Master of Arts in Art and Design

The Master of Arts in Art and Design degree explores the intersection of design and technology. In this program, you will explore innovative techniques and technologies that are essential to designing for digital animation, curatorial research — and even the classroom. With an emphasis on workforce development and technology, you’ll gain the knowledge and technological skills you need to advance or further your career. 

KSU’s interdisciplinary Art and Design degree offers you the flexibility you need to explore graduate studies in art and design and engage in rigorous examination of creativity and professional practice — all while keeping your day job. Apply today to accelerate your career and advance your expertise from one of the three focused concentrations:

• Digital Animation — 100% Online
• Art Education — 100% Online
• Museum Studies — 100% Online

Digital Animation Concentration

The Digital Animation concentration teaches you the skills and tools needed to solve advanced problems in digital media, including frame-to-frame animation, rigged animation, storyboarding and visual development for film and game media. The program also challenges you to conduct professional-level research and communicate your ideas and concepts to a professional audience. Upon completing the digital animation degree concentration, you will be prepared to pursue or further your career in digital animation.

Art Education Concentration

The Master of Arts in Art and Design with a concentration in Art Education is designed for licensed teachers currently teaching nationally or internationally, as well as for individuals pursuing careers in art education that do not require teaching licensure. This concentration emphasizes theory-informed practice and the development of student-centered, innovative teaching strategies, enabling learners of all ages and abilities to think critically and solve problems creatively. It aligns with the National Visual Arts Standards and meets SACS and NASAD accreditation requirements. Teachers in Georgia who complete this degree are eligible for an in-field upgrade through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Completion of this program does not guarantee eligibility for teacher licensure in other U.S. states or countries; students are responsible for verifying requirements with the appropriate licensing authorities.

Museum Studies Concentration

The Museum Studies concentration emphasizes the diversity and function of museums and their impact on research — and the importance of protecting and conserving cultural, historical and artistic heritage. You will gain familiarity with communicating topics and issues in the world of museums, the arts market, libraries, archives and nonprofits. With this concentration, you will gain first-hand experience with KSU’s on-campus museum: The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in art, design, animation, education, history, art history, classical studies, archeology, or anthropology 
• Letter of Application (Upload into the online application.) - Should be in the form of a narrative which describes your education, relevant experience, and/or professional background, your future goals, a brief description of the topic you may explore in a thesis or project capstone, and how admission into the MA in Art and Design program at Kennesaw State University will help you accomplish these goals. The letter should be specific to the program and should be 2 double-spaced pages in length.
• Art and/or writing sample relevant to the concentration 
  • Digital Animation: A demo reel of animation or related work 
  • Art Education: 5 pieces of art and a page teaching philosophy 
  • Museum Studies: Writing sample 
• Two letters of recommendation (Optional) 
• Resume or professional vitae  

Transfer Credit

No transfer credits from outside institutions are permitted for this program.

Graduate College Admission Requirements:

1. Completed online Graduate Application
2. $60 non-refundable application processing fee*
3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. If the institution is outside the U.S., an international credential evaluation will be required. Applicants must not send international transcripts directly to Kennesaw State University.
4. Bachelor's degree from a Regionally Accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75
5. Additional requirements by program.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges