If you’re an art teacher or artist passionate about inspiring others, an online Master of Education (MEd) in Art Education can help advance your career without putting it on hold. These flexible programs are designed for working educators and are often more affordable than traditional options. In this OMD guide, you’ll explore top online programs and learn how a master’s in art education can elevate your skills and empower the next generation of creative learners.
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Career Options
What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more
Program Breakdown: Inside 3 Popular Online Art Education MEds
Below, we highlight three accredited universities offering online or hybrid MEd programs in Art Education. Each program has unique features to fit different needs — whether you seek a flexible online format, a hybrid experience with studio residencies, or an accelerated path to teacher certification.
University of Missouri — Master of Education in Art Education
The University of Missouri’s MEd in Art Education is known for its flexibility and reputable faculty. Housed in Mizzou’s College of Education & Human Development, this program ranked among the nation’s top online education degrees in 2025. The curriculum offers two tracks: a non-certification track for already licensed art teachers and a certification track for those seeking initial art teaching credentials. Coursework explores current issues in art education, curriculum design, and art history, with electives to tailor your learning. Financial aid and scholarships through the College of Education may help offset costs.
Duration: 30 credit hours
Mode: Online, with no campus residency
Cost: $561.80 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 credits)
- Two years of teaching experience in art or related field
- Statement of purpose and portfolio of artwork
- Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
- Official transcripts
- No GRE required
- TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
Converse University — Master of Education in Art Education
Converse University’s MEd in Art Education program is the first of its kind in South Carolina. Curriculum is focused on PreK–12 art curriculum development, instructional methods, and research. Each summer, you’ll spend two weeks on Converse’s Spartanburg campus in an intensive residency, working hands-on in the studios and collaborating face-to-face with faculty and peers. Converse’s courses not only deepen your art teaching practice, but also prepares you for leadership — projects include a teacher work sample and a professional teaching portfolio aligned with National Board standards. Financial aid and tuition discounts (like educator grants) are available to help with costs.
Duration: 30 credits
Mode: Hybrid; online coursework with an on-campus summer residency
Cost: $525 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Art or Art Education (from an accredited institution)
- Teaching certification in Art Education (current K-12 license)
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher (on 4.0 scale)
- Completed application ($40 fee)
- Personal statement (250–300 words)
- Two letters of recommendation (academic/professional)
- Official transcripts from all colleges
- Copy of teaching certificate
Carlow University — Master of Education in Art Education (K–12)
Carlow University’s MEd in Art Education (K–12) is an accelerated online program designed for those who want to become certified art teachers or enhance their credentials quickly. Unlike some purely academic programs, Carlow’s MEd includes a hands-on student teaching component arranged in your local area. The curriculum covers art teaching methods, curriculum design, and integrating technology and social-emotional learning into art projects. A standout feature is Carlow’s partnership with the renowned Andy Warhol Museum — students can engage in workshops with artists and educators, blending museum education insights into the coursework. The program is cohort-based, meaning you’ll progress through the courses with a community of peers and support from faculty.
Duration: 36 credits
Mode: Hybrid; online courses with in-person student teaching practicum (near your locale)
Cost: $600 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Personal essay
- Current résumé or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 preferred (students with lower GPAs may be admitted provisionally)
Cost Considerations: Online Art Education MEd
The cost of an online master’s program in Art Education can vary widely depending on several factors. Public universities often offer lower rates for in-state students, though many online programs use a single flat rate for all learners regardless of residency. In addition to tuition, some schools charge online technology fees, course material fees, or residency fees. The good news is that studying online can save you money on relocation, commuting, or housing costs associated with on-campus programs.
Financial aid is usually available — you can apply for federal aid, scholarships, or tuition reimbursement. Some employers even offer tuition assistance for teachers pursuing a master’s. Below is a comparison of three programs and their tuition costs to give you a sense of the investment required for an online MEd in Art Education.
| School (Art Ed. MEd) | Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri | 30 | $561.80 | $16,854 |
| Converse University | 30 | $525 | $15,750 |
| Carlow University | 36 | $600 | $21,600 |
Note: Tuition figures are approximate and based on 2024–2025 rates; always check the university’s website for the most current costs.
Careers for Those with an MEd in Art Education
Earning an MEd in Art Education can open doors to higher-paying roles and new career pathways in education and arts. A master’s qualifies you for leadership positions or specialized jobs beyond the K–12 classroom. The advanced skills you gain can lead to above-average salaries — the median wage for education professionals is about $59,940, higher than the national median across all occupations. Below are three promising careers for MEd in Art Education graduates.
Training and Development Specialist (Instructional Designer)
Training and Development Specialists (often called instructional designers in academic contexts) apply teaching skills beyond the school classroom, designing and delivering training programs for organizations, nonprofits, or museums. In this career, you might find yourself designing online art education courses, crafting workshops for fellow educators, or consulting on art curriculum projects. It’s a great option if you enjoy the process of creating learning materials and want to impact education on a broader scale without being limited to a school setting.
Employment Change: 12%
Median Annual Salary: $64,340
Museum Curator or Education Specialist
If you’re drawn to the arts beyond the classroom, a career as a museum curator or museum education specialist could be a perfect fit. You might work on developing educational programs, guiding museum tours, designing interactive exhibits, or managing collections with an eye toward community engagement. The BLS groups curators and museum educators in a category projected to grow, reflecting a rising interest in museum learning experiences. In this role, you’d use your creative and pedagogical skills to make art accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences.
Employment Change: 11%
Median Annual Salary: $57,120
Postsecondary Art Instructor (Community College or University)
As a Postsecondary Art Instructor, you could train future art teachers, teach studio art or art history courses, or even supervise community arts programs at a college. In this role, you might teach courses on art education methods to aspiring teachers, lead seminars on integrating art across curriculums, or coordinate a college’s teacher preparation program in art. You’ll get to influence the next wave of art educators and continue your own research or studio practice.
Employment Change: 8%
Median Annual Salary: $84,380
FAQs from Prospective Art Education MEd Students
Q: Why is accreditation important for an online MEd in Art Education?
A: Accreditation for graduate school is crucial because it ensures your degree is recognized for its academic quality and rigor. An accredited online MEd program has been evaluated by an independent agency and meets high standards in curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student support. This matters when transferring credits, applying for jobs, or pursuing licensure. In short, accreditation is your guarantee that the online program delivers what it promises — a respected, credible graduate education that can advance your career.
Q: Will an online MEd in Art Education lead to teacher licensure?
A: It depends on the program. Some online MEd programs include teacher certification as part of the degree (or offer a certification track), while others are designed for already-licensed teachers and do not automatically grant a teaching license. If you’re already a licensed art teacher, an MEd will deepen your expertise and may help with recertification or adding endorsements, but it won’t usually confer a new license by itself.
Always check the program details and your state’s requirements. You may need to complete additional steps (exams or background checks) to obtain K–12 art teacher licensure after graduation, even if the degree included a preparation component.
Q: How long does it take to earn a Master’s in Art Education online?
A: Most online MEd in Art Education programs take about 2 years to complete for working professionals. If you study part-time (while teaching), you might take 2 courses per semester and finish in roughly 24 months. Some programs offer accelerated schedules. Conversely, many schools allow you to go slower if needed, giving you up to 4–5 years to finish. The timeline can often be tailored to your pace. Plan on 18 months to 3 years depending on the intensity of the program and your personal schedule.
Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online MEd in Art Education?
A: Yes — in fact, these programs are usually designed with working teachers in mind. Online and hybrid MEd programs offer flexible scheduling, often with asynchronous lectures or evening live sessions so you can fit studies around your job. Many students continue teaching art full-time and apply what they learn in real time. Expect to dedicate 10-15 hours a week for coursework for reading, projects, participation. Time management is key, but professors understand you’re juggling work and family.
Q: Can I take on leadership positions with an MEd in Art Education beyond teaching?
A: Yes, a Master’s in Art Education can broaden your career options in leadership. Besides advancing as a K–12 art teacher, you could become an art curriculum coordinator, developing art programs at the district level. With leadership courses under your belt, you might step into an administrative role such as department head, instructional coach for arts, or mentor teacher. In short, the degree adds credibility and opens doors to roles that influence art education on a larger scale — whether in schools, nonprofits, or cultural institutions. And if you ever pursue a doctorate, the MEd is a solid stepping stone.