following: Pedagogical theory and practices; critical inquiry of historical and contemporary artworks; the analysis of public and educational policy in the arts and cultures; and inquiry in the philosophical, historical, and policy foundations of art education, arts management, and cultural policy administration. Our curriculum includes attention to understanding multimedia technologies in cultural production, critique of policies, teaching, learning, assessment, and awareness of comparative international practice.

The scope of the Department’s undergraduate offerings includes general education and courses for elementary classroom teachers. The Department offers a Bachelor of Art Education degree program that provides undergraduate students with a well-rounded liberal arts education, intensive studies in visual culture, and significant preparatory coursework in the theory and practice of art education.

The Department also offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management program that provides undergraduate students with in-depth studies in arts and cultural institutions, leadership strategies, and management practices. The Department also has an Arts Entrepreneurship Minor, in collaboration with the Fisher College of Business.

Graduate programs include courses for experienced teachers; a master’s degree in Arts Policy and Administration; and three graduate specializations in Museum Education and Administration, Cultural Policy and Arts Management, and Art Education. Additionally, AAEP graduate students can customize their degree with a graduate minor, interdisciplinary specialization, or graduate certificate. Visit the Graduate School website for a full list of possibilities.

The Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy prepares educators, researchers, administrators and policy makers for research and practice in the interdisciplinary field of art education through its integrated, multifaceted programs and collaborations within and outside the University. Key goals are to prepare students to lead through the arts, to function as a critical and informed citizenry, and to advance the public interest with regard to opportunity, diversity, effective public policy, social justice, and creativity. Through these endeavors, the Department maintains its position of excellence at the local, state, national and international levels in the areas of research, teaching, and service.

1.4 - The Ohio State University

Admission of graduate students to the University is a shared responsibility of the departmental Graduate Studies Committee, the Graduate and Professional Admissions office, and the Graduate School. Therefore, applicants must fulfill admission requirements and procedures of each entity.

• 2.1 - Admission Requirements
• 2.2 - Admissions Criteria
  • 2.2.1 - Intellectual Ability
  • 2.2.2 - Interests Appropriate to the Program
  • 2.2.3 - Student Background
• 2.3 - Departmental Application Procedures
• 2.4 - Additional Requirements for PhD Applicants
• 2.5 - Additional Requirements for International Applicants
  • 2.5.1 - English as a Second Language (ESL) Requirement
  • 2.5.2 - Finances

2.1 - Admission Requirements

Information about University admission procedures may be obtained by calling the Graduate and Professional Admissions Office at (614) 292-9444, and the application is available online on the Graduate and Professional Admissions website.

Applicants must show evidence that they meet the following requirements:

• An earned baccalaureate or professional degree from an accredited college or university by the expected date of entry. Applicants must have earned an MA or are in the process of earning an MA to be admitted to the PhD program.
• A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale in all previous undergraduate work.
• Prerequisite training and education that will enable the student to pursue the graduate program to which admission is sought.

Proof of English Proficiency scores (International students only). This requirement applies only to an applicant from a country where the first language is not English, unless a degree has been earned in an English-speaking country. Visit the Graduate and Professional Admission website for a list of exempted countries.

2.2 - Admissions Criteria

Departmental admission policies and criteria are designed to admit students who have strong intellectual ability and who have research interests that are consistent with the Department’s programs. The Graduate Studies Committee welcomes any evidence relevant to these criteria. The minimum evidence required is indicated below.

2.2.1 - Intellectual Ability

The Department defines intellectual ability in terms of the ability to deal with ideas of a general kind as they apply to art and education. Our programs stress analytical, critical, speculative and theoretical approaches to art education, and require strong communication skills. Evidence of an applicant meeting this criterion include grade point average in college, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample which could include publications, manuscripts, conference papers, papers from advanced courses, or an essay on a policy issue related to the arts.

2.2.2 - Interests Appropriate to the Program

Our graduate programs accommodate a wide range of interests. The Department admits eligible graduate applicants whose interests are consistent with the expertise of its faculty. For a list of faculty and their areas of specialization, visit the Department website.

Evidence of clearly defined interests include: A resume of the applicant’s educational background and professional experience; a statement of intent indicating the applicant’s intellectual curiosities, anticipated direction during graduate study, and long-range career objectives. Letters of recommendation may also address these criteria.

2.2.3 - Student Background

Art and education are rich and multi-faceted phenomena that can be approached from multiple points of view. The Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy strives to admit a culturally and experientially robust student population that enriches the learning experience. This criterion applies to intellectual, artistic, practical, and cultural backgrounds. Practical experience in schools and cultural agencies is particularly welcomed.

An expansive representation of American culture is regarded as desirable and the relation between art and culture is one of the themes of our graduate programs. Therefore, the Graduate Studies Committee seeks to admit qualified students from a broad range of backgrounds. Similarly, the Department regards international student participation as enriching and desirable; therefore, applications from international students are welcome. It should be noted, however, that a high degree of proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to success in the program.

2.3 - Departmental Application Procedures

The following materials should be uploaded with the application. Hardcopies can be mailed to the Department office if uploading isn’t possible:

• One official transcript from each college or university attended.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the applicant’s academic program, scholastic ability, or professional performance. These letters are extremely important, and applicants are advised to select referees who are familiar with their best work as it relates to their scholarly and professional goals.
• A resume of the applicant’s education background and professional experience.
• A statement of intent (no more than three typed pages) of the following:
  • Applicant’s 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 the applicant has chosen to pursue a career in art education, arts policy, arts administration, and subfields as well as why they are applying to The Ohio State University.
  • Anticipated use of graduate study in pursuit of the stated goals.
• A writing sample of approximately 10 pages in length; for example, publications, manuscripts, conference papers, papers from advanced courses, or an essay on a policy issue related to the arts or to arts education of approximately six pages in length. All writing samples must be in English and no longer than 10 pages.

Proof of English Proficiency scores, and optional GRE and/or MAT scores should be sent directly to the University from the testing service. The GRE and/or MAT scores are optional for all Arts Administration, Education and Policy graduate students.

All materials should be submitted by the published deadlines on the Arts Administration, Education and Policy website.

2.4 - Additional Requirements for PhD Applicants

Applicants wishing to pursue a PhD in the department must have completed a thesis during their masters (or equivalent) degree to be considered for admission. Those who have not completed a thesis may still be considered through their writing sample. The writing sample must be illustrative of an applicant’s research process.

2.5 - Additional Requirements for International Applicants

2.5.1 - English as a Second Language (ESL) Requirement

Upon arrival to this campus, a student from a country where English is not the first language is required to take an English examination. Its purpose is to place the student in an appropriate English class to help them improve their English language skills. The Office of Admissions notifies those international students who are required to take a placement test. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) informs new students about the date and time of the test. Some students are qualified on the basis of the placement composition; these students are not required to take any Academic English Writing courses. For more information, visit the Intercultural English Language Programs website.

2.5.2 - Finances

It is crucial for all students, whether sponsored or privately supported, to have a clear idea of personal finances. Unrealistic budget expectations may become a source of anxiety that affects graduate study. International students must show evidence that they will have sufficient financial means to support themselves through their entire course of study. International students who bring their families must prove that they have the financial means to support their family for the duration of their stay. Additional information for international students can be obtained by contact Office of International Affairs at 140 Enarson Classroom Building, 2009 Millikin Road, Columbus, OH 43210; (614) 292-6101.

Graduate school can be an expensive undertaking and we strive to support our students through various funding opportunities such as graduate teaching associateships (GTA), University and Barnett Fellowships, and various other funding opportunities, as available. Master’s level students are eligible to receive up to two years of total funding while doctoral level students are eligible to receive up to three years of total funding. Funding is not guaranteed from year to year.

• 3.1 - Graduate Teaching Associateships
• 3.2 - Summer Enrollment Policy

3.1 - Graduate Teaching Associateships

See the AAEP Graduate Teaching Associate Handbook on the AAEP website Resources page.

3.2 - Summer Enrollment Policy

See the Graduate School Handbook, section 11.1 under Summer Fee Authorization

• 4.1 - Outside Employment
• 4.2 - University Fellowship Competition
• 4.3 - Barnett Fellowship
• 4.4 - Conference Funding
• 4.5 - Other

4.1 - Outside Employment

Most GTA appointments are fifty percent time, which means that students are expected to commit 20 hours per week to their GTA assignment. It is assumed that the balance of the work- week will be devoted to graduate studies. While the Department has no policy forbidding outside employment, GTAs must balance their schedules in such a way that neither their GTA duties, academic studies, or health and well-being suffer. University and Barnett Fellows may not hold outside employment while holding a fellowship. An exception to this policy may be made if:

• The position relates to the fellow’s field of study;
• Is no more than 5 hours/week; and
• Does not take place the first semester of the fellow’s graduate program.

If a fellow wishes to seek an exception to the outside employment policy, the fellow must petition the Graduate Studies Committee. This petition should explain where and what the outside employment is, the employment dates, and how the outside employment relates to their field of research. This petition needs to be sent to Lauren Pace for disbursement to the Graduate Studies Committee. If the petition is approved and the student is a University Fellow, the Graduate Studies Committee will then petition the Graduate School on behalf of the fellow.

4.2 - University Fellowship Competition

Graduate students cannot directly apply for a University Fellowship. Applicants interested in being considered for a University Fellowship must check the appropriate box on the admission application. Candidates are then reviewed for nomination by the Graduate Studies Committee.

More information about the University Fellowship Program can be found on the Graduate School’s website.

4.3 - Barnett Fellowship

On May 7, 1993, Lawrence R. Barnett and Isabel Bigley Barnett established two endowed funds to support the Arts Policy and Administration Program. The Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Fellowship Fund provides tuition, fees, and an annual stipend for selected incoming students. The Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Distinguished Visiting Professor Fund supports a biennial Arts and Public Policy Symposium created to facilitate in-depth inquiry and analysis of public and not-for-profit sector policies and practices affecting the support, accessibility, and quality of the arts and arts education. For more information, including how to apply, visit the AAEP funding page.

4.4 - Conference Funding

Graduate students in the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy are eligible for up to $200 matching funds when presenting at a conference, until the funds from the Department run out. Since these are matching funds, students are required to obtain funds elsewhere first. Please go to the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student Funding page for information about applying for an Arts and Sciences Graduate Research Small Grant. The funds are available for conference funding each academic year (Fall-Spring). This department funding is only available to you if you 1) can prove paper acceptance; 2) have applied for, received, and exhausted external funding; and 3) have attended and/or participated in two AAEP sponsored (or co-sponsored) events during the academic year in which you seek funding. If you seek funding before you have had the opportunity to attend or participate in two AAEP sponsored (or co-sponsored) events, please simply list the two events you plan to attend that year on your plan of study.

When applying for the AAEP conference funding, you must upload the Conference Funding and AAEP Events page of your plan of study with your spend authorization in Workday. Failure to follow through on participation in the two AAEP sponsored (or co-sponsored) events that you have listed will impact eligibility to receive department funding the following academic year.

Students are to reach out to Michelle Attias or Nikki Davis with questions regarding conference funding and travel.

4.5 - Other

• 5.1 - Contact Advisor
• 5.2 - Non-Thesis/Thesis/Dissertation Advisor
• 5.3 - Advisor/Student Mentoring
• 5.4 - Changing Advisors
• 5.5 - Faculty Retirement or Relocation
• 5.6 - Protocol for Student Complaints

5.1 - Contact Advisor

The Graduate Studies Committee assigns contact advisors according to the student’s research interests and/or experiences. A letter of acceptance that contains advisor contact information is sent after the student is admitted. A copy of that letter is also given to the contact advisor. Students should meet with their advisor within the first couple weeks after arriving at the University.

The contact advisor works with the student to develop a plan of study, timeline, and performance expectations. The student and the advisor should keep a copy of the most recent plan of study. By the end of the first year, the student, with guidance from the contact advisor, should choose their non-thesis/thesis/dissertation advisor. At the end of the first year of study, new PhD students must declare their advisor if they are changing from their assigned contact advisor. This is completed through the Change of Advisor form, which can be obtained from the Academic Program Coordinator, Lauren Pace. It is the student’s responsibility to give the new advisor a folder containing the plan of study and any notes that are pertinent. A contact advisor can remain as the non-thesis, thesis, or dissertation advisor.

The Department recommends that students meet with their contact advisor once or twice each semester. Students are asked to have an agenda for each meeting and, if assignments are made, have them completed. Sometimes a faculty member is out of reach of internet services and if the assigned advisor does not respond within five days, the student is to contact Lauren Pace.

5.2 - Non-Thesis/Thesis/Dissertation Advisor

As a general rule, a student will arrange to work with a faculty member whose field of scholarly concern is close to their interests. When choosing an advisor, students must consider whether the faculty member is eligible. An explanation of eligibility criteria (Graduate Faculty categories M and P) is included in the Graduate School Handbook and in the Graduate Faculty section of this handbook. Compatibility of personalities and organizational style are also criteria to be considered by students when selecting an advisor.

The advisor, along with the student, identifies the non-thesis/thesis reader or doctoral committee members and assists in the development of the research proposal. The advisor and student establish the rules of how each committee meeting is to be conducted, guests who may be invited and the basis for their participation, and organization of the committee agendas, timelines, etc. The advisor approves of dissertation proposals and chapters before submission to other committee members for their review.

It is possible to have co-advisors on a dissertation committee. Co-advisors must be identified on forms (e.g. Application to Graduate, Application for Candidacy, Application for Final Examination, etc.). Co-advisors should also be identified on the title page of the non- thesis/thesis/dissertation.

5.3 - Advisor/Student Mentoring

Successful advising and mentorship relationships are built on a shared understanding of responsibilities, communication, and expectations. As a graduate student, you should be familiar with Grad School policies and procedures as well as those of AAEP. You will meet potential advisors in your first semester or year of classes and may decide to change from your contact advisor to another advisor in the department (see below).

Good advisor/student mentorship relationships are characterized by:

• Respect for time and capacity: Please make appointments with your advisor two weeks before you wish to meet. Send an agenda of discussion items and keep to the time frame you have requested of your advisor (for example, 30 minutes).
• Communication: Discuss your preferred methods of communication (email, text, etc.) and when your advisor is generally available—some faculty take research leaves or are not available during the summer months. You should feel free to ask specific questions about your work and your academic trajectory.
• Expectations: You should discuss with your advisor what you need in order to succeed. For example, you may wish to learn more about a research practice, learn how to edit manuscripts, or find opportunities to present at conferences. You are responsible for moving forward by enrolling in appropriate classes, determining your research interests, checking existing resources for answers to policy and procedure questions, and meeting regularly with your advisor.

5.4 - Changing Advisors

To initiate a change of advisor, students must request a “Change of Advisor” form from the Academic Program Coordinator. Students are responsible for securing the required signatures and returning the form to the Academic Program Coordinator.

An advising relationship is sustained by mutual consent and may be terminated by either the faculty member or the graduate student, except where prohibited by rules outlined in the Graduate School Handbook. If a student’s research interest changes, a change of advisor may be appropriate. A student should not feel obliged to retain a given advisor if a student wishes to make a change.

In cases where the student’s regular advisor is absent for an extended period of time, the advisor will be responsible for arranging an interim advisor and will inform the Chairperson of the Graduate Studies Committee of the arrangement.

5.5 - Faculty Retirement or Relocation

It is possible for some academic duties to be continued without jeopardizing advisor/advisee relationships that existed before retirement. Faculty that move out of state are no longer considered regular Graduate Faculty and cannot remain as the chair of a student’s committee. If your committee chair retires, see Lauren Pace about options on how to proceed with your dissertation or thesis committee.

5.6 - Protocol for Student Complaints

As a department, we make every effort to make sure the needs of our graduate students are met. However, we understand that all students may not have a positive experience in our department, whether it be an issue with a faculty member, academic advisor, AAEP peer, or the curriculum.

As a department, we desire to resolve any student complaint on the ground level before it escalates to higher administration at Ohio State. Therefore, if an issue arises, please follow the interdepartmental protocol explained below:

1. Meet with the course professor/faculty member to discuss the issue and come up with solutions together as a team. * If problems persist,
2. Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss the issue**. Your faculty advisor will alert the Graduate Studies Chair of the issue. The Graduate Studies Chair will come up with a plan of action that works toward resolving the issue. If problems persist,
3. Write a formal complaint letter that details the reoccurring issue(s) and request a meeting with the Graduate Studies Chair. The Graduate Studies Chair will contact the Chair of the Department to discuss an immediate course of action. If problems persist,
4. Request a meeting with the Department Chair.

If there is no resolution made after these steps have been taken within AAEP, feel free to contact the appropriate administrative office at Ohio State to discuss next steps.

*If the issue does not involve a course professor/faculty member, please skip step 1 and progress through steps 2-4.
**If the issue involves your faculty advisor, contact the Graduate Studies chair

• 6.1 - Designing a Plan of Study
• 6.2 - Process for Petitioning a Required Course
• 6.3 - Academic Progress
• 6.4 - Graduate Student Progress Surveys
• 6.5 - GRADFORMS

6.1 - Designing a Plan of Study

Incoming students should meet with their contact advisor to design a tentative individual plan of study. This plan must meet program requirements and reflect the student’s intended area of specialization, though it is not unusual for students to later change the focus of their program. It is important for each student to work closely with a faculty advisor in preparing a plan of study. All plans of study can be found on the Student Resources page of AAEP’s website.

The Graduate Studies Committee monitors student progress and must have up-to-date information about each student’s plan of study. Students are responsible for providing the committee with this information by filing a plan of study form with their advisor and by updating this form at various points in their degree program.

• Upon any change in regular advisors
• Concurrent with filing an Application to Graduate, a copy of the Plan of Study should be filed with the Academic Program Specialist, Lauren Pace. This must be submitted by the third Tuesday of the semester a student intends to graduate

Doctoral students should update their plan of study with their advisor:

• During the first semester of enrollment
• Upon selecting a faculty advisor
• Just prior to taking the Candidacy Examination, after the student’s committee members have been identified and have reviewed the student’s dissertation proposal
• Concurrent with filing an Application to Graduate. A copy of the Plan of Study should be filed with the Academic Program Specialist

6.2 - Process for Petitioning a Required Course

AAEP is nationally and internationally recognized and praised for our breadth of content engagement. All graduate students must follow the current plan of study of which they entered the program under. Each graduate plan of study has a robust mixture of required and open elective courses. This allows students to gain a foundation of knowledge in their prospective field of study while also allowing students to engage in their own research interests. We understand that students may want to substitute another course for a required course. AAEP discourages students from doing so but if a student feels it is in their best interest, they may petition the Graduate Studies Committee to substitute one required course only. Students may not substitute a required on-campus course for an Online MA course. All petitions should include: the course name and number of the required course a student wishes to substitute, the course name and number of the course the student wishes to use in place of the required course, and their reasoning for the substitution. All petitions should be addressed to the Graduate Studies Committee and sent to Lauren Pace. The Graduate Studies Committee reserves the right to decline any petition. You will be notified by Lauren Pace of the committee’s decision.

All incoming students enrolled in an on-campus AAEP graduate program are required to enroll in ARTEDUC 7300: Introduction to Teaching Arts Education at the College Level the first autumn semester of their enrollment. No petitions will be accepted to substitute this course.

6.3 - Academic Progress

Master’s degree – students must complete the degree within six years of admission

PhD degree – students must complete the degree within ten years of admission. The Graduate Studies Committee reserves the right to limit the candidacy period to less than five years.

6.4 - Graduate Student Progress Surveys

Faculty and graduate students in the department are asked to complete a graduate student progress survey annually. The purpose of this feedback is to identify areas of progress as well as issues that may require attention or follow-up for AAEP graduate students. By annually documenting graduate student progress, the department aims to learn from faculty and students and better support student progress. 

Students are asked to self-report their progress and any issues they are facing that impact their pathway throughout our degree programs. Students will receive an annual letter of standing based on a comprehensive review of their responses and materials (CV), faculty responses, and data from the University Registrar, The Graduate School, and funding sources.

Surveys will be collected via Qualtrics and student progress letters will become part of a student’s academic file at Ohio State and is confidential under FERPA.

6.5 - GRADFORMS

GRADFORMS is the Graduate School’s web-based portal for the submission of graduate level forms associated with student, faculty, and staff processes at Ohio State. Students can find electronic forms to apply for graduation, submit a candidacy exam application and apply for final examination. A list of helpful links can be found on the Graduate School’s website.

Graduate Faculty membership is granted as Category M or P, as defined in the Graduate School Handbook. The functions allowed within each category are outlined below:

Category M

• Acts as the advisor for master’s students
• Participates in the governance of graduate education at all levels within the University
• Serves on doctoral examination committees at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee (but may not chair a doctoral committee)

Category P

• Acts as the primary advisor for master’s and doctoral students
• Participates in the governance of graduate education at all levels within the University
• Serves on doctoral examination committees
• Serves as a Graduate Faculty Representative (GFR) on second candidacy examination and second final oral examination committees

The appropriate category level is determined by the faculty member’s education and experience and by the functions the faculty member is expected to perform in the graduate program.

Category P appointments are made by the Graduate School. They require nomination from the departmental Graduate Studies Committee. Except in unusual cases, the following criteria are used in making Category P nominations:

• Education: Holds an earned doctoral degree or equivalent
• Teaching: Doctoral-level teaching here or elsewhere (5000-level or above or equivalent)
• Advising: Service on Advisory, Candidacy Examination and Final Oral Examination Committees for no less than three PhD students, here or elsewhere
• Research: Evidence of a body of scholarship, as indicated by an average of two of the following per year over the past three years: books, chapters in books, monographs, principal authorship of peer reviewed articles in professional journals and proceedings of professional organizations

In the event evidence of scholarship does not meet the above-listed requirements, the Graduate Studies Committee may substitute items from the following list, when in the Committee's opinion these substitutions provide evidence of comparable scholarly achievement:

• Research grant awards/proposals
• Service as editor, on editorial boards, and/or as a reviewer for research proposals and/or papers to be delivered to professional meetings, including juried presentations and invited lectures

New students must establish an Ohio State e-mail account as soon as possible, as all registration information will be sent via e-mail. Before registering, new international students must check in at the Office of International Affairs at 140 Enarson Classroom Building, 2009 Millikin Rd., Columbus, OH 43210; (614) 292-6101.

All course enrollments are done on Ohio State’s web registration system, BuckeyeLink, and students must have their Ohio State e-mail account set up to access the website.

The student’s semester schedule should correspond with their approved plan of study. It is recommended that students consult with their faculty advisor before finalizing their schedule. By doing so, students can be assured that the courses scheduled meet their advisor’s expectations. Failure to do so may result in the student earning credit hours that cannot be counted toward fulfillment of degree requirements.

All students must familiarize themselves with registration rules, procedures, deadlines, and fees. An explanation of fees is on the Registrar’s website.

• 8.1 - Independent Study
• 8.2 - Graduate Student Course Load
• 8.3 - Good Standing
• 8.4 - Reactivation

8.1 - Independent Study

Independent study courses are self-directed studies taken with a faculty member either for a letter grade or as a satisfactory/unsatisfactory course. Students who want to take an independent study course must do one of two things:

1. Fill out an Independent Study Authorization Form and have the faculty member and advisor sign it. These are often the same person, OR
2. Email the instructor and advisor, copying Lauren Pace on the email, asking for permission to enroll in an independent study with the instructor. The instructor and advisor will reply to all with their approval

The student and the faculty member will discuss which course to take, the number of credits, the assignments, and learning outcomes. All of these will be indicated on the form or email by the student and faculty member. All independent study and internship courses are hidden from view on the University’s registration system and require permission of the instructor to enroll; therefore, the student will not find the course if they try to register without a class number. If using the form, when completed, take the form to the Academic Program Coordinator and the coordinator will enroll the student into the correct course. If using email, once permission is received from the instructor and advisor, the Academic Program Coordinator will enroll the student into the correct course. The form or email is then filed in the student’s academic folder kept by the coordinator and will be used by their advisor during the degree audit of their degree. The Independent Study Authorization form is available on the Student Resources tab of the department website.

Internships require two additional forms also available on the Student Resources tab of the Department website. Before requesting an internship course, the student and the advisor will determine together which internship course the student should register for. The completed and signed internship description form goes to the Academic Program Coordinator at the beginning of the semester and will be filed in the student’s academic folder. The student will give the internship supervisor the evaluation form at the end of the internship period. The supervisor will send the form to the student’s advisor. The procedure for adding an internships course is identical to the procedure for adding an independent study.

8.2 - Graduate Student Course Load

See section 3.1 – Course Load of the Graduate School Handbook for more information.

8.3 - Good Standing

To be in good standing in the Graduate School, a student must maintain a cumulative point hour ration (CPHR, also known as grade point average or GPA) of 3.0 or better in all graduate credit courses. Students must also maintain reasonable progress toward completing graduate program requirements. The Graduate School Handbook outlines consequences of a student’s CPHR falling below 3.0.

8.4 - Reactivation

The Graduate School requires a departmental leave decision about reactivation if a student has not enrolled for two or more years. Reactivation is not automatically granted. The Department has a policy that requires the MA to be completed within six years of beginning. Students who exceed either of the limits (i.e., go two years without registration or do not complete their degree within six years) must petition the Graduate Studies Committee for reactivation. In making its decision, the Graduate Studies Committee considers the degree of sustained engagement with the field during the time of absence from the program and any extenuating considerations. It may decide to reactivate or deny reactivation. It may also decide that reactivation requires additional study of recent developments in the field.

• 9.1 - Arts Priori
• 9.2 - Central Ohio Student Advocates for the Arts (COSAA)

9.1 - Arts Priori

Arts Priori aims to promote and provide representative, academic, professional, administrative and social services specifically for the graduate students in the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy at The Ohio State University.

In service to this purpose, Arts Prior has two primary goals:

1. To act as a bridge between the faculty and graduate student body of our department, presenting a student voice to the faculty (via both presence at meetings and by e-mail correspondence), and informing the graduate student body of important developments in a multi-media format (e-mail, Facebook, posters, etc.)
2. To create a sense of community between our members within the Department by hosting social events and programming such as gallery visits, gatherings, and exhibitions of artistic ability. This includes organizing the Marantz Award for the Department.

To help achieve these goals, the officers take submissions from members to form committees and then support approved committees with Arts Priori’s resources. This can take the form of advertising, outreach, or funding.

9.2 - Central Ohio Student Advocates for the Arts (COSAA)

COSAA is part of a national network of student advocacy organizations whose mission is to empower student voices to influence legislation and policy affecting the arts and public arts funding. Acting as a conduit, COSAA unifies and mobilizes student advocates to bring about positive change in the arts sector. COSAA provides a platform for students to engage in critical debate of arts advocacy issues and encourages students to participate as active citizens in a democratic process.

Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy graduate students are also involved in governance at the university level through participation in the Council of Graduate Students (CGS). CGS is recognized by the Graduate School and the University administration as the student governance body representing all graduate students enrolled at Ohio State. More information about CGS can be found on the CGS website.

All research activities involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) unless the Office of Responsible Research Practices prospectively determines that the research falls into a category of exemption established by federal regulation.

In accordance with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) guidelines and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the IRB reviews research proposals involving human subjects to ensure risks have been minimized and the potential for benefit has been maximized before human subjects participate in the research. The IRB also ensures, when required, that human subjects only volunteer to participate in research after providing legally effective informed consent. Investigators may not solicit subject participation or begin data collection until they have received approval from the appropriate IRB or written concurrence that research has been determined to be exempt from IRB review. The student’s advisor is listed as the primary investigator because of legalities and institutional accountability, but this does not negate the student’s responsibility.

Since there is an online examination required before one can submit an IRB Proposal, the Department recommends that students intensively explore the Human Research Protection Program  at Ohio State.

The Department seeks to promote the highest ethical standards for research and scholarship. Academic misconduct and infractions of the University Code of Student Conduct (as described under Code of Student Conduct in the Ohio State Student Handbook) are considered unethical and unprofessional. Students should conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the best practices of the profession, be it teaching, arts administration, or other professions affiliated with Arts Administration, Education and Policy.

Graduate students, including those enrolled in distance learning courses and online degree programs, are required to meet the same standards of student and academic conduct required by all of Ohio State students (Code of Student Conduct | Ohio State), guided by the university’s Shared Values and the Department of AAEP’s Statement on Teaching.

• 13.1 - Academic Conduct
• 13.2 - Student Conduct: Community and Collegiality
• 13.3 - Student Conduct: Communication

13.1 - Academic Conduct

Graduate students are expected to maintain good academic standing, display academic integrity, and make good progress towards degree completion. This includes:

• Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Observing professional ethical standards, research standards, and scholarly conduct
• Making good progress towards degree completion as defined the AAEP Graduate Student Handbook.

More details about academic standing and academic integrity can be found in the Graduate School Handbook. 

13.2 - Student Conduct: Community and Collegiality

AAEP works to develop a sense of community and collegial camaraderie. Every student is an important member of our AAEP community. Each student shares the responsibility of fostering a supportive learning community. To this end, students are expected to actively participate in the life of the AAEP community and cultivate collegial relationships with fellow students, staff and faculty through responsible, relevant and respectful communication practices in-person and online. This includes, but not limiting to:

• Participating in AAEP sponsored activities
• Building successful advising and mentorship relationships built on respect for time and capacity, mutual trust and commitment to growth, and a shared understanding of responsibilities, communication and expectations.
• Maintaining a professional code of conduct in-person and online.
• Taking responsibility for understanding and following University, department, and instructor expectations and policies as described in the appropriate handbooks and syllabi.

13.3 - Student Conduct: Communication

One way to participate responsibly and respectfully in any community is communication.

• Students are expected to check and respond to university emails in a timely manner (generally within 48 hours).
• Any university, department, or course-related communication in any modality (written, video, image, audio recording, etc.) is required to meet instructor, Departmental, and University expectations and policies.

In addition to completing the minimum number of credit hours for the degree, students are required to complete a thesis or non-thesis project followed by a final oral examination.

• 14.1 - The Research Thesis
  • 14.1.1 - Thesis Proposal
• 14.2 - Non-Thesis Option
• 14.3 - Final Oral Examination

14.1 - The Research Thesis

Students who choose the thesis option are required to conduct original research and submit a report of it in the written form of a thesis. The content and length of theses vary. Generally, they are between 60 and 100 pages. Topics range widely and may include current or past developments in the field, theoretical or empirical studies aimed at improving teaching or learning in art, and investigation of administrative or educational programs in art institutions, among other topics. The thesis must conform to Graduate School format requirements as described in the Graduate School Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting Theses, Dissertations and D.M.A. Documents.

14.1.1 - Thesis Proposal

Most advisors require students to submit a written thesis proposal for approval prior to beginning their research. The proposal should include the following:

• Description of the problem and/or purpose of the study and related research questions;
• Background to the problem/study and significance of the project;
• Review of related research and theoretical framework;
• Proposed methodology and project schedule;
• List of references

Students must submit a thesis draft to their committee a minimum of three-four weeks before the scheduled master’s examination. Students should work with their advisor to decide on a timeline.

14.2 - Non-Thesis Option

A non-thesis project requires the application of concepts met in the master’s program to an actual case. The heart of a project is the actual application of some art education ideas to a particular situation. The undertaking should grow out of the student’s interests and the courses taken in the program. It should in some way integrate various elements of understandings acquired in working for the degree. Students should make the choice of the topic for a project (or a thesis) early in their program and should do so in consultation with their advisor.

Examples of possible projects are:

• Create a web page for a museum education program
• Design and teach an integrated curriculum unit
• Create and implement an authentic assessment of a teaching episode

In the final semester, students should register for at least three hours of independent study credit with their advisor. This number may be greater if the advisor thinks it justified.

A written report of the project is required. It should include at least the following:

• An explanation and discussion of the educational ideas employed;
• A rationale for the goals of the project;
• An account of the implementation and of the reasons for the key choices; and
• Reflection on the results achieved

The written report should be turned into the members of the student’s master’s committee. The Master’s Committee will conduct an oral examination of the non-thesis and the written account of it. This oral exam will follow the rules set out in the Graduate School Handbook.

14.3 - Final Oral Examination

The final oral examination is scheduled by the student and the Master’s Examination Committee after the final draft of the thesis or non-thesis project has been submitted to committee members. Committee approval of the thesis or non-thesis project draft is required before the student can schedule the oral examination. The primary focus of the examination is the student’s thesis or non- thesis project and related matters. However, the exam may also review any aspect of the student’s knowledge of the field.

The examination is taken after the student submits the Application to Graduate via GRADFORMS during the semester in which graduation is planned. The student must register for at least three credit hours during the semester the examination is taken and the semester of graduation. If the student is completing the non-thesis option, they should enroll in ARTEDUC 6998: Research for Non-thesis; if the student is completing the thesis option, they should enroll in ARTEDUC 6999: Research for Thesis.

The Master’s Examination Committee consists of the student’s thesis or non-thesis project advisor and at least one other qualified member of the graduate faculty. The Department encourages students to have a committee of three members, with one member from outside the department. The examination is approximately one hour in length.

Students are considered to have completed the final oral examination successfully only when the decision of the Master’s Examination Committee is unanimously affirmative. Committee members indicate their judgement on the Report on Final Examination form. If there is a thesis, committee members indicate approval of the thesis by approving the Report on Final Document form.

Students have six years to complete the degree from the date of acceptance into the program.

The Graduate School Handbook also provides specific rules and procedures regarding degree requirements. Students are responsible for knowing this information.

Beyond the required courses, students are expected to develop an individualized program of study in consultation with a faculty advisor. It must include a reasonable concentration in a single area, be approved by the advisor, and be within the rules of the Graduate Studies Committee and the Graduate School.

15.2 - Online Master of Arts Degree in Art Education

A sequence intended for practicing teachers, community artists and museum educators, the Online Master’s Degree program focuses specifically on issues for practicing arts educators in schools and community settings and integrates the advantages of the practice context for experimentation and reflection.

The program is a 30 credit-hour program that can be completed part-time in 6 semesters or full-time in 3 semesters.

15.2.1 - Final MA Reflective Practice Portfolio

The purpose of the Final MA Reflective Practice Portfolio is to reflect upon changes that occur in one’s teaching practice and in one’s beliefs and attitudes about art education as a result of participating in the Master’s program. It is intended to demonstrate critical reflective practice and evidence of student learning. During the last semester of the program, students will submit the Portfolio, including a title page, teaching identity and philosophy, curated reading list, research project, two 7-page papers about selected transformative courses, and program reflections. Students produce the Portfolio in the ARTEDU 6000 sequence and complete a research project in ARTEDU 7200.3.

15.3 - Master of Arts in Arts Policy and Administration

The Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy, in collaboration with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, offers the degree of MA in Arts Policy and Administration (APA). This program is designed to serve students who intend to: 1) Become administrators of public arts agencies or not-for-profit performing, visual, and literary arts organizations; 2) continue their academic studies at the doctoral level in preparation for teaching, research, or administrative roles in universities and other intuitions; or 3) become self-employed consultants to federal, state, and local arts organizations.

The program consists of a coherent pattern of courses and other educational experiences, research thesis, and a final oral examination.

The MA in Arts Policy and Administration is different from other university arts management programs in that its foci include policy research regarding the creative industries in public, private and nonprofit sectors, examinations of arts administration practices, (inter)national cultural policies, and arts education policy – their formulation, analysis, interpretation, implementation and evaluation. Attention to questions of arts education also distinguishes this program from other arts management programs. It is based on the belief that government subsidy and private patronage of the arts can no longer be considered apart from the general public’s education in the arts.

The APA program seeks to educate arts and cultural policy actors who can:

1. Critically assess the value and impact of arts-related legislation and public arts programming;
2. Recognize conflicts of policy and practice and seek solutions to these problems;
3. Understand the concept and importance of comprehensive arts education as it relates to cultural policy and public education; and
4. Participate fully and effectively in the public policy arena, whether at the federal, state or local level.

Graduates of the program will have the practical skills required to manage an arts or cultural organization and will understand the important relationships of the arts to education, education to government, and government to the arts. Overall, the degree program seeks to educate arts leaders prepared to develop new genres of arts programming and more inclusive, interactive relationships between citizens and the arts.

Additional degree requirements, rules, and procedures are described in the Graduate School Handbook. PhD students are responsible for knowing these requirements. Students are responsible for ensuring that all forms are approved before the published Graduate School deadlines. Students should contact the Graduate School at (614) 292-6031 if they have any questions about forms or deadline dates.

The PhD program gives students the opportunity to achieve a high level of scholarly competence and to develop the capacity to contribute to the field. It consists of a set of required foundational courses, a cohesive collection of courses, and other educational experiences oriented to a particular aspect of the field, a candidacy examination, a dissertation, and a final oral examination. Students have five years to complete the PhD requirements after passing the Candidacy Examination. The particular aspect of the field studied by PhD students is individualized and developed in consultation with a faculty advisor. It encompasses a reasonable breadth of study and knowledge of a specialty in the field. The program of study must be approved by the advisor and is subject to the rules of the Graduate Studies Committee and the Graduate School.

• 16.1 - Residency Requirement
• 16.2 - Committee
• 16.3 - Candidacy Examination
• 16.4 - Proposal and Candidacy Examination Process
• 16.5 - Candidacy
• 16.6 - Continuous Enrollment
• 16.7 - Leave of Absence
• 16.8 - Expiration of Candidacy
• 16.9 - The Dissertation
  • 16.9.1 - The Dissertation Proposal
  • 16.9.2 - Credit Hours for Dissertation Research
  • 16.9.3 - Draft Approval and Format Review
  • 16.9.4 - Final Oral Examination

16.1 - Residency Requirement

Doctoral students must complete the following residency requirements after the master’s degree has been earned or after the first 30 hours* of graduate credit have been completed:

• Minimum of 24 graduate credit hours at this university

*If you are transferring the 30 hours of graduate credit from another university, complete the Transfer of Graduate Credit form on GRADFORMS.

16.2 - Committee

The composition of the committee is:

• The major advisor from the program area/division,
• A second member from the program area/division,
• One or two members from the cognate or supporting area, and/or
• A member from outside the department.

Students should select their doctoral committee in consultation with their advisor. The doctoral committee responsibilities include:

• Planning and administering the Candidacy Exam
• Advising the student in the selection of course work
• Assisting in planning and conducting the research
• Supervising the writing of the dissertation, and conducting the dissertation defense

16.3 - Candidacy Examination

The candidacy exam is a single exam consisting of two portions, one written and one oral, that is administered by the student’s Advisory Committee under the auspices of the Graduate Studies Committee and the Graduate School.

The candidacy examination committee consists of the student’s regular advisor and three other graduate faculty members. The student may invite any eligible faculty to serve on his or her committee; however, the selection is usually made in consultation with the student’s advisor. It is also a process of mutual consent, in that the faculty members may decline to serve on a committee. The Graduate Studies Committee requires that the advisor be a regular faculty member in the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy. It encourages but does not require students to seek at least one committee member from outside the department.

The examination is scheduled after the student has completed the majority of their program coursework and at least one semester before a student can defend and graduate. The examination is scheduled in consultation with a faculty advisor and after the student has prepared an acceptable proposal for dissertation research. The student’s candidacy examination committee meets to consider whether the dissertation proposal is satisfactory and to determine the candidacy exam questions and schedule. The student must be in good standing with the Graduate School and registered for at least 3 credit hours of ARTEDUC 8998: Research for Candidacy Exam during the semester in which the candidacy examination is taken.

16.4 - Proposal and Candidacy Examination Process

Students should refer to the Graduate School Handbook for general rules and responsibilities. Some of these rules are not repeated in this document.

The suggested timeline for a master’s is no longer than two years and no longer than three years for a PhD. Master’s students in Art Education must complete a minimum of 30 hours. The Master of Arts Degree in Arts Policy and Administration requires 43-46 hours. PhD students must complete 50 hours beyond the master’s degree.

It is important to meet the deadlines as well as follow through in a timely manner with the Department and other University offices for important events such as grade changes, paying fees, graduation, examinations, etc. The Academic Program Coordinator must be notified immediately by the student or the advisor if plans for graduation or an examination change in any way. This includes rescheduling exams and changing to end of semester graduation.

• 18.1 - Art Education Specialization
• 18.2 - Cultural Policy and Arts Management Specialization
• 18.3 - Museum Education and Administration Specialization

18.1 - Art Education Specialization

The Art Education graduate specialization is only available to students enrolled in the PhD program. AAEP students who wish to complete the Art Education specialization must apply by completing the top section of the Art Education Enrollment and Transcript Designation Form by the end of their first semester in the program. Students will need to obtain their advisor’s approval to begin the specialization. After your advisor has signed the form, submit a copy of the form to Lauren Pace. This form can be found on the Student Resources page of the AAEP website.

This specialization offers students opportunities to deeply explore a range of issues, theories, and research from both national and comparative perspectives, and to critically explore the growing and evolving field of art education based on schools, museums, and community spaces.

Completion of the specialization is recognized with a transcript designation on the Ohio State transcript.

To earn a transcript designation, complete four courses from the specialization form in addition to dissertation research hours that involve the study of a question in art education.

18.2 - Cultural Policy and Arts Management Specialization

This specialization offers students opportunities to deeply explore a range of policy issues and programs from both national and comparative perspectives, to critically explore key concepts pertaining to the processes involved in developing and changing cultural policies concerning the arts, and to further develop our understanding of the forces of globalization, diversity, and technological changes influencing the sustainability of nonprofit arts organizations and the future of the creative industries. The overall goal of the Cultural Policy and Arts Management graduate specialization is to provide a broad understanding of the range of issues, interests, and activities that are subsumed under the umbrella of cultural policy and arts management, to prepare graduates for professional and scholarly careers that will help lead this emerging field, and to train scholar- practitioners that can generate new knowledge about the role of the arts in society, the economy, and global understanding.

Completion of the specialization is recognized with a transcript designation on the Ohio State transcript. To earn a transcript designation, complete four courses from the specialization form in addition to dissertation research hours that involve the study of a question in cultural policy and/or arts management.

18.3 - Museum Education and Administration Specialization

The goal of the graduate specialization is to prepare individuals to educate learnings in dynamic 21st century arts institutions by developing pedagogical practices, grounded in theory, that are socially responsive, community centered, and critically aware.

Students who take this specialization will be well prepared to:

• Recognize the historical, educational, social, and theoretical underpinnings that shape museums as cultural institutions;
• Connect objects, themes, and ideas from museum collections to their communities, educators, and students;
• Engage audiences from a spectrum of ages, abilities, and backgrounds in museum environments; and
• Become socially responsive leaders and scholars in the rapidly changing fields of art museum education and museology

Completion of the specialization is recognized with a transcript designation on their Ohio State transcript.