Take Your Career to the Next Level with a M.A. in Art

If you want one of the best all-around values in a graduate art program in the Chicago area, look no further.  Governors State’s M.A. in Art degree prepares you to take the next step in becoming a practicing artist or to have a career in the art world as a critic, curator or professional educator.  However, regardless of the direction your career path takes, you will be taught by gifted, practicing artists who can help you to achieve your professional goals.

As part of the College of Arts and Sciences, our quality art programs are housed in the Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Division and include the permanent GSU Visual Arts Gallery.  The CVPA is committed to creating an intellectually stimulating, and visually compelling experience for the entire region through exhibits of established and emerging artist as well as our own students’ work.

GSU’s exceptional art program emphasizes intellectual curiosity, self-discipline, and technical proficiency.  Students who are accepted into the master’s program will select either an art history or studio option with approval from their advisor.  Courses include painting, printmaking, photography, digital imaging, sculpture and ceramics.  A student has the opportunity to develop into an artist in command of the medium and capable of expressing an individual view.  Our extensive art history courses range from contemporary international and regional artistic expressions to those of ancient America, Africa and Asia.

To be admitted into the art program, students must meet all university criteria and have an undergraduate degree from one of the humanities.  Prospective students need to submit a proposal that outlines academic goals with supporting rationale and a plan of study.  The proposal must be approved beforehand by a program advisor.  For the complete degree requirements, please see our website. 

In every college we have outstanding programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At GSU you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

An Overview of GSU’s College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is comprised of the following four divisions:  The Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences; Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts; Division of Computing Mathematics and Technology and the Division of Humanities and Social Science. Our broad course offerings include 20 undergraduate programs, 17 minors and 10 graduate programs.   Furthermore, we have 8 certificate programs available for undergraduate and/or graduate students. 

In terms of accreditation, GSU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is also a member of the Illinois Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs.  In addition many of the programs in the CAS have received specific accreditation.  

As an example the American Chemical Society has approved our Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree program. The American Chemical Society approves professional programs that meet the guidelines defined as high quality undergraduate education.  Another example includes our Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with Teacher Education Concentration.  The degree program has received national recognition with no conditions through the Illinois State Board of Education, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  Please see our website for further information regarding specific accreditation at the CAS.  

In terms of our professors, eighty-five percent of the faculty at GSU holds a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their discipline.  You will discover that the faculty and staff mirror the diversity of our student body and share similar experiences and backgrounds. Each of them is dedicated to their students’ success and brings a wealth of world-class research, exhibition and service to the GSU experience.

From art to criminal justice and communications to mathematics and science, the CAS offers a broad range of programs.  Also most of our classes have fewer than 30 students so you will receive personalized attention.  Visit our website to learn more about the exceptional programs at the CAS.   

Did you know that Governors State University offers several off campus learning opportunities including the Naperville Learning Center? These locations offer added convenience to students in all areas of Chicagoland.   We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.