Overview

The Art and Design Education programme at Northern Illinois University is designed to develop competent, knowledgeable educators who can thrive in diverse professional settings. This Master of Science degree focuses on preparing scholars and risk-takers to lead within K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and various community organisations.

Students are encouraged to develop their personal strengths while learning to advocate for the vital role of art and design in general education. The curriculum is built upon national and state standards, ensuring that graduates possess the methodologies required to foster individual expression and critical judgment skills in their future students.

The programme welcomes candidates seeking educator licensure as well as professional in-service educators.

Why Art and Design Education at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University provides a collegial community where faculty members serve as mentors for research and professional development. The institution's close proximity to Chicago offers students unparalleled access to major museums, galleries, and significant cultural resources that enhance the learning experience.

The School of Art and Design is home to world-renowned faculty with expertise in assessment, disability studies, and multiculturalism. Students benefit from a strong professional network and opportunities to participate in major events such as the National Art Education Association Convention and the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.

Facilities at the university include the NIU Art Museum and extensive library resources dedicated to art education. The programme also hosts a scholar and speaker series, bringing global leaders in the field to the campus to engage with students and share contemporary insights into the industry.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 388 per credit
Local fee: USD 388 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Assessment and Curriculum
Visual Culture and Curriculum
Disability Studies and Technology
Multiculturalism
Studio Pedagogy
Cross-cultural Curriculum

Careers with Art and Design Education

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a wide range of influential roles within the education and arts sectors. Many alumni pursue careers as specialist teachers or administrators within K-12 school systems, while others find success as lecturers or researchers in colleges and universities.

Beyond traditional classroom settings, the degree equips individuals for leadership positions in cultural institutions and community organisations. The strong professional network fostered by the faculty helps graduates connect with potential employers and secure roles in program planning, museum education, and arts advocacy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Seminar inSpecialization in Art and Design Education:

Art Education
History and Philosophy of Art Education

Research Readings in Art Education

Educator In-Service: Online or Blended - Track 2:

Art and Technology in the K-12 Classroom
Curriculum Development in Art and Design Education
History and Philosophy of Art Education
Research Readings in Art Education

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Fall priority consideration: March 1 - Graduate admission with assistantship

Spring priority consideration: November 1 - Gradate admission only

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Design Instructional Design Art Education View 455 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23850 USD / year

≈ 23850 USD / year
Out-of-State

11910 USD / year

≈ 11910 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11910 USD / year

≈ 11910 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Art and Design Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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