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Eastern Illinois University

Community Arts

The Master of Arts in Art, Community Arts Option, prepares artists, educators, and community professionals to teach and engage diverse audiences through art in a variety of settings. Designed for working professionals, the flexible program can be completed part-time in approximately two years through a combination of online coursework and summer studio courses on campus; this option does not lead to licensure.

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Community Arts

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
Fully Online
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
31 Total, 31 in Major
Careers
Postsecondary, Drama,, Teachers
Community Arts students at EIU

Why Study Community Arts at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Community Arts | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Community Arts at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Community Arts students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Master of Arts in Art, Community Arts Option provides individuals interested in community arts education with professional development for the teaching of art in multiple settings. The option is a fit for artists, community workers, education text authors, museum educators, arts center educators, elementary teachers, special needs teachers and other professionals. It does not lead to licensure.

View in Catalog
$72,090
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…
  • Middle School Teachers
  • Secondary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)Job Zone 5: Extensive preparationMost of these careers require graduate school, and many also call for more than five years of experience.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit SocialSocial interest typeYou like helping people. This work centers on supporting others by helping, teaching, advising or serving them.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

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: ~$14,229 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 14% 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 $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

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. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
14% of lifetime limit

$14,229 total, just 14% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Brad Olson
Associate Professor, Art Education, Graduate Coordinator MA in Art ED
bmolson@eiu.edu
2668 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-3410
Brad Olson Message Brad

Message Brad

or email bmolson@eiu.edu directly
Chris Kahler
Chair, Art + Design | Interim Director, Tarble Museum of Art
cbkahler@eiu.edu
2909
217-581-3410
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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