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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
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
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
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"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
Studio Art M.A. | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Studio Art M.A. 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 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

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

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 Medium (3/5)Job Zone 3: Medium preparationThese careers usually call for vocational training, an associate degree or an apprenticeship. You'd also typically spend one to two years in related training.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: ~$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. 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
16% of lifetime limit

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

Connect With Us

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

Message Katherine

or email kashaw2@eiu.edu directly
Chris Kahler
Chair, Art + Design | Interim Director, Tarble Museum of Art
cbkahler@eiu.edu
2670 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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