In response to a growing demand for advanced art education degrees offered remotely, the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia has transitioned the Master of Art Education program online beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year in partnership with the UGA Office of Online Learning.

The Master of Art Education program at UGA — led by research faculty at Georgia’s flagship university who are actively contributing to scholarship in the field — explores the intersections of art curriculum, contemporary art, disability studies, culturally responsive practices, and digital technology. This program comprises one of only a handful of degree offerings approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for securing a salary increase for current PK-12 teachers.

“The value and reputation of UGA’s art education program is evidenced by the willingness of in-service teachers to travel significant distances to participate in graduate study at the Lamar Dodd School of Art in years past,” said Christina Hanawalt, associate professor of art. “While their commitment is impressive, we realize that there are many teachers who are unable to overcome the obstacles associated with travel, time, and personal responsibilities. We have also heard from many art teachers in attendance at our state conference about their preference for an online Master of Art Education to be offered through the University of Georgia.”

In Georgia alone, more than one thousand art teachers hold master’s degrees and approximately one hundred hold doctoral degrees, corresponding to a growing trend of art educators seeking to earn advanced degrees and higher pay.

UGA’s new Online Master of Art Education offers an asynchronous program, with the option to attend a one-week, studio-focused residency in the summer on the university’s campus in Athens, Georgia. The flexible nature of this degree affords full-time working professionals and educators outside of the region the opportunity to join a cohort seeking to enhance their career through a degree in art education from one of the largest, most highly ranked university art programs in the nation.

“The program opened my eyes to the depth of art education, including theoretical foundations, new teaching methodologies, and the potential to impact students’ lives beyond the classroom,” said alumna Amber Waters Pitt, PhD ’24, MAEd ’17. “It provides opportunities to grow as an art educator, explore new perspectives, and connect with a diverse group of peers who become lifelong friends and collaborators.”

Accepting international applications through April 15 and domestic applications through July 1, the Online Master of Art Education at UGA appeals to educators pursuing a Level 5 Teaching Certificate in Art in the state of Georgia, as well as professionals wishing to work in contexts that do not require certification, such as museums and community centers.

“We are excited to be expanding our rigorous and contemporary graduate offerings to reach more art educators within and outside Georgia in support of their professional ambitions,” said Joseph Peragine, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art.

Learn more at the program’s official website through the UGA Office of Online Learning.