Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Master of Arts in Visual Arts Education (VAED)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Program Type

Eastern Michigan University’s advanced professional education programs develop leaders who demonstrate reflective thought and scholarship within the context of a culturally diverse society. In addition, the Master of Arts in Visual Arts Education program produces educators who are committed to their ongoing professional growth and are aware of the challenges of democracy in our culturally diverse society. These educators will assert leadership and the ability to cultivate abstract thinking skills and analyze visual statements for personal meaning.

Admission Requirements


Applicants should see the Graduate School for general admission information and procedures. Applicants for admission to the M.A. degree program in Visual Arts Education (VAED) must have an undergraduate degree with minimum of 34 hours of art education and studio art courses, with a minimum 2.8 grade point average in these classes; hold K-12 art certification for the teaching of art; meet degree admission standards of the Graduate School; and submit the following materials for review -

  • Graduate School Application supported by official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate credit at each institution attended.
  • School of Art & Design Application (submitted via Slideroom) including the following;
    • Three letters of recommendation.
    • Letter of Intent that concisely expresses the applicant’s goals and objectives as an artist/designer and the reason(s) for pursuing graduate study.
    • 1-2 page statement of the applicant’s teaching philosophy.
    • 1-2 page statement of the applicant’s research interests.
    • A portfolio of 12-15 images, videos, and/or audio files of the applicant’s studio work, with a corresponding list stating title, medium, size, and date of completion for each artwork submitted.

The M.A. (VAED) degree program is designed for those persons who have completed their Art K-12 (LQ) Secondary Standard certification and are currently teaching art at the K-12 levels. This information can also be found at the School of Art & Design website.

Portfolios and materials must be submitted to the School of Art & Design by April 1st for Summer and Fall admission and by December 1st for Winter admission.

School Information


Art & Design, College of Arts & Sciences

Sandra Murchison, MFA | Director | 114 Ford Hall | 734.487.1268 | smurchis@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Michael Reedy, M.F.A. | 114 Ford Hall | 734.487.1268 | mreedy@emich.edu

Program Requirements


The graduate coordinator will meet with each student to construct a program of study. Students should follow closely the Graduate School requirements for “Application for Diploma.” Students whose degree program includes a final exhibition of work must apply for gallery space one semester prior to the proposed exhibition.

Graduate credit in art education (theory and practice) earned more than six years prior to the date on which the degree was granted may not be applied to meet the graduate requirements.

After the student has completed six hours of course work in art education, the graduate coordinator or program advisor will evaluate for approval the selection of a thesis proposal or paper option in an appropriate art education area, or the student will be assigned an advisor to oversee the taking of the comprehensive exam.

Degree Requirements: 31 hours


The M.A. (VAED) requires the completion of 31 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses, elective courses and cognate courses as follows:

Art Education Courses: 9 hours


Students take one course in each of the following sections:

Art History, Art Criticism and Aesthetics: 6 hours


Students take one course in each of the following sections:

Studio Art Courses: 12 hours


Students select four courses from the following:

Two-Dimensional

  • Watercolor
  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Graphic Design
  • Photography
  • Printmaking

Three-Dimensional

  • Sculpture
  • Jewelry
  • Ceramics
  • Textiles

Thesis or Exam: 4 hours


Students select either:

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Program Type