Within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, there are eleven graduate degrees (including two licensures and two certificates) to choose from within four schools and programs. Visit each link below for a more in-depth look at each individual program.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
This program is a pre-service graduate degree for students that already have an undergraduate degree in a related field. At the culmination of completing coursework and a semester of student teaching, students satisfy Commonwealth of Virginia requirements to attain licensure in PreK-12 Art. The 30-credit degree program includes studio components, site observations at surrounding public schools, contemporary theory and curriculum design.
MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, Concentration in Graphic Design
This program is a terminal degree that offers creative students a broad study of design as well as the development of skills for teaching at the university level. The 60-credit program includes courses in typography, web and motion design, user experience, and branding. Coursework in theoretical and historical design will supplement the studio experience. The broad range of study is intended to develop design educators and professionals, preparing them for the ever-evolving field of design.
MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, Concentration in Visual Art
This program is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in technology or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level. Students select an emphasis in one of the following: New Media, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking and Book Arts, Sculpture, or InterArts.
Art Education Licensure Graduate Certificate
This is a post-baccalaureate program designed for those who currently hold a graduate degree in an art-related field along with those who want a more immediate entrance into the art teaching profession. This "licensure only" program, which results in a pre K-12 art certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a 21-credit program consisting of graduate education courses, student teaching internships and seminar.
Master of Arts in Arts Management
This program is a hands-on degree for artists, creatives, and professionals. An arts management degree from George Mason equips learners with a strong foundation of practical and theoretical strategic skills to thrive in any field, whether working for leading institutions or building independent, entrepreneurial practices. Graduate courses, taught by industry experts, focusing on key practical management skills and theories for a thriving career in the arts. Learners will develop expertise in real-time they can apply immediately in their arts communities.
Master of Music (MM)
This degree is offered as an educational channel to meet the intellectual and career needs of qualified students. It is a comprehensive and advanced program of study with a choice of concentrations in performance, music education, composition, conducting, jazz studies, collaborative piano, and pedagogy. The MM, Music with a concentration in music education does not provide licensure to teach music in public or private schools.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
This degree provides the highest level post-baccalaureate professional musical training to students in composition, conducting, and performance and promotes advanced artistic achievement within the context of a research university. While these concentrations share some of the required coursework, each is also distinct in course requirements. Professional musicians earn the DMA to enhance and extend their knowledge and practice within their area of specialization.
PhD in Music Education
This is a research-intensive degree focusing on the gathering, processing, and interpretation of information. Students in the Music Education PhD program take seminars and topics courses in music education, as well as research courses through the College of Education and Human Development. Music Education, PhD graduates are expected to demonstrate the ability to communicate significant concepts of music education. Students complete a substantial dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in music.
Artist Graduate Certificate
This degree in instrumental, piano, or vocal performance is a specialized graduate-level certificate program designed for qualified students who want to enhance and refine their skills or career prospects in a specific artistic field. It requires 24 credits, can be pursued full or part-time, and must be completed within a specific concentration. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and meet the university's graduate admission standards.
Music Education Licensure for PK-12 Graduate Certificate
The certificate is a pathway to earning a PK-12 music teaching license in Virginia for those with an undergraduate degree in music but not an education degree. The 21-credit certificate includes graduate-level music and education courses, fieldwork, and a student-teaching internship, with the goal of equipping students with the skills and experience needed for licensure.
Teaching Theater PK–12 Graduate Certificate
This certificate is a pre-service program that prepares students for Theatre Arts licensure by the Commonwealth of Virginia and can be earned on a full-time or part-time basis. In conjunction with the College of Education and Human Development, the certificate curriculum consists of graduate-level theater and education courses, field experience observation, and a pre-service teaching internship consisting of 15 weeks of a full-time student teaching position or on-the-job internship.