Art Education (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Offered by:Department of Art Education, Faculty of Fine Arts
Why pursue a Master's in Art Education?
The MA in Art Education helps students develop a critical understanding of the theories, approaches and practices that influence the teaching of visual arts. Award-winning faculty are leading experts in their fields, contributing to a supportive environment for the development and pursuit of innovative ideas and directions.
The art educator is both artist and teacher. Consequently, the program takes a holistic approach to the study of art education.
Students are encouraged to look at their own unique life experiences to help them develop their own philosophy of teaching and art education. They are encouraged to connect their studio practice with pedagogical theory, conceptual understanding and critical reflection. They develop a program of study best suited to their individual academic, research and professional goals.
The program is highly student-centered: it’s small enough that students enjoy individual attention but large enough to sustain an amazing community of graduate students from around the world. Students are further supported in their development/goals with many opportunities for paid teaching assistantships and the possibility of travel, thanks to a partnership with another university.
Program Details
A Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Arts with specialization in art education or its equivalent is required. An overall grade average of B or better is expected. In addition, the applicant is expected to have had experience in the teaching of art or art-related subjects.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
- Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
- Program Advisors and Thesis Supervisors. Upon admission to the program, each student is assigned to a graduate faculty member, who serves as Program Advisor. Each student in the Thesis Option selects a Thesis Supervisor and Thesis Advisor Committee from the available Graduate Program Faculty.
Programs of Study.
Option A
The MA (Art Education) Thesis Option is suitable for students seeking to develop in-depth research expertise, and whose goals include doctoral studies and/or research-oriented professional positions.
- 12 credits in core Art Education courses: ARTE 670, 672, 680 and 682.
- 3 credits in Art Education Special Topics courses: ARTE 660 A-Z.
- 6 credits in elective courses, including additional ARTE 660 A-Z Special Topics courses and Topics in Studio Inquiry courses ARTE 606, 607, 608, 609.
- 24 credits Thesis: ARTE 698. Students may choose from three types of thesis: Scholarly Thesis, Studio-based Thesis, or Teaching-based Thesis. All of these require approval of a thesis proposal and of the finished research project by the Thesis Supervisor and Thesis Advisory Committee, and an oral defense.
The MA (Art Education) Courses Option is suitable for students who seek advanced levels of professional development rather than in-depth training as researchers.
- 12 credits in core Art Education courses: ARTE 670, 672, 680 and 682.
- 12 credits in Art Education Special Topics courses: ARTE 660 A-Z
- 6 credits in Art Education Topics in Studio Inquiry courses: ARTE 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611.
- 15 credits in elective courses.* May include up to 12 additional credits in Topics in Studio Inquiry courses: ARTE 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611.
* Elective Courses must be selected in consultation with the Program Advisor and approved by the Graduate Program Director. Some restrictions apply; for more details consult the department.
Upon admission, students choose between a thesis option – which can centre on art-making, teaching or research - and a course work option. Both options are grounded in experimentation, collaboration and diversity, and provide excellent preparation for careers in the visual arts and art teaching.
Option A
MA in Art Education with Thesis: for students seeking indepth research expertise who wish to pursue Doctoral studies and/or who seek research-oriented professional positions.
Option B
MA in Art Education with Courses: for students seeking professional development rather than research training.
Please apply and submit your documents online. See the how-to-guide and visit the department website for application and portfolio requirements.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Art Education | MA | Jan. 15 | n/a | n/a |
Priority will be given to those who apply within the official deadlines listed above. Some programs may continue to accept applications after these deadlines. For more information, please contact the department.
Sample classes
- Critical Perspectives on Art Education History: History, Theory and Practice
- Advanced Critical Analysis
- Foundations for Inquiry
- Research Practice
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Students applying to the program need to download, print and submit the following forms with their application.
