Applicants for the M.S. degree with a specialization in art and design education should have an undergraduate degree in art, art education, or other related field approved by the School of Art and Design. Students must complete 30 semester hours in one of the following tracks.
A maximum of 9 semester hours may be taken outside the School of Art and Design. Any program requires the written approval of the major adviser.
Students may complete their 30 semester hours by taking these courses online.
Professional or Educator In-Service: Blended - Track 1 Requirements
Additional electives in art education and/or electives in art history, studio art, or related professional courses as approved by the School of Art and Design: Credits: 9
Professional or Educator In-Service: Online - Track 2 Requirements
For application information, please visit the Online page.
Students can take 3 or 6 semester hours in this course.
Educator Licensure
Students with an undergraduate degree must be admitted to the M.S. program in art with a specialization in art education to enter the licensure program.
Persons holding a baccalaureate degree may complete requirements for the State of Illinois Standard Special (K-12) License through the art education division of the School of Art and Design as part of the degree program for the M.S. in art with a specialization in art education. With adviser approval, graduate-level requirements for licensure can be part of the 30 semester hours required for this specialization. Additional course work is required to complete the master’s degree requirements.
Candidates who successfully complete the program and pass the state mandated Teacher Performance Assessment will have completed all required ISBE and CAEP standards for receiving university recommendation for licensure. Successful completion of the program without receipt of a passing score on the state mandated Teacher Performance Assessment may result in the candidate receiving a degree without licensure.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of the Illinois Test of Basic Skills, Test of Academic Proficiency or ACT substitution.
Completion of ARTE 542 with a grade of at least C.
Admission to the School of Art and Design.
Retention
Students must remain in good standing in the Graduate School. In addition students must maintain an average 3.00 GPA or higher, and receive no final grade lower than C in art education methods courses (ARTE 542, ARTE 544, ARTE 545, and ARTE 563).
Admission to Student Teaching
In addition to meeting retention requirements, during the semester prior to student teaching or earlier, students must pass the final portfolio review per the art education division’s portfolio review procedures. Also see “Educator Licensure Information.”
Requirements
Studio and art history courses may be assigned as deficiencies if not taken as part of an undergraduate degree. Subject to approval by the chair of the graduate advisory committee, courses in art history, ceramics, design, drawing, fiber arts, metal work or jewelry, painting, printmaking, and/or sculpture may be taken at the graduate or undergraduate level, in NIU’s School of Art and Design or at other recognized institutions.