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Studio Art M.A.

Move your studio practice from promising work to a focused, mature body of art. EIU's Studio Art M.A. provides a private studio, 24/7 facility access, cross-disciplinary exploration and sustained mentorship from practicing artists, art historians and a dedicated Master's Committee.

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Studio Art M.A.

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Credit Hours
32 Total, 32 in Major
Careers
Drama,, Postsecondary, Teachers, Artists

Why Study Studio Art M.A. at EIU?

  • Private graduate studio and 24/7 access to Art + Design facilities
  • Individualized course of study with guidance from faculty mentors and a dedicated Master's Committee
  • Work across ceramics, drawing, design, metalsmithing, painting, printmaking and sculpture
  • Develop a mature body of work and stronger portfolio for professional practice or competitive M.F.A. programs
  • Apply for assistantships that may include a tuition waiver, stipend and professional arts experience
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Create and install a graduate exhibition presenting a focused body of work
  • Participate in sustained individual and group critiques with faculty, peers and visiting artists
  • Work independently in a private studio and use specialized facilities around the clock
  • Engage with visiting artists, curators, exhibitions and collections through the Tarble Museum of Art and department programming
  • Gain experience through competitive teaching, design, museum or other arts-related assistantships
Hands-On Experience, Studio Art M.A. students at EIU

What You'll Learn

EIU's Studio Art M.A. is designed for artists who want concentrated time, space and faculty guidance to advance their work, strengthen their portfolio and prepare for professional practice or a terminal-degree program. Graduate study centers on an individual investigation of your artistic practice. You may work deeply within one discipline or cross boundaries among ceramics, drawing, design, metalsmithing, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

View in Catalog
$58,301
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Craft Artists
  • Fine Artists, Including Painters,…
  • Photographers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Medium (3/5)
Personality Fit Social

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,160 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 16% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
16% of lifetime limit

$16,160 total, just 16% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Katherine A. Shaw
Professor - Fashion Merchandising & Graduate Coordinator - MA in Studio Art
kashaw2@eiu.edu
2812 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6410
Dr. Katherine A. Shaw Message Dr. Shaw

Message Dr. Shaw

or email kashaw2@eiu.edu directly
Chris Kahler
Chair, Art + Design | Interim Director, Tarble Museum of Art
cbkahler@eiu.edu
2909 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-000-0000
Chris Kahler Message Chris

Message Chris

or email cbkahler@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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