MA in Art Education
Program overview
The MA in Art Education gives students a critical understanding of the theories and practices used in the teaching of visual arts. The art educator is both artist and teacher. Students are encouraged to draw on personal experience to develop their own philosophy of teaching and to connect their studio practices with pedagogical theory. They will develop a program of study best suited to their individual academic and professional goals. Our faculty members are leaders in their fields who contribute to an environment that encourages innovative ideas and approaches. The program will provide students with the individual attention they need while introducing them to a vibrant community of artists and academics from around the world. Development goals are supported by teaching assistantships and partnerships with other universities.
Program Details
- Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Arts with specialization in art education or its equivalent.
- Overall grade average of B or better.
- 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.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
Option A: Thesis
Suitable for students seeking to develop in-depth research expertise and whose goals include doctoral studies and/or research-oriented professional positions.
12 credits – Required Courses
ARTE 670 - Critical Perspectives on Art Education History: History, Theory and Practice (3 credits)
ARTE 672 - Advanced Critical Analysis (3 credits)
ARTE 680 - Foundations for Inquiry (3 credits)
ARTE 682 - Research Practice (3 credits)
3 credits – Art Education Special Topics Courses
ARTE 660 A-Z (3 credits each)
6 credits – Elective courses
Additional ARTE 660 A-Z Special Topics Courses
ARTE 606, 607, 608, 609 - Topics in Studio Inquiry (3 credits each)
24 credits – Thesis
ARTE 698 - Master’s thesis (24 credits)
Option B: Course-based
Suitable for students who seek advanced levels of professional development rather than in-depth training as researchers.
12 credits – Required Courses
ARTE 670 - Critical Perspectives on Art Education History: History, Theory and Practice (3 credits)
ARTE 672 - Advanced Critical Analysis (3 credits)
ARTE 680 - Foundations for Inquiry (3 credits)
ARTE 682 - Research Practice (3 credits)
12 credits – Art Education Special Topics Courses
ARTE 660 A-Z (3 credits each)
6 credits – Art Education Topics in Studio Inquiry Courses
ARTE 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611 (3 credits each)
15 credits – 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 |
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.
Teaching assistantships and department service contracts are valuable academic learning opportunities for graduate students to gain practical pedagogic skills alongside expert faculty; develop transferable skills that benefit academic and professional careers through leadership, organization, communication and presentation skills; master professional tasks; and diversify experience for teaching dossiers.
In our department, we strive to ensure as many students as possible have the opportunity to TA and/or undertake service as part of their program of study. TA ship/service contracts are determined by the Department, in order of priority:
* recruitment for incoming students and qualifications
* current students who have not held a TA/service contract previously
* students are within expected program completion limits
* special circumstances
Depending on the position, an interview may be required. We receive many more applications than we have positions, and encourage students to apply outside of Art Education as well.
TA service activities may include, but are not limited to: administrative tasks such as management of supplies and undergraduate classroom; student-teacher supervision in our BFA Major and Specialization programs; technical support in the studio/lab courses; and tutorial leaders/teaching assistants. You may be required to prepare lab demonstrations, mark assignments, lead reading groups, and/or meet with students, in accordance with the requirements of the course instructor.
In accordance with Article 16 of the TRAC (Teaching and Research Assistants at Concordia) agreement, TA ships are offered to students as an incentive for enrolment or awarded by the Department based on qualifications for such appointments. TA contracts are normally awarded for an academic term or less. Subsequent contracts may be awarded at the discretion of the Department.
To be considered for a TA ship/service contract, you must apply every year with a complete application, by January 15th. Late applications will not be accepted.
The assistantship application form can be found here:
