Ph.D. in Art Education

Students pursuing a doctorate in Art Education research and develop new theories of art teaching and learning and prepare themselves to be researchers and professors of Art Education at colleges and universities. The Ph.D. is the terminal degree in art education, and the University of North Texas is the only university in the state of Texas to offer it.

The Ph.D. degree program in Art Education promotes radical inquiry, creative research, acts of transformative making, and the promotion of intersectional perspectives for just and sustainable futures. To do so, we offer various courses located at the intersection of perennial questions in art education and contemporary problems facing art educators through the following lenses.

The program is highly individualized, enabling students to explore in-depth their research areas related to the field and faculty expertise. We also encourage students to explore the broader intellectual resources available at UNT and the surrounding cultural institutions. 

Through their course of study, students work closely with faculty and advisors to design innovative and original research projects that significantly contribute to the theory and practice of art education. Our graduates further their careers by becoming higher education researchers, leaders, and educators in schools, communities, and museums.

The program offers financial support through competitive scholarships, teaching assistantships and fellowships. More information on this is available in the Ph.D. handbook and at this link. 

How to Apply for the Ph.D. in Art Education

Applications for the Ph.D. in Art Education are considered in both the fall and spring semesters, and the due dates are Feb. 1 and Oct. 1, respectively. Apply before Feb. 1 to be considered for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

Applying to a College of Visual Arts and Design program is a two-part process. An applicant must apply to UNT through the UNT Office of Admissions and the CVAD Department of Art Education, as detailed below.

Step 1: Apply to the UNT Office of Admissions

Contact the Office of the Registrar at each college and university you have attended and request that each send an official transcript of your records to the UNT Office of Admissions, 1155 Union Circle, #311277, Denton, TX 76203.

Information on TGS Doctoral degree requirements is outlined in the UNT Catalog. 

Please note that you must apply to UNT via the ApplyTexas website.

Traditional Doctoral Students can find the requirements and timelines at this link.

International Doctoral Students can find the requirements and timelines online. International students must also send proof of English language proficiency on the UNT International Admissions website for English Language Requirements.  

If you have any questions about admissions policies or processes, please email the UNT Admissions Office at GoGrad@unt.edu or call 940-565-2383.

If you have general questions about registering for classes, applying for financial aid, checking financial aid status, ordering transcripts, etc., please visit the UNT Division of Enrollment's One Stop website for the Scrappy Says web page.

Step 2: Apply to the CVAD Department of Art Education

Art Education Department Requirements

• Letter/statement of intent. This should explain your professional objectives and how they will be furthered by graduate study in our program. In this statement, if possible, refer to specific faculty members with whom you will want to work.
• Sample of writing. A recent research paper is best. If you do not have a research paper in art, you may submit a research paper from a course in another field, a piece of professional writing, or write a completely new paper. Faculty should be able to gauge your interests, writing skills, research skills, and/or potential for advanced work in the field through this sample. There are no minimum or maximum length requirements. 
• Supplemental sample of work: 15-20 slides, a CD, links, or other manifestations of recent artwork, ten of which should be in your major concentration OR a second writing sample.
• Professional resume. This should list all relevant work experience, affiliations, etc.
• Three letters of recommendation. This should be on the recommender’s university or company letterhead. There is no specific recommendation form required.

Send all the required items as hard copies or via email with attachments to the CVAD Department of Art Education.

Department of Art Education
College of Visual Arts and Design
1155 Union Circle #305100
Denton, TX 76203

cvad.ArtEducation@unt.edu
940-369-7559

*Please note that we do NOT require GRE scores for admission into our Ph.D. program. 

Dept. of Art Education Priority Application deadlines (to be considered for funding): 

Fall admission: Feb. 15. Admission will depend on available space after this deadline.
Spring admission: Sept. 15. Admission will depend on available space after this deadline. 
Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Still have questions? Contact cvad.ArtEducation@unt.edu. 

Schedule of Classes

Please see the Graduate Catalog for a comprehensive list of Art Education courses.  

Ph.D. in Art Education Marketable Skills

1. Academic writing
2. Analysis of primary and secondary sources
3. Qualitative and quantitative research methods
4. Origination of innovative educational theories
5. Multicultural/diversity competencies. 

Ph.D. Program Handbook

The Ph.D. Program Handbook summarizes the doctoral Art Education program. We intend for you to use the procedures outlined here to plan and fulfill all requirements for a doctoral degree in art education.

In addition to the Ph.D. Art Education Program Handbook, you are subject to all the policies and procedures outlined in the UNT Graduate Catalog. Visit the UNT Catalog, select the Graduate Catalog for the correct year, and carefully read all the policies and procedures.

Note: The Art Education faculty is always willing to assist you with planning and completing your coursework and degree requirements. However, you, the student, are responsible for meeting all CVAD and UNT Toulouse Graduate School requirements for the Ph.D. in Art Education.  

Contact

Department of Art Education: 940-369-7559 | cvad.ArtEducation@unt.edu | Art Building, Room 230 | Department Directory