1. School of Art and Design
  2. Graduate Programs
  3. Ph.D. in Visual Arts Education

Ph.D. in Visual Arts Education

Hone your skills as a researcher and theorist.

With a doctorate in visual arts education, you'll be prepared to thrive as a teacher or scholar at a college or university. You'll also be ready for leadership positions in a variety of art education settings.

Our program will enable you to conduct research on teaching and learning in fine arts and other forms of visual culture. You'll have opportunities to contribute substantial knowledge and exhibit original scholarship, while balancing graduate study with your career. Many students in this flexible program continue to work as full-time teachers during their course of study.


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How Can Earning a Ph.D. in Visual Arts Education Advance My Career?

You'll have access to resources at NIU that support study and research in visual arts education. These include extensive library facilities and the NIU Art Museum. Due to our close proximity to Chicago, you can also make use of major museums and other resources in the area.

You'll have many chances to interact with the extended art education community and build your professional network. For example, we offer a scholar/speaker series that brings national and international leaders in the field to campus.

At a Glance


45 credit hours


In person


Full or part time


Start in the fall or spring semester

How to Apply

Our program emphasizes research, theory and applications of new knowledge in art and visual culture. Applicants are expected to have met the requirements for a master’s degree in art education (or equivalent). Join us to build on your art background and thrive in the field of art education.

You’ll apply through the Graduate School.

Application Deadlines

Fall admission:

  • March 1 priority deadline to be considered for admission with funding
  • July 1 final deadline for admission (May 1 for international students)

Spring admission:

  • November 1 final deadline for admission (October 1 for international students)

Application Materials

Step 1: Contact the Ph.D. Advisor in Visual Arts Education

To learn more about the program, contact our Ph.D. advisor in visual arts education, Kerry Freedman, Ph.D., at kfreedman@niu.edu.

Step 2: Apply via the Graduate School

Your application will include:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official college transcripts
  • Candidate statement of professional goals
  • Writing sample
  • CV/resume

Step 3: Apply for Assistantship (Optional)

If you wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship, please fill out the School of Art and Design graduate assistantship questionnaire. In addition, please complete the application for a graduate assistantship (PDF).

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Costs and Funding

Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.

Assistantships

You can apply for scholarships, travel funding, tuition waivers and assistantships. A teaching assistantship will give you experience working with undergraduates. A research assistantship will give you a wide range of experience, from managerial work in a higher education program to assisting with a faculty research project.

You can apply for an assistantship by filling out a form when you apply to the program.

Curriculum and Requirements

At 45 credits, it will take approximately three to four years to complete your degree. A dissertation is also required.

View Program Requirements

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Research

You'll have many opportunities to conduct and present your research. Our art and design faculty members will mentor you along the way. They are known around the world for their excellence in scholarship, as well as teaching and service. They will also guide your learning in areas such as conference planning, editorial experience and program planning.

You'll have opportunities to build your network by attending and presenting at conferences. Some of the conferences our students have been involved with include:

Faculty

You'll work closely with our accomplished faculty members. They have published widely and received major awards and grants.

Douglas Boughton, professor of art education
Area of focus: assessment and curriculum

Kerry Freedman, professor of art education
Area of focus: visual culture and curriculum

Kelly Gross, assistant professor of art education
Area of focus: disability studies and technology

Kryssi Staikidis, professor of art education
Area of focus: multiculturalism

Shei-Chau Wang, professor of art education
Area of focus: studio pedagogy/cross-cultural curriculum

More About Our Faculty

Contact Us

Ann Van Dijk
Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator
artgradcoordinator@niu.edu

School of Art and Design
Jack Arends Hall, room 216
815-753-1473