Arts in education MEd
The master of education (MEd) professional studies in arts in education is a graduate-level program designed for experienced art teachers who want to acquire advanced knowledge and leadership skills in the field of art education. Coursework can be completed in one year as a full-time student or in two years as a part-time student. Courses are scheduled in the summer or evenings for working professionals.
This program is designed for teachers that already hold a teaching license. If you wish to earn your teaching license, please apply to our MEd and teaching license in arts in education program.
Quote from Vanessa Hoff, MEd 2021
My studies in the area of Arts-Based Educational Research have contributed not only to my teaching practice but also to my work as a visual artist.
Coursework
Curriculum
With guidance from faculty advisers, students complete at least 30 semester credits of work in three areas: a core academic program in education, courses specific to the area of art education, and elective courses. Requirements also include a school-based project examining a problem, issue, or topic identified by the student.
To see detailed course information visit the MEd Professional Studies page in the graduate catalog , click on requirements, scroll down under the program sub-plan requirements and look for the arts in education sub-plan.
Core coursework (10 credits):
- CI 5049 - Digital Media & Technology Integration: Arts Education Theory & Practice
- CI 5116 - Action Research in Educational Settings
- CI 5155 - Contemporary Approaches to Curriculum: Instruction and Assessment
- CI 5186 - School-Related Projects
Art in education requirements (14 credits):
- CI 5050 - Issues in Art Education
- CI 5069 - Curriculum Innovations in Arts Education
- CI 5075 - The Social, Historical and Cultural Foundations of Arts Education
- CI 5078 - Application of Aesthetic Theory in Education
- CI 8079 - Arts Based Research in Education
+Electives (6 credits)
Courses will be selected in consultation with faculty advisor.
Career outlook
- Teachers with a master's degree are regarded as experts in their field, making you a more competitive job candidate with an MEd
- Teachers who have a master's degree will see a roughly $7,000 annual salary increase [Teacher.org ]
- Though the salary increase with a master's degree will vary by district and state, Minnesota teachers are on the higher end of the payscale. Median Minnesota teacher salaries were $64,790 and $64,960 for middle school and high school respectively in 2019 [BLS ].
- Once a teacher is employed, there is much more mobility that comes with a Master's. Teachers with advanced degrees can be promoted to school administration positions and can become mentors to other teachers based upon specific graduate training.
How to apply
Application deadline and instructions
Applications are accepted for three different start times throughout the year:
Priority deadlines:
- December 15 (Spring start)
- April 30 (Summer start)
- July 31 (Fall start)]
Before applying online, make sure you have all the required materials. Download and refer to this application tip sheet as you work through the application. The included directions will help you complete your application quickly and smoothly.
We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the academic advisor in your program area.
Tuition and funding
All master's degree programs in CEHD have the same cost per credit hour. The University of Minnesota tuition operates on a credit band where there is a flat rate for tuition each semester when taking 12 - 24 credits.
- Estimate your tuition cost based on credit hour.
- Calculate your cost of attendance
- Apply for financial aid when you apply
Application requirements
Before applying online, make sure you have all the required materials. Download and refer to this application tip sheet as you work through the application. The included directions will help you complete your application quickly and smoothly.
We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the academic advisor in your program area (see below).
What we look for
We look for professionals and licensed teachers that have already achieved an undergraduate degree and professional experience and who want to advance their career and leadership capacity in their chosen program area.
Required application documents
A bachelor's degree and 2.80 GPA is required.
To apply you need:
- Unofficial transcripts. Upload your transcripts into the application system; please do not mail your transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after you are admitted.
- Resume. Tailor your resume to focus on relevant academic and work experience.
- Personal statement. Describe your career goals and rationale for pursuing your MEd Limit: 1 page.
Additional admissions information
Transfer credits
Maximum transfer credits: 10
Credits may have been taken at UMN, or at another institution. Credits must be at the graduate level and must be approved by a faculty adviser.
- Contact the academic adviser (for contact info, see below) to arrange to work with a faculty adviser to have your courses approved
- After the faculty adviser approves your transfer courses, fill out the Academic Policy Petition.
International applicants
International applicants may also need:
- An English translation of your transcripts, if the transcript is not in English.
- A course by course evaluation may be required.
- TOEFL scores. Official TOEFL scores are required. You may qualify for an exception if you have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States. Please see the University of Minnesota TOEFL score requirements and submission guidelines from the Graduate School. Early application is advised to ensure timely admission.
- International students with F-1 visas may take no more than the equivalent of one completely online education class (or 3 credits per semester) and count it towards their full-time course requirement. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is 6 credits. If you are enrolled in an online program and studying in your home country, you do not need full-time enrollment status.
Request information
We’re here to help. Simply complete one of these forms and a member of our department will be in touch