Master of Arts in Art and Design

Program Snapshot
Salary and Careers
Program Benefits

The Master of Arts in Art and Design degree explores the intersection of design and technology. In this program, you will explore innovative techniques and technologies that are essential to designing for digital animation, curatorial research — and even the classroom. With an emphasis on workforce development and technology, you’ll gain the knowledge and technological skills you need to advance or further your career.

KSU’s interdisciplinary Art and Design degree offers you the flexibility you need to explore graduate studies in art and design and engage in rigorous examination of creativity and professional practice — all while keeping your day job. Apply today to accelerate your career and advance your expertise from one of the three focused concentrations:

Digital Animation — 100% Online
Art Education — 100% Online
Museum Studies — 100% Online

Digital Animation Concentration

The Digital Animation concentration teaches you the skills and tools needed to solve advanced problems in digital media, including frame-to-frame animation, rigged animation, storyboarding and visual development for film and game media. The program also challenges you to conduct professional-level research and communicate your ideas and concepts to a professional audience. Upon completing the digital animation degree concentration, you will be prepared to pursue or further your career in digital animation.

Art Education Concentration

The Master of Arts in Art and Design with a concentration in Art Education is designed for teachers who are currently teaching (nationally and internationally) and have licensure, as well as for individuals who are interested in careers within the field of art education that do not require teaching licensure. The concentration focuses on theory-informed practice and the development of student-centered, innovative teaching and learning skills. You will develop methods that facilitate opportunities for students of a broad range of ages and abilities to think critically and solve problems creatively. This concentration in Art Education aligns with The National Visual Arts Standards, and SACS and NASAD requirements for accreditation. Teachers in Georgia who complete this degree will be eligible for an infield upgrade per the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Museum Studies Concentration

The Museum Studies concentration emphasizes the diversity and function of museums and their impact on research — and the importance of protecting and conserving cultural, historical and artistic heritage. You will gain familiarity with communicating topics and issues in the world of museums, the arts market, libraries, archives and nonprofits. With this concentration, you will gain first-hand experience with KSU’s on-campus museum: The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art.

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KSU art and design students in the classroom

Program Snapshot

Program Format: Online

Number of Credit Hours: 30 Total Hours

Entry Term: Fall

Time to Complete: One-year Program

Application Deadlines:

Priority, February 1^st
Final, June 1^st

Curriculum Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

Online Graduate Application - There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.

Transcripts - Official transcripts from EACH College and/or University you have attended. Must be in a sealed envelope from the institution or sent electronically from the institution directly to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu.
Grade Point Average (GPA) - Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in any related field including but not limited to: art, design, animation, education, history, art history, classical studies, archeology, or anthropology. Applicants with relevant experience are welcome to apply.
Letter of Application (Upload into the online application) - Should be in the form of a narrative which describes your education, relevant experience, and/or professional background, your future goals, and how admission into the MA in Art and Design program at Kennesaw State University will help you accomplish these goals. The letter should be specific to the program and should be 2-4 double-spaced pages in length.

Art and/or Writing Sample, relevant to concentration (Upload into the online application).
- Digital Animation: A demo reel of animation or related work (illustration, sequential art, etc.) between thirty and sixty seconds in length. The content of the demo reel can be related to any undergraduate (or graduate-level) academic coursework and/or any professional work.
- Art Education: 5-10 pieces of art (any medium or modality) and a 1-2 page teaching philosophy.
- Museum Studies: A 5-10 page writing sample. This may take the form of a class research paper, capstone, or thesis, or publication.
Resume /CV
Letters of Recommendation (OPTIONAL) concerning your academic and/or professional preparation for the MA in Art and Design program at KSU.
Additional concentration-specific materials (OPTIONAL) – (i.e. digital media items, samples of artwork, additional writing samples).

Apply Now

Art and Design Degree Benefits at Kennesaw State

Top 20

Schools in the U.S. that students want to attend reported by U.S. News and World Report
7,100+

Companies recruited students and alumni from KSU in 2020

Realistic Class Schedules — The 100% online Art and Design degree offers flexibility and convenience. You can complete your master's in only one year, without taking time away from work.
Distinctive Concentrations — KSU’s Art and Design degree offers three distinctive concentrations for advanced studies -- digital animation, art education, and museum studies-- thus allowing you to tailor your degree to your creative and career interests.
First Online Art Education Study Option in Georgia that Focuses on Studio Practice — The Online format of the Art Education concentration allows you to graduate with the knowledge and expertise needed to support p-12 students and colleagues in STEAM applications and media pathways.
NO GRE Required — Admissions criteria do not include GRE.