PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Art Education, Ph.D.
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Dual-title Ph.D. options availableDual-title degrees in Art Education + African American and Diaspora Studies or Art Education + Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
- Focus on impactful researchPrepare to conduct original research with the potential to influence art education theory and practice.
- Collaborative environmentStudy within a close-knit community while leveraging resources of a major research institution.
- Interdisciplinary approachCoursework includes art education and related fields such as philosophy, sociology, and anthropology.
The Ph.D. in Art Education at Penn State prepares students to become leaders and innovative researchers in the field. This program is designed for individuals who want to advance their expertise through original research that contributes to art education theory and practice. Students benefit from a collegial and close-knit community within the School of Visual Arts, while also having access to the extensive resources of a large research university. The curriculum provides a strong theoretical and methodological foundation for dissertation research, drawing from art education and related disciplines like philosophy, sociology, and curriculum studies.
Careers
Graduates of the Ph.D. program are prepared for roles in higher education, schools, communities, and museums. The program aims to cultivate researchers, educators, and leaders who can make significant contributions to the art education profession.
- Higher education faculty
- Art education researchers
- Community art educators
- Museum educators
- Leaders in art education organizations
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic qualifications required for admission to the Ph.D. in Art Education program?
- A baccalaureate degree in art education or a related field such as studio art, art history, education, or museum education is expected. Applicants should also have a minimum 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average on a 4.00 scale, though exceptions can be made.
- How do I apply to the Ph.D. in Art Education program?
- You must submit an online application to The Graduate School and the Art Education program admissions committee, including a Statement of Professional Intent, a scholarly writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are also required.
- What is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Art Education?
- The application deadline for the Ph.D. in Art Education program is January 15.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition rates vary by campus and academic year, and international students will be charged the Non-Pennsylvania resident rate. Please refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees Schedules for current rates.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in Art Education?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as higher education faculty, art education researchers, community art educators, museum educators, and leaders in art education organizations.
- Are there opportunities for funding or scholarships?
- You can indicate your interest in Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships in your Statement of Professional Intent. Students on assistantships must adhere to course load limits set by The Graduate School.
Entry requirements
Baccalaureate DegreeA baccalaureate degree in art education or a related field (e.g., studio art, art history, education, museum education) is expected. Applicants should have a background considered appropriate for the program's objectives.
GPAA minimum 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) is considered. Exceptions may be made for applicants with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.
Applicants must apply to both the Graduate School and the Art Education program admissions committee. Deficiencies may be addressed through coursework that does not count towards the advanced degree. Students may pursue certification concurrently. Transcripts should demonstrate high academic and creative achievement. Letters of recommendation should attest to scholarship and the ability to work independently.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates vary by campus and academic year. Please refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees Schedules for current rates. International students will be charged the Non-Pennsylvania resident rate.
Tuition (home)Tuition rates vary by campus and academic year. Please refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees Schedules for current rates.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition and fee rates apply regardless of instructional mode. Rates are subject to change and are published for specific academic years (e.g., 2025-26, 2026-27).
How to apply
1. Complete the Graduate School ApplicationSubmit the official Penn State Graduate School Application for Admission online.
2. Prepare a Statement of Professional IntentThis one- to two-page statement should include your professional objectives, how graduate study aligns with them, planned research areas, career aspirations post-degree, and evidence of readiness for graduate-level work. For dual-title options, indicate your interest.
3. Submit Scholarly Writing SampleProvide an example of your scholarly writing.
4. Request Letters of RecommendationArrange for three (3) letters of recommendation that speak to your scholarship and independent work ability.
5. Submit Official TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. International applicants should refer to specific requirements for non-native English speakers.
6. Submit Optional PortfolioApplicants may submit a portfolio showcasing creative works related to arts-based research or illustrating their conception of art.
7. Indicate Funding InterestIf seeking an Assistantship/Fellowship, mention this in your Statement of Professional Intent.
Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships/FellowshipsNot specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic qualifications required for admission to the Ph.D. in Art Education program?
+
A baccalaureate degree in art education or a related field such as studio art, art history, education, or museum education is expected. Applicants should also have a minimum 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average on a 4.00 scale, though exceptions can be made.
How do I apply to the Ph.D. in Art Education program?
+
You must submit an online application to The Graduate School and the Art Education program admissions committee, including a Statement of Professional Intent, a scholarly writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are also required.
What is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Art Education?
+
The application deadline for the Ph.D. in Art Education program is January 15.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition rates vary by campus and academic year, and international students will be charged the Non-Pennsylvania resident rate. Please refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees Schedules for current rates.
What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in Art Education?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as higher education faculty, art education researchers, community art educators, museum educators, and leaders in art education organizations.
Are there opportunities for funding or scholarships?
+
You can indicate your interest in Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships in your Statement of Professional Intent. Students on assistantships must adhere to course load limits set by The Graduate School.