Notice: Admission to this option is suspended while the department reconsiders and revises the curriculum.

We teach our students to experience and value visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as to recognize the concurrent importance of perception, experimentation, innovation and critical thinking. Our students must understand the history and traditions of art with their relevance to social and community concerns as well as the art of different cultures. They must utilize and interact with the services, facilities and technologies offered throughout the University as well as those provided by the Art department.

For questions about the program, prospective candidates should make an appointment with an advisor in the Art Department Advisement Center by calling (818) 677-2348.

Credential Information

An approved subject matter program leading to a Single Subject teaching credential in art (K-12) is available. For requirements, see the information in Art B.A. program.

A. Entrance Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree in Art from an accredited institution or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 24 units of upper division Art or the equivalency as determined by the appropriate department graduate committee.
2. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (students who have less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA must complete the Graduate Record Examination [GRE] with a departmentally accepted score).
3. Students applying to Art Education who do not meet the undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and do not take the GRE must fulfill the following in-lieu requirements:
   1. Submit three letters of recommendation from former professors or other persons adjudged by the department to be competent to evaluate the student’s potential for graduate-level performance.
   2. Submit a written philosophical statement of intention or purpose (1 or 2 pages).
   3. Complete ART 611 or ART 615 with a minimum grade of “B.” Art Education students substitute ART 590 for ART 611.

B. Requirements for Classified Graduate Status

1. Students must pass the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam.
2. Students who choose the Art Education Option must have their portfolio evaluated and approved by the appropriate Art Education Graduate Committee. They must pass a personal screening interview conducted by the appropriate Art Education Graduate Committee [or designee(s)].
3. Students in the Art Education Option whose undergraduate GPA was below 3.0 and do not take the GRE must have fulfilled all in-lieu requirements (see section A. Entrance Requirements, above).

C. Requirements for the Degree

1. Select a graduate advisor and thesis committee.
2. Complete the Program for Master of Arts form with approval of a graduate advisor.
3. Meet at least once a semester with the thesis committee to demonstrate satisfactory progress toward the degree.
4. Complete a minimum of 30 units of approved graduate work comprised of the following:

(Approved student programs shall include a minimum of 21 units of graduate coursework at the 500- and 600-level.)

1. Required Courses (6 units)

2. Graduate Level Elective Courses (12 units)

ART 500 History of Art Museums and Collecting in Western Civilization (3)
ART 502 Gallery and Museum Practices (3-3)
ART 519A-Z Selected Topics in Art History (3-3-3)
ART 520 Studio Problems: Video/Digital Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 521 Studio Problems: Painting (3-3-3-3)
ART 522 Studio Problems: Illustration (3-3)
ART 524 Studio Problems: Drawing (3-3-3-3)
ART 525 Studio Problems: Printmaking (3-3-3-3)
ART 535 Studio Problems: Sculpture (3-3-3-3)
ART 540 Studio Problems: Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 544 Studio Problems: Graphic Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 550 Studio Problems: Photography (3-3-3-3)
ART 560 Studio Problems in Ceramics Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 588 Studio Problems in Public Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 620 Advanced Studio Problems: Video/Digital Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 621 Advanced Studio Problems: Painting (3-3-3-3)
ART 622 Advanced Studio Problems: Illustration (3-3)
ART 624 Advanced Studio Problems: Drawing (3-3-3-3)
ART 625 Advanced Studio Problems: Printmaking (3-3-3-3)
ART 635 Advanced Studio Problems: Sculpture (3-3-3-3)
ART 640 Advanced Studio Problems: Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 644 Advanced Studio Problems: Graphic Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 650 Advanced Studio Problems: Photography (3-3-3-3)
ART 660 Advanced Studio Problems in Ceramics Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 681A/B Seminar in Art Education (3-3)
ART 686 Research in Art Education (3-3)
ART 688 Advanced Studio Problems: Public Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 696A-C Directed Graduate Research (1-3)
ART 699A-C Independent Study (1-3)

Students may apply approved 400-level courses toward their area of concentration.

3. Courses in Related and/or Outside Field (9 units)

These are to be selected, with the approval of the advisor, from 400-, 500- and 600-level courses in art or related fields.

4. Culminating Experience (3 units)

ART 698C Thesis or Graduate Project (3)

5. Oral examination, if deemed necessary by the appropriate departmental graduate committee.

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 30