Make, Teach, Research
An M.Ed in Art Education is a place where making, teaching, and research are equally valued and intertwined. Like an ecosystem, each of these practices informs the others.
Cultivate Transformative Arts Practices
An M.Ed in Art Education is for creative people who want to become certified art teachers, or certified art teachers who want to enrich their making/teaching/research practices. This includes people with advanced degrees such as MFAs, artists, and teaching artists who desire pedagogical skill development.
Tyler’s M.Ed in Art Education empowers current and aspiring educators to deepen their artistic practice, expand their teaching strategies, and earn certification in a program that bridges studio, research, and community engagement. With access to the resources of a world-class art and architecture school and a major research university, students gain hands-on experience in Philadelphia’s vibrant schools, museums, and art spaces. Tyler’s faculty are committed to urban art education and the power of collaborating with communities, and prepare graduates to teach, lead, and make a lasting impact through the arts.
The M.Ed in Art Education at Tyler is...
Leadership enhancing
You will build your leadership skills where the arts, education and community intersect.
Relationship-oriented
You will engage in transformative arts practices in which students and faculty collaborate within and beyond formal educational institutions.
Experimental
You will have the freedom to explore new ideas and create new knowledge.
Liberatory
By embracing multiple abilities and backgrounds, you will shape arts-based democratic experiences to increase capacities for self-determination and civic justice.
Get Answers and Help
The Tyler School of Art and Architecture features its own admissions team, who can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your educational and career goals.
Explore Degrees
Master of Education in Art Education
The Master of Education (MEd) with a Major in Art Education at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture is a NASAD-accredited program with an option for students to pursue Pennsylvania certification in art, grades Kindergarten through 12. The program offers a pathway for K-12 teachers who want to hone a specialization in art or anyone who wants to add art teaching credentials.
Careers
Our graduates understand that access to the arts is vital for all, and they leave our program equipped to advocate for and deliver meaningful arts programing in classrooms, institutions, and community settings.
Our students are artists and teachers, working in classrooms or as teaching artists, museum educators, curriculum and program developers, policy makers, principals, arts administrators, educational researchers, and business owners. They work in various formal and informal contexts both for profit and not-for-profit.
Studio Space and Facilities
As an M.Ed student, you will have access to all studio courses and facilities at Tyler.
Our departmental suite is a community hub where students from art therapy and art education convene, exhibit artwork, research, and host events and experimental workshops.
Areas of Inquiry
Our award-winning faculty are here to challenge, mentor, and push you toward your full potential and encourage a wide spectrum of student inquiry including:
- Equity centered, trauma informed teaching
- Spiritual practices in art education
- Art education and environmental sustainability
- Museum programming for children with autism
- Integrating games into the art classroom
- Creative rebirth during Covid
- Race and gender competence in art education
- Technology and art education
Faculty
Our award-winning faculty are internationally recognized artists and educators who bring their expertise, diverse research interests, and professional experience into the classroom. They’re here to challenge, mentor, and push you toward your full potential.
They encourage a wide spectrum of student inquiry including:
• Equity centered, trauma informed teaching
• Spiritual practices in art education
• Art education and environmental sustainability
• Museum programming for children with autism
• Integrating games into the art classroom
• Creative rebirth during Covid
• Race and gender competence in art education
• Technology and art education
Alumni Spotlight
Ali Rufrano-Ruffner
M.Ed ’22
Ali Rufrano-Ruffner works as a teaching artist at the Brooklyn Museum and as an artist member at Vox Populi. They hold an M.Ed in Art Education from Tyler, a BFA in Sculpture and a BA in Gender Studies with a concentration in Violence Prevention from University of Delaware.
As part of their art practice, Ali creates sculptures and art installations with the goal of creating equitable public art. In their work, Rufrano-Ruffner seeks to manifest what they call “radically imagined worlds” that embody a culture of empathy and care. Two notable projects include The Climate Justice in Lenapehoking mural and Otherworld, an immersive sculpture experience was recognized by USA Today’s as one of the ‘10 Best New Attractions’ in 2023.
Alumni and Student Voices
“The most profound impact on me came from the relationships I built with my professors and peers. Through their support, I gained the confidence to own my story and art practice. I feel I have formed genuine friendships and a network of support that will last a lifetime. Everyone I encountered was truly brilliant and continues to inspire me.”
Dominique Samarco
M.Ed in Art Education ’24
“The most inspiring or unexpected part of my time at Tyler - the people! I never expected to be a part of such a community, and the further into the program I went the deeper those relationships became... I have always felt like the Art Education and Community Arts Practices department is the backbone of Tyler. We get the opportunity to have such a multi-disciplinary experience, which we then get the privilege of moving forward in the world with, sharing our passion for the arts, inspiring minds, and embracing our passion for humanity.”
James Hegarty
M.Ed in Art Education ’24
“At Tyler, I gained a life-long community of artists and educators. The facilities are top-notch, but more importantly I learned from professors that truly cared about students and challenged us. To this day I feel I can reach out to them for support.”
Charlene (Melhorn) Caposecco
M. Ed in Art Education with Certificate in Community Arts Practices ’12
Student Work
As artists, educators, researchers, M. Ed candidates engage in art practices in and out of the studio. Their making, teaching, and research are integral components of their practice.
God’s Country by Keara Saunders
M.Ed '25 Student
Kindered by Jules Davis
M.Ed '23 Student
Alyssa Herman
M.Ed ’26 Student
Experiments by Marci Green
M.Ed ‘25 Student