Art (MA)
Studio Art Emphasis
Our Master’s in Art with a Studio Art Emphasis at East Texas A&M can empower you to transform your creative vision into impactful art. Shape the world around you and leave your mark on the ever-evolving art landscape.
- Offered Face-to-Face in Commerce.
- 2 years
- 30 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Transform Your Vision into Art
Are you ready to unlock your full artistic potential? Our program is designed to help you turn your creative vision into reality. With expert faculty guidance, access to various mediums and a dynamic studio environment, you'll be challenged to refine your skills and discover your unique voice as an artist. We encourage you to push your creativity’s boundaries while developing technical expertise and conceptual depth.
For those looking to teach, our program is the preferred degree for art educators (EC-12).
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
With a master’s in Studio Art, you can pursue a wide range of career paths in art education, gallery curation, museum management and fine arts. Our program can also open opportunities for teaching, freelance work and professional artistic practice.
Career Possibilities
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our program offers advanced studio practice, art theory and professional development, and is designed to prepare you for careers in the arts and education.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Advanced Studio Techniques
Master a wide array of artistic mediums and fine-tune your craft, pushing technical boundaries in a cutting-edge studio environment.
Contemporary Art Theory
Delve deep into critical art theories and current trends, sharpening your conceptual framework to elevate your creative practice.
Personal Artistic Voice
Cultivate a unique artistic identity and portfolio that not only reflects your vision but stands out in the competitive art world.
Gallery and Exhibition Management
Gain hands-on experience curating, installing and managing exhibits, helping you develop the skills to lead in galleries and museums.
Taking Classes
Courses are offered face-to-face at our main campus location during the fall, spring and summer. Our summer MA program is primarily designed to offer flexibility to current art educators but is open to all qualified applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in the visual arts.
Students accepted for graduate study in art should possess a high level of technical competency in their chosen medium or media, as our graduate courses focus on conceptual development rather than technical instruction.
Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times, which are subject to change.
Curriculum
Our 30-semester-hour program is designed for those seeking to enhance their artistic skills and conceptual development. Offered at our main campus, it allows you to specialize in painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, ceramics and mixed or multi-media art.
Our curriculum includes courses in research literature and techniques, studio practice, graduate seminars, art history and electives. You are required to complete a comprehensive exam to successfully finish your program. Our Master of Art in Studio Art provides a structured yet flexible environment for artists to develop their creative practice and theoretical understanding, preparing them for various professional opportunities in the art world.
Adding Value with Certificates
East Texas A&M encourages you to enhance your degree with a graduate certificate.
Public History Graduate Certificate
This certificate helps you develop specific skills related to public history. The practical, theoretical and analytical training provided in the certificate program will enhance your ability to compete for jobs in museums, historical societies, cultural resource centers, parks and historic preservation.
Studies in Children’s and Adolescent Literature Culture Graduate Certificate
Women’s and Gender Studies Graduate Certificate and Minor
The Graduate Minor and Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies provide the opportunity for students to focus on the interdisciplinary study of issues that shape and define our understandings of masculinity, femininity and sexuality. The study of gender enhances knowledge of the global world historically and across cultures.
Teaching History Graduate Certificate
You can become a certified early college or dual credit instructor with our Teaching History graduate certificate. Local school districts continue to expand their offerings of early college and dual credit history courses. There is a growing need for qualified teachers who can meet this need.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate
This certificate is ideal for students who either already hold a completed graduate degree or are actively in the process of earning a graduate degree and wish to earn this certificate in conjunction with their degree. In addition to the enhanced professional status that the Certificate in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) brings, this Certificate will enable the holder to meet the 18-hour SACS requirement to teach at the College level.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support, and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Leigh Merrill
FacultyArt has the ability to show us what we don't expect to see – to challenge and remind u…
Chad Smith
Alum
Joseph Daun
Faculty
Student Organizations
The Clay Club
We proudly support The Clay Club, an engaging student organization dedicated to cultivating a passion for the ceramic arts on campus. The club offers a variety of enriching activities, including hands-on workshops, inspiring field trips and visits from professional guest artists. In addition, The Clay Club organizes fundraising efforts to send students to the prestigious National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference each year.
Joining the club is a great way to connect with fellow artists, expand your skills and immerse yourself in the ceramic arts community. For more information about membership and upcoming events, contact The Clay Club today!
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.75
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
Deadlines
Application and Admission consideration is only open for Fall semesters.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Art, MA” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall or 3.0 on last 60 hours.
Master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of 3.00 overall.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Describe your preparation for graduate work, your academic interests, and goals in no more than 500 words. Please mention why you are applying for the MA program.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Provide the following material;
- 20 images, clearly labeled with your name, title of piece, medium, dimensions and date completed
- Examples of sites for building a portfolio include Squarespace.com and Blogger.com
Send portfolio to the Graduate School and Laurel Jay Carpenter, Graduate Program Coordinator.
Request one signed letter of recommendation on letterhead from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Deadlines
Application and Admission consideration is only open for Fall semesters.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Art, MA” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
Describe your preparation for graduate work, your academic interests, and goals in no more than 500 words. Please mention why you are applying for the MA program.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Provide the following material;
- 20 images, clearly labeled with your name, title of piece, medium, dimensions and date completed
- Examples of sites for building a portfolio include Squarespace.com and Blogger.com
Send portfolio to the Graduate School and Laurel Jay Carpenter, Graduate Program Coordinator.
Request one signed letter of recommendation on letterhead from a professional who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old
See the Office of International Program's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Art
- 903.886.5208
- 903.886.5987
- [email protected]