COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Art Education at the University of North Texas is a well-established graduate program with a strong record of preparing qualified arts educators and professionals, producing nearly half of the state’s university-certified art teachers. The program is designed for certified K–12 educators as well as individuals seeking careers in museum education, community arts, or other educational and cultural institutions. Its certification track equips students to teach visual arts at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Texas, while also preparing them to work in broader educational and creative environments such as community art programs and nonprofit organizations. The Museum Education and Graduate Art Museum Certificate pathways provide additional professional preparation through internship experiences in regional museums, enabling graduates to transition into roles within museum education, curation, and public programming. The program also supports practicing art educators and professionals from related fields who wish to deepen their expertise, strengthen their leadership abilities, and expand their career opportunities within arts institutions. Through advanced coursework, students develop the ability to integrate theory, practice, and research in meaningful ways that enhance both teaching and learning in visual arts contexts. The curriculum includes courses such as Aesthetic Inquiry with Urban Youth and Communities, Contemporary Trends in Art Education, Critical Art Education, Curriculum Theory in Art Education, Introduction to Research in Art Education, and Communities, Schools and Museums. These courses emphasize critical thinking, curriculum development, research skills, and community engagement, helping students understand how art education functions across diverse social and institutional settings. Overall, the program prepares graduates to become reflective educators, museum professionals, and leaders who can advocate for the value of arts education, contribute to cultural institutions, and design meaningful learning experiences that connect schools, communities, and museums.