EIU Master of Arts in Art

All students can apply to the graduate school through MyEIU. The graduate school requires:

1. A complete online application
2. A copy of your official transcripts
3. A $30 application fee

Learn more about the Graduate School admissions process.

You will return to your MyEIU account to apply to the Studio Art program. The application will require that you provide:

• Names and email addresses from three references who are familiar with your academic work and potential for graduate studies.
• A 300-word (maximum) statement that includes a brief artist statement regarding your goals in a graduate program. Outline your strengths and weaknesses. What beneficial qualities will you bring to the Department of Art’s graduate program at Eastern Illinois University? How do you see this program advancing your professional goals? Discuss the direction, focus and aesthetics of your artwork at the present time.
• A portfolio of twenty (20) images of works completed within the past four years. You may include different views or details of individual pieces. You are encouraged to show at least 15 different works. Artists should consider consistency in the body of work submitted for review. The images should be compiled into one document that is then converted to a pdf and uploaded.

If you are interested in a graduate assistantship, you also need to submit a graduate assistantship application.

Graduate assistantships are typically awarded in accordance with the academic year. For more information about graduate assistantships, please click here.

If you have any questions about assistantships, please contact Contact graduate coordinator Katie Shaw with questions , 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.