Art Education (MA)
Master of Arts
Gain access to a comprehensive interdisciplinary, historical and contemporary orientation to the study and practice of art education.
- Delivered entirely online
- Next cohort begins Fall 2026
- Apply today!
You may be eligible to receive a $2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship -- complete the application today!
Features
Entirely Online | 30 Credits | 5 Semesters
- Learn from distinguished faculty members who recently published the book Democratic Habits in the Art Classroom, which includes research conducted by our MA graduates.
- Curriculum aligns with student activities in classroom experiences
- Courses address models of inquiry and practice helping establish stronger links between theory and practice in art education
- Delivered on a cohort basis
- Ranked in the top 20% online master's in education program in 2026 by U.S. News and World Report
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have dedicated support to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
Samantha Goss
Program Coordinator
Associate Professor, Department of Art & Graphic Design
samantha.goss@uni.edu
319-273-2077
Alyssa Dyall-Bruner
Graduate Recruitment Coordinator
Online & Distance Education
alyssa.dyall-bruner@uni.edu
319-273-2416
Request Information
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered entirely online using dynamic platforms including Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, and individual instructor/student conferencing. Courses taught in the first year are designed to explore contemporary themes of art education in eight-week modules. Courses instructed in the second year will be delivered in 16-week modules to allow implementation of research and writing. The program is delivered in a cohort model, allowing you to study with the same group of teachers throughout the program.
Course sequences:
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Continue on in the classroom as highly qualified practitioners
- Confidently engage in local and national art education conversations
- Advocate for their teaching practice and art education
Note: The Art Education MA does not confer teacher licensure.
Individualized support services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered entirely online using dynamic platforms including Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, and individual instructor/student conferencing. Courses taught in the first year are designed to explore contemporary themes of art education in eight-week modules. Courses instructed in the second year will be delivered in 16-week modules to allow implementation of research and writing. The program is delivered in a cohort model, allowing you to study with the same group of teachers throughout the program.
Course sequences:
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Continue on in the classroom as highly qualified practitioners
- Confidently engage in local and national art education conversations
- Advocate for their teaching practice and art education
Note: The Art Education MA does not confer teacher licensure.
Individualized support services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Along with the application, you'll need to submit:
- resume with record of professional activity and service
- statement of purpose including research interests and professional goals for pursuing the Art Education MA
- two professional references (name, email, phone)
- official transcripts, sent directly to the Office of Admissions
Online & Distance Education Scholarships
Online & Distance Education offers $2,000 scholarships for degree-seeking students enrolled in select graduate programs.
TEACH Grant
Students may also qualify for the TEACH Grant, a federal program that offers additional financial support to students preparing for careers in high‑need teaching fields and who commit to completing required service obligations after graduation.
Eligible students must contact the UNI Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply
Along with the application, students must submit the required additional application materials listed above.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Meet Our Faculty
Wendy Miller
Associate Professor
Email Wendy Miller →
319-273-2833
Jeffery Byrd
Professor
Email Jeffery Byrd →
319-273-2077
Amanda Olberding
As a mom of two small children, while also teaching art full time, I found this program to be a realistic amount of work that felt meaningful. I enjoyed really focusing on a course at a time in the 8-week set up, and everything would build from one class to the next. I was able to apply many insights from course discussions directly in my classroom, as well as bring new artists and lesson ideas to my curriculum. The flow of the program is enhanced by the cohort and the connections, which invites deeper discussions over new learning and approaches.
K-5 Art Educator