PhD in Art with Emphasis in Art Education
The Art Education program at the Lamar Dodd School of Art is grounded in critical, experiential, and interdisciplinary inquiry. Faculty and students benefit from close proximity to the Georgia Museum of Art, partnerships with schools and community organizations in diverse settings, and the expertise of renowned studio and art history faculty within the School. As a community of art educators, we explore the intersections of contemporary art, histories of art education, visual culture, service-learning, social justice, and digital technology. Graduates are encouraged to be innovators who challenge the status quo through locally and globally transformative practices.
Overview
A Doctor of Philosophy in Art degree with an emphasis in Art Education is the highest degree offered by the area of Art Education. The culmination of the degree is the acceptance of a doctoral dissertation that demonstrates that the student is capable of doing independent and original research that contributes to the body of knowledge in the field.
Candidates for the degree will demonstrate competence in academic writing, research methodologies and contemporary theories and practices in art education and related disciplines. The specific sequence of courses for each candidate will depend on his or her area of interest and previous coursework. The PhD offers eligibility for an upgraded T-7 Georgia teaching certification for those working in PK-12 schools.
Graduate Studies Information Session
Learn more about our graduate programs in Art Education by attending a virtual information session with our graduate studies faculty and staff. Please note—Registration is required to attend this virtual session.
October 23 at 7:00pm EST – register here
Faculty Contact
Dr. Mira Kallio-Tavin, Graduate Coordinator for Art Education, Mira.KallioTavin@uga.edu
This program requires:
An intense level of commitment and is best suited for those who have professional aspirations that require a PhD (Higher Education, Administration, etc.).
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Minimum Requirements
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework (often more) plus completion of the dissertation.
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- Minimum 12 hours of Art Education
- Minimum 9 hours of Research
- Minimum 8 hours of Electives
- After completing coursework, students must register for dissertation research hours 2 out of the 3 semesters each year until the degree is completed.
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In-Person Studies
Coursework that is primarily in-person, as the program is residential.
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Exams & Checkpoints
The following Exams and Checkpoints: Qualifying Exam, Written Comprehensive Exam and Oral Defense, Prospectus, Written Dissertation and Oral Defense
Two Options to Pursue the PhD in Art with an emphasis in Art Education
Full-Time Study
Full-time study that is funded by a Graduate Assistantship, which covers all tuition and offers a monthly stipend (August through May). Graduate assistants typically serve as graders or instructors for courses in the School of Art. Students should anticipate a minimum of four years to complete the degree, with assistantship funding available for three of those years. We are able to offer a limited number of assistantships to highly qualified applicants each year.
Part-Time Study
With this option, it is possible for students to maintain full-time employment elsewhere and take one or two courses each semester through the completion of the degree. All courses are offered in the evenings or during the summer, with some online options. This option requires students to perform all of their commitments to the PhD on top of their regular work and personal commitments. Students should anticipate a minimum of five years (often more) to complete the degree as a part-time student.
Certificates that can be pursued in connection with the PhD Degree
Resources and Links
Tuition Rates
Select "Tuition & Fees", then select "Academic Year", then refer to the "Graduate Tuition Standard Rate for Master & PhD Candidates".
Find RatesGraduate Studies at the Lamar Dodd School of Art
Guidelines and due dates for graduate projects can be found on the University of Georgia Graduate School website.
For more information about graduate programs at the Lamar Dodd School of Art, contact our Graduate Office.
PhD candidate in Art Education Kira Hegeman completing field work.
Last updated: October 2, 2025