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Kutztown University
Graduate Programs

The Master of Education Degree in Art Education

Program of Study

Hours: 30-31, Thesis: Thesis or paper required

The Master of Education degree in art education is oriented to teaching and supervision of art in the elementary and secondary schools, and is intended to: (1) increase awareness of the problems of art education in their broad settings; (2) develop an aesthetic philosophy which recognizes the humanistic influences of art on the lives of individuals; (3) augment professional awareness through research in art education; (4) enhance personal competence in areas of visual expression, and (5) encourage professional and personal growth in art.

Students who have a baccalaureate degree in art education or other appropriate baccalaureate, and hold certification to teach art, will complete 30-31 semester hours of graduate work selected from the distribution of courses listed below. All courses are three semester hours except ARU 512 (1 credit) and those which may be taken for variable credit (ARU 526, 575, ARU/CFT/FAR 576). 

Course work reflects current directions and literature in the field. This program, while rooted in theory, focuses the attention of the candidate on desirable current practices in the public schools within a wide range of individual elective options. The field of art education, in the contemporary world, touches upon many diverse content areas, such as psychology, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies, as well as the more traditional content areas such as studio, art history and criticism.

In keeping with contemporary directions as indicated by literature in the field and by the directives of the National Art Education Association and the Pennsylvania Art Education Association, the elective area may include studio, aesthetics, art history, criticism, or related work (child development in art, etc.), as well as those suggested above.

Each graduate student is assigned to an academic advisor upon admission to the program. Students consult with their academic advisor to construct an appropriate list of elective courses designed to reflect their professional, personal and artistic interests and directions. Students nearing graduation must complete a thesis or a paper/project under the supervision of a thesis/paper/project advisor and reader, after first securing acceptance of their topic by the Degree Advisory Committee. An oral comprehensive examination completes the degree requirements.

All students admitted into this program must complete all requirements within six (6) calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in the first course with either regular or conditional admission status.

Students who choose Option 1 will choose to develop an Applied Research capstone project or paper which reflects their academic, studio or professional interests.

Students who choose Option2 will choose to develop a Thesis.  The thesis concludes the program of study which reflects their academic or professional interests.

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Course Work

Required courses to be taken by all students (9 credits):

Students will construct an individualized program of study of 15 credits (thesis) or 20/21 credits (paper/project) emphasizing an elective area such as those listed below:

The M.Ed. in Art Education at Kutztown University offers the in-service teacher the choice of two options. Option I culminates in a paper while Option II culminates in a thesis. The Academic Advisor will be the primary contact with the student and will advise the student on program and career directions.

PROGRAM OUTLINE:

OPTION I

OPTION II

At the initial meeting with the Academic Advisor, the student will choose a program.

The following approved courses may be helpful in guiding your selection of elective courses. Other courses may be selected provided the academic advisor concurs.

ART EDUCATION

ART HISTORY

CRAFTS

FINE ARTS

HUMANITIES

RELATED ARTS

AUDIOVISUAL

EDUCATION

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

HISTORY

MUSIC

PHILOSOPHY

POLITICAL SCIENCE

PSYCHOLOGY

SOCIAL STUDIES

SOCIOLOGY

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

WOMEN'S STUDIES

Please check with your advisor concerning the appropriate PRAXIS testing.

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Contact Person

Dr. John White, Department of Art Education and Crafts Chairperson

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