Master of Arts in Art Education
December 5, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
The online Master of Arts in Art Education at Ohio State is designed to reignite your passion for teaching art while enhancing the learning experiences of your students. This program blends innovative and contemporary practices with a deep understanding of how art can be a powerful tool for creative expression and critical thinking.
This flexible and 100% online program allows you to advance your education without putting your career on hold. Whether you’re balancing classroom responsibilities, personal commitments, or both, the program’s structure lets you fit your studies around your schedule. The engaging curriculum focuses on contemporary art and social justice to challenge you both as an artist and an educator.
-
"I felt that through my own artmaking within this program, I walked away feeling empowered and inspired by my own work. I strive to help my students feel the same way"
Brittany Schwarck Master of Arts in Art Education Graduate -
"This program has allowed me to explore my own identity as an educator, a creator, a Latinx woman and an ally which has grown my desire to help others find their own connections with self through the exploration and making of art"
Lynette Torres Master of Arts in Art Education Graduate -
"I am already implementing some of the strategies in my teaching practice, and, as a result, my lessons are more engaging and enriching for my students."
Nicole Winter Masters of Art in Art Education Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find key information about the Master of Arts in Art Education program below.
Those taking courses full-time can complete the Master of Arts in Art Education program in three semesters (12 months). For part-time students, you can expect to complete the program in six semesters (2 years).
Although many MAAE students are licensed teachers, this is not a pre-requisite for the program. Students may be art educators within the community, museums, or schools.
Students do not complete a thesis for the Masters of Arts in Art Education program. They do however complete a a non-thesis research project applying their learnings to their classroom or other teaching context.
Related Content
Related Content
What can you do with a Master’s Degree in Art Education?
Learn about past student experiences and career outcomes from Ohio State’s online Master of Arts in Art Education program.
How Ohio State’s online Master of Arts in Art Education is transforming art teachers’ careers
Discover what you can do with Ohio State’s online art education master’s degree. Designed for art teachers seeking career growth, professional development, and a supportive community.
How Much Does Online College Cost?
Calculate the cost of an online degree, and discover the best online degree for you and your budget.
Academic Calendar
The Master of Art in Art Education program offers convenient rolling admission for all 3 terms: Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
Academic Calendar
The Master of Art in Art Education program offers convenient rolling admission for all 3 terms: Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
Admission Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Application Materials
Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email the following day with instructions to check the status of your application. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder first and then contact the Graduate and Professional Admissions at gradadmissions@osu.edu. Do not assume that your application is complete until you have confirmed it by checking the status.
- $60 domestic
- $70 international
When applying, you will be required to upload transcripts from each institution you have previously attended. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for application review. However, if admitted, you must provide official transcripts. The admissions office will not accept advising reports or web printouts.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Please provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic experience, scholastic abilities, or professional performance.
- Resume: A resume with your professional and academic experience.
- Statement of Intent (no more than three typed pages): Your statement of intent should outline your professional goals and how your academic and professional experiences align with them. It should also highlight any relevant preparation not reflected in your other submitted materials. Additionally, explain your motivation for pursuing a career in art education, arts policy, arts administration, or related fields, and why you have chosen to apply to The Ohio State University. Finally, discuss how you plan to utilize your graduate studies to achieve your stated goals.
- Writing Sample: Please use the rubric below as a guide for your writing sample. If you are submitting something you’ve written in the past such as a previous article or paper, please ensure it meets standards outlined in the rubric under “Capstone.”
OR
If you are writing a new writing sample for your application, please read and respond to the article below. Craft an essay around the article, making sure that it meets the standards outlined in the rubric under “Capstone.” Please do not exceed 10 pages, double spaced, 12 point font.
Article: An invitation to social change (PDF)
Rubric: AAEP Program Application Writing Sample Rubric
Official TOEFL Scores (international students only)
The TOEFL scores requirement applies to all applicants from a country where the first language is not English, unless a degree was earned in a country where English is the official language. Use school code #1592. A minimum score of 100 on the iBT is required for admission.
The MAT or GRE is now optional. Applicants who choose to take an exam must have their official scores sent directly to Ohio State. Scores are considered official if they are sent directly from the testing service. For the MAT, use school code: #1574; for the GRE, use school code: #1592.
Have questions on the application process?
Your enrollment advisor is here to help each step of the way.
Is this program offered in my state?
Click your state on the map below to view program availability.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
Career Outlook
No careers found.
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. An up or down arrow indicates projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum – Core Courses
The Master of Arts in Art Education program offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to art education, designed to enhance both teaching and creative practice. It equips you with the tools and knowledge to foster artistic expression and critical thinking in students, emphasizing contemporary methods.
Critically analyze articles that provide an overview of topics for art education research; graduate faculty research; national and international issues, and research resources.
Introduction to research methodologies in the field of arts education.
Investigation and analysis of theories, issues and practices for art education.
This course explores Universal Design for Learning in Art Education for the purposes of enhancing the learning experiences of all learners and makes practical applications to classroom experiences.
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.
Elective Courses
Please note elective courses are typically offered on a 2-year rotation.
Theory and practice of engaging others in technologies and digital texts relative to art education practice.
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.
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
This course engages practicing arts educators in developing effective 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.
Introduces broad range of issues, theories and practices of visual culture. This course will explore action research practices, historical research methodologies, and critical readings.
| Exploration of action research theories and practices in school, community, and organizational settings. |
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
Our distinguished faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the Master of Arts in Art Education program, each contributing to a dynamic and supportive learning environment. They are dedicated to advancing the field of art education through innovative teaching, groundbreaking research, and active engagement with communities. With backgrounds in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings, our faculty members offer a rich blend of academic and practical knowledge. They are committed to preparing you to excel as a leader in the evolving landscape of art education.
Joni Boyd Acuff
Professor and Department Chair
PhD, Art Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2011
MA, Community Based Art Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 2007
BS, Art Education, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 2005
BA, Photography, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 2005
Ruth Smith
Assistant Professor of Teaching
Clayton Funk
Associate Professor of Teaching
Testimonials
The online Master of Arts in Art Education is designed for passionate educators who want to take their teaching and artmaking to the next level. The program is made up of a diverse cohort of artists with experience in the classroom, in the museum, on the stage, and in the community. Hear from Ohio State Online students and graduates about their experience with the Master of Arts in Art Education program.
"I felt that through my own artmaking within this program, I walked away feeling empowered and inspired by my own work. I strive to help my students feel the same way"
"This program has allowed me to explore my own identity as an educator, a creator, a Latinx woman and an ally which has grown my desire to help others find their own connections with self through the exploration and making of art"
"Over the years teaching in various schools and studios, I have fallen in love with the process of sharing my art and my passion for the performing arts – notably, because I have seen how the arts can empower, encourage, and give students a voice,"
"I am already implementing some of the strategies in my teaching practice, and, as a result, my lessons are more engaging and enriching for my students."
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student, or either 8 credit hours (for graduate programs) each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition Fees | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $829.75 | $6638.00 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $261.00 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $27.00 | $162.00 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
Related Articles
Related Articles
How to ask your employer for tuition reimbursement
How to Pay for Your Online Program
Tips for Online Learning from Ohio State Students and Faculty
Get Started
Connect with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 80 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State. They are here to help you on your education journey.
