Fine Arts Emphasis

Master of Science in Education (Post Certification)

For information on initial certification, visit the program description for Secondary Education.

College of Education and Professional Studies
College of Arts and Sciences

Who Should Enroll

• Certified teachers of fine arts in elementary, middle and secondary schools

Key Features Affordable, quality graduate education that builds on a teacher's knowledge of fine arts Course offerings are varied in topics, format and timing in order to suit the needs and schedules of middle and secondary education teachers Unique opportunity to work and learn with k-12 fine arts teachers in other areas Up-to-date studio facilities, including a music technology lab, well-equipped art studios, a dance theatre space, and main stage and black box theatres with contemporary lighting and set technology Courses are challenging, taught by faculty who have expertise in their fields, and who are committed to teaching Small class sizes offer personal attention and the summer schedule is designed for busy teachers Courses are practical, recognizing the challenges that today's teachers face in their classrooms, and intellectually stimulating, providing fresh insights and creative approaches May complete degree in three years or take courses for professional development

"Russian Nesting Dolls Reveal the Artist Within" Newsletter Article PDF

Program Curriculum

Interdisciplinary Fine Arts courses, 9 credits:
ART 760 Creativity: Theory & Practice, 3 credits
ART 770 Arts Education in a Changing Environment, 3 credits
ART 780 Arts in Society, 3 credits

Content Areas, 9-12 credits:
Select courses from the disciplines of art, music, theatre and dance in consultation with adviser. Examples of courses include:
Art: glass, ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, art therapy, special topics
Music: music and computer applications, national standards and the curriculum, world music, conducting, history of jazz
Theatre: arts management, performance, design and technology

Professional Education, 6 credits:
TED 760 Methods of Research, 3 credits
plus choose one of the following:
TED 740 Historical/Philosophical/Multicultural Foundations of American Education, 4 credits
TED 750 Advanced Educational Psychology, 3 credits
TED 755 Social Issues in Education, 3 credits

Independent Study: Thesis Project Research, 3 credits
Select from:
ART 798 Independent Research, 1-3 credits
MUS 798 Independent Research, 1-3 credits
CSTA 798 Independent Research, 1-3 credits

The program is on a three-year summer cycle with a recommended load of nine credits per summer. One-credit application units are also available: research conducted during the school year under the guidance of faculty members.

Completion of a certification portfolio as specified by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (external site).

Admission Requirements

• Completed application for graduate study at UWRF with application processing fee .
• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended as an undergraduate student, sent directly to Graduate Studies from the institution
• An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (on a four-point scale) or an average of at least 2.90 based on the last 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) of the undergraduate program
• Teacher certification

For More Information

For specific questions about the MSE - Fine Arts program contact:

Graduate Studies Office
410 S. Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022
(715) 425-3375 or (715) 425-3266
msefa@uwrf.edu

For specific information on arts courses, contact the department or instructor:

Art Department
(715) 425-3266
www.uwrf.edu/art

Music Department
(715) 425-3183
www.uwrf.edu/music

Communication Studies/Theatre Arts
(715) 425-3971
www.uwrf.edu/scta

Dance Department
(715) 425-3705 or (715) 425-3131

Please contact your adviser for information regarding Wisconsin DPI portfolio requirements.