Achieve Your Goals 
Eastern graduate Frankie Flood
Master of Arts in Art
The Department of Art and Design offers a Master of Arts in Art program that is successful in giving students time to mature in the development of their artwork, providing valuable work experience in the visual arts through graduate assistantships, and assisting in the development of portfolios.
Work closely with faculty mentors and create a mature body of artwork that will propel you into additional studies or professional practice.
Our graduates are routinely accepted to leading MFA programs around the country. The quality of our students' artwork rivals that of students completing terminal degree programs. For more information or if you have questions, please email the graduate coordinator, Ann Coddington.
The Master of Arts in Studio Art application is a two-step process:
Deadline for fall is MARCH 1st, 2022. Ongoing review of applicants until all openings are filled.
- Apply to the graduate school through the myEIU portal.
https://www.eiu.edu/myeiu/signup.php - After a day or two, you will receive an email that gives you access to the
departmental application which includes: - Basic background information
- Information for your three references
- A goal statement (approximately 300 words)
- Twenty images of studio artwork
- Graduate assistantship information
Graduate Assistantship Information
If you have any questions about assistantships, please contact Ann Coddington, Graduate Coordinator, at abcoddington@eiu.edu or Chris Kahler, Department Chair, at cbkahler@eiu.edu.
If you are interested in obtaining an assistantship from the list below, please complete the relevant section in your Department of Art + Design application, indicating your preferences. All assistantships are typically awarded between February and April preceding the fall of attendance. All assistantships involve virtual interviews as well as review of your materials you submitted for admittance. Some also require a resume.
In the Department of Art + Design we have a variety of assistantships available that you can apply for. These come with a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend on a nine-month contract. Assistantships are subject to change year to year, but often include:
Five teaching assistantships: These involve teaching a section of the general education course Introduction to Art. This is a good fit for students with teaching experience, or those who might like to pursue a career in teaching.
Up to Four graphic design assistantships: Assistantships in design are typically awarded to students who have significant design experience and broad software knowledge. These assistantships are available through a variety of units around campus and can include: the CLAS Dean’s Office, Office of Housing and Dining, Continuing Education Office, and the Health Education Resource Center.
One Tarble Center for the Arts assistantship: This assistantship is available at the Tarble Art Center and involves a variety of museum practices including preparatory and installation duties, curatorial assistance, building of display components, archiving, and design.
Click here for the Online MA in Art Education option.
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