Academics

Master of Arts in Art Program

The Department of Art and Design offers you three individual paths towards earning your Master of Arts in Art degree. This 30 hour degree enables you to choose from three Concentrations: Art Education, Graphic Design, and Studio Art.

•  Art Education Concentration (M.A.): The Master of Arts in Art Education Concentration offers you a customized program designed to further develop the studio, intellectual and professional background of art educators, enabling you to grow as a teacher and a leader, achieving advanced goals. A series of graduate courses address historical and contemporary issues in art theory, studio, and art education, bridging the connection between individual artistic process and the creative development of your students through enhanced teaching practices. Drawing on a wide range of studio departments, over half of the program is reserved for work in one or more studio area. The program culminates in a graduate art education exhibition and thesis statement that reflects the integration of your teaching practice and development as an artist.

•  Graphic Design Concentration (M.A.): The Master of Arts in Graphic Design Concentration provides you the opportunity to develop a coherent, investigative and experimental body of work, with a focus on methodology, the application of that method to studio work, the development of a thoughtfully argued statement, and the organization of your work in a graduate design exhibition. Advanced levels of coursework in typography, web design, illustration and computer art allows you to customize the program to your specific focus. Your training and completed portfolio will enable you to begin or continue with your professional design career, or continue on to an M.F.A. design program.

•  Studio Art Concentration (M.A.): The Master of Arts in Studio Concentration offers professional training for independent, self-directed visual artists. This Art track offers you progressive coursework in your chosen media and critical studio theory. You can focus on a particular area or combine several art areas, including ceramics, computer art, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. This track is intended for students who desire graduate-level coursework which prepares them for various arts-related careers and/or further advanced studies in art. The program culminates in a graduate studio exhibition and thesis statement that relates to your artwork anddevelopment as an artist.

Link to:
- Art Education Concentration, Master of Arts in Art (MA) (Required for Rank II)  
- Graphic Design Concentration, Master of Arts in Art (MA)
- Studio Art Concentration, Master of Arts in Art (MA)  

- Department of Art and Design 

Admission to Morehead State University (see MSU admission requirements).

Admission Requirements

1. General admission to graduate study.
2. Completion of an undergraduate major in art or an equivalent experience with the requirement of supplemental courses.
3. Undergraduate GPA in Art of 3.0.
4. Minimum composite GRE score of 277on the verbal and quantitative sections.
5. Submission and approval of art portfolio supporting plans and objectives for the graduate program: see PORTFOLIO 

Requirements for the Degree
1. General admission to Graduate Study.
2. Six graduate hours of art history.
3. Thirty total hours required.
4. Passing of Mid-Program Review.
5. Passing of final oral examination.
6. Must be unconditionally admitted.

PORTFOLIO

Portfolio Application Requirements: A complete application consists of:
         • Cover Letter
         • Professional quality Resume
         • Statement of Intent (1- 2 pages in length), which thoughtfully and thoroughly addresses the following content:

             - Your current body of work, including information about your subject matter, media, technique/process, theme/concept, and influences
             - Your goals for graduate study and how it will benefit your current work or direction
             - Your preparedness for graduate level study
             - Your reasons for choosing MSU’s Art and Design graduate program and your expectations for graduate study
             - Your long term career goals

Digital portfolio which adheres to the following guidelines:
 

• Include twenty samples of your work (high quality professional representations), at least ten of which relate to your current direction, description of your work, and proposed area of study  
• Choose appropriate samples that support your proposed Track:

              - Studio Art: a consistent body of work supporting a clear direction in subject, media, technique, and theme
              - Design: diverse samples of print and/or web design, which demonstrate your layout, problem solving, communication, and technology skills
              - Art Education: either a diverse body of work demonstrating your broad skills as an artist and teacher, or a consistent body of work focused on one direction

• Do not include foundation or beginning level pieces
• Use one of the following digital formats to present your work: Powerpoint (ppt.) or Adobe Acrobat (pdf.)
• With each digital image include the following information: Title, Medium(s), Size, and Year
• After completing the digital presentation, burn to a CD or DVD viewable on a Mac computer