Fine Arts (M.A.)

The Kean M.A. in Fine Arts program offers three options for graduate students, creating the opportunity to work with fellow artists and expert instructors in a dynamic university setting. Students are guided toward exploration, experimentation, and mastering skills and techniques, as well as understanding concepts and history that shape the artistic process.

The three options for advanced study are:

M.A. in Fine Arts: Teaching Certification Option is a 41-credit academically intensive program for students who wish to become professional certified art teachers. Kean graduates do exceptionally well at obtaining teaching positions in New Jersey and beyond.

M.A. in Fine Arts: Studio Option is a 33-credit program designed for students interested in pursuing advanced work in the studio arts. This program provides opportunity for practicing artists and art educators to enhance their professional practice and increase earnings. Many school districts offer financial support for teachers who pursue this advanced degree.

M.A. in Fine Arts: Supervision Certification Option is a 30-credit program designed for certified art teachers who seek additional educational background for career advancement, and certification for supervisory and administrative positions. In some cases, school districts will provide financial support for teachers pursuing this graduate degree.

Kean's Fine Arts graduate program brings together working artists, teachers and professionals, who engage with their artistic passions in pursuit of specific career goals.

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The Master's Degree program in fine arts encourages artists and educators to enhance their own practice while igniting the innate artistic abilities in young learners.

What You Learn

You can pursue a specific degree in studio arts, certification or supervision that fits your career goals.

Rediscover the passion that led you to the field of art, by stepping back into the studio and classroom
Enhance your artistic skills, and techniques and conceptual thinking as an artist and/or educator
Study the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of art and artistic expression
Gain new insights, inspiration and perspective as an artist and fine arts educator
Work, interact and share ideas with other professional artists and art educators
Enrich your professional profile, and fuel your creative intelligence and expressive voice.

Application Deadline
Fall: June 30
Spring: December 1

Admission Requirements

Admission to the M.A. in Fine Arts is competitive and requires application materials in addition to those required by the University.

Applicants must provide the following (items 1-2 are submitted via your Kean University Application or from your Cougar App Portal):

1. Respond to the required supplemental questions on the Kean University Application

2. An Art Portfolio (Artwork containing 12-15 images, at least eight of which demonstrate freehand drawing and painting)

3. Transcripts/Grade Records (already submitted with general application to the University)

4. Interview with Program Coordinator upon request

In addition M.A. in Fine Arts: Supervision Certification and M.A. in Fine Arts: K-12 Art Teaching Certification applicants must provide an Academic Writing Sample (a formal paper written for an academic course)

Program Coordinator:

Irina Nikitovic, Ed.D

stanici@kean.edu

Other programs you might be interested in

Discovering the metal art studio at Kean University, as well as Professor Jen Crupi, ignited a career for me. After graduation, I received a Puffin Foundation Grant and spent time making art in India. The support from the Kean Foundation and the Fine Arts Department allowed growth and success."

Celeste Regal, M.A. Studio

Artist/Writer/Owner, Gypsy Ghost Studio, former artist-in-residence at a college in India

Kean MA Fine Arts graduate is a successful artist and business owner

Cougars Climb Higher

At Kean, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and labs. That's why we encourage you to get involved in clubs and organizations and pursue internships that will advance your career. Find out more.

Internships

Studio-labs, clubs, internships and fieldwork provide opportunities to experiment with innovative ways to use materials as artists and educators.

Pursue your passion

Specialization is an option in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, metals, jewelry, furniture, scuplture, computer art and more.