Explore the MA in Art Education at the University of Arkansas for Expanded Access to the Arts
The University of Arkansas School of Art, housed within the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, proudly announces its launch of the MA in Art Education program. This exclusive, tuition-free, two-year in-residence program is designed to inspire and prepare students for rewarding careers in teaching and creating art within various educational environments, including schools, museums, and community arts organizations. The program is open to applicants at any stage of their career and offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, integrating theory, research, and socially engaged practice.
Students in the program will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous academic research with practical learning experiences. The curriculum is structured to encourage the development of analytical skills and foster creative teaching strategies. Participants also have the opportunity to contribute to the expanding body of academic research and discourse in the field of art education.
A key advantage of the program is its interdisciplinary nature, welcoming applicants from diverse fields such as performance, applied arts, and community arts organizations. “We aim to cultivate art educators who are forward-thinking changemakers,” said Kathy J. Brown, the graduate program director. The program’s focus on high-level inquiry is essential for advancing contemporary art education.
Beyond classroom learning, the program offers students enhanced practical experience through laboratories and special initiatives. These include the Center for the Study of Childhood Art and the Arkansas Art Educator Art Lab, which provide professional development opportunities for teachers. Students are also encouraged to engage in additional programs, such as the Ink and Inspiration writing retreat and the Art Education Symposium. A notable highlight includes a recent collaboration with Nigerian artist Peju Layiwola, where students explored historical resist-dyeing techniques in a global art context.
Interim program director Christopher Schulte notes the program’s dynamic exchange fostered by working alongside studio artists, graphic designers, art historians, and leading scholars. This educational model helps forge solid theory-practice connections while promoting diverse partnerships and projects across the field.
Grounded in the robust arts community of Northwest Arkansas, the program has established meaningful collaborations with local organizations such as the Arkansas Arts Academy and the Fayetteville Public Library. This commitment to community engagement has equipped students to create inclusive projects with various nonprofits, enhancing their professional and educational experiences.
The program is fully supported by the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation’s transformative gift, providing all enrolled MA students with a tuition waiver, graduate assistantship, stipend, and networking opportunities with visiting scholars.
Graduates of the MA in Art Education can expect to find rewarding career paths in K-12 education, museum and community arts programming, nonprofit leadership, higher education, and beyond. Many alumni also choose to pursue further studies through doctoral programs. With a growing demand for qualified educators, the University of Arkansas School of Art positions itself as a nurturing environment for professional development, offering comprehensive support and mentorship throughout the program.
Applications for the MA in Art Education are open until January 15, 2026. For more information, prospective students can visit art.uark.edu or contact Kathy J. Brown directly via email at [email protected].