How Ohio State’s online Master of Arts in Art Education is transforming art teachers’ careers

If you’re an art teacher, community educator, or museum professional looking to deepen your expertise and make a lasting impact, the online Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE) at The Ohio State University offers a flexible and enriching pathway to advance your art education career. Hear from two online students, Stephanie Shieltz-Lowder and Ashley Austerman, as they share how this online art education degree is shaping their professional development. 

Why these art teachers chose Ohio State’s online art education degree 

A program designed for diverse art educators

Stephanie, an art teacher at Ansonia Local Schools, and Ashley, an art teacher at Mississinawa Valley Schools district in western Ohio, have always aspired to further their education. As members of the Greenville Mural Committee, a group dedicated to enriching downtown Greenville, OH with vibrant public art murals, they understand the power of community-driven art and wanted a graduate program that would enhance their ability to lead and advocate for the arts. 

“I think every class has a level of flexibility. Every professor I’ve had has done a very good job of making our coursework fit our environment,” says Stephanie. “Not everybody that’s in the program is an art teacher. We have people that work in museums and other types of settings. I really like that every assignment we’ve gotten has lent itself to those differences.” 

Gaining new skills and professional development as art teachers

One of the most impactful aspects of the online Master of Arts in Art Education program is the opportunity to apply research and coursework directly to your environment. Stephanie shares, “I have a specialization in ceramics, and I’m planning on using my experience from my research class to figure out what these kids need and how I can make them successful.”  

Ashley shares her perspective, “I brought in an artist from the Ohio Arts Council and I was able to develop a whole new photography program. That has been great for me as a teacher because I’ve been able to gain new skills and knowledge.” She also emphasizes the importance of learning advocacy skills, “I’m taking an advocacy course right now, and I think that’s really important as an art educator to be able to put into words why it’s important for students to have arts as an option.”  

A community of creative thinkers and educators

Beyond coursework, the Master of Arts in Art Education fosters collaboration and connection. “’I’ve also built connections with other people in the program,” says Ashley, “This program has allowed me to really think about what I appreciate as an artist and an art teacher.”   

Stephanie adds, “Hearing about other people’s experiences—whether it be through the articles we’re reading, the videos we watch, or talking to our classmates through discussion boards—gives me a lot of ideas for what I can try in my own classroom. 

Take the next step in your art teacher career

The online Master of Arts in Art Education at The Ohio State University empowers art teachers, museum professionals, and creative practitioners to deepen their knowledge, expand their skill set, and advocate for the importance of art in education. Whether you’re looking to develop new curricula, integrate innovative teaching strategies, or lead community art initiatives, this program provides the foundation you need to inspire the next generation of artists. 

Ready to elevate your career as an art teacher? Learn more about Ohio State’s online Master of Arts in Art Education and contact an Enrollment Advisor today!