Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art)

Hours: 31 Online

About

The Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) at Fort Hays State University is an online graduate program crafted to empower artists interested in advancing community engagement through creative expression. Designed to support visual and performing artists, the program emphasizes using art to promote social justice, sustainability, and cultural awareness in underserved communities.

The curriculum supports interdisciplinary learning by combining courses in studio practice, community engagement theory, and social entrepreneurship. Students develop community arts programs that address contemporary challenges and produce measurable outcomes.

Why pursue a Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) at Fort Hays State University?

Choosing Fort Hays State University's Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) offers a unique blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and a community-focused mission. The program is designed for graduate students who want to use their creative skills to directly serve and uplift communities.

With a curriculum emphasizing social justice, sustainability, and qualitative research, students have access to the tools to become artists and community advocates. We emphasize real outcomes, community collaboration, and long-term cultural value.

Who is this program for?

The Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) program is ideal for those who believe in the transformative power of the arts and are ready to lead initiatives that serve communities. Individuals with a passion for creative work and a desire to collaborate across disciplines will thrive in this program. It's particularly well-suited for artists, educators, community organizers, and nonprofit professionals seeking to integrate the arts into social action:

Practicing artists seeking to impact communities
K-12 teachers wanting to expand civic learning
Arts professionals working in nonprofit settings
Activists using creative media for social justice
Graduates pursuing advanced study in social practices

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) supports the belief that creative expression can be a powerful tool for social transformation. As such, its learning outcomes extend beyond traditional studio or academic settings. Students explore how their artistic practices can generate real change, inspire civic engagement, and contribute to cultural equity and sustainability.

Integrate Human Rights and Social Justice Frameworks

Students explore key theories and practical approaches to human rights, equity, and social justice related to community engagement. They will gain the capacity to design arts programs that foster inclusion and address systemic issues such as poverty, racism, and educational disparity.

Evaluate and Analyze Community Impact Through the Arts

Graduates develop critical skills to analyze how art affects individuals and the groups it serves. They will use qualitative methods to gather data on community responses, measure success, and refine programming to maximize positive outcomes.

Design for Cultural Sustainability and Public Partnerships

Students learn to create long-term, sustainable programs aligned with cultural and civic institutions. We emphasize building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, museums, and grassroots organizations, ensuring we embed arts programming deeply within community infrastructure.

Lead Transformational Projects with Measurable Outcomes

Students can design comprehensive art-based projects that include planning, implementation, and evaluation. These projects address community needs by using strategic methods to assess results and generate replicable models for future use.

Real-World Applications

The Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) prepares students for work directly affecting social change through creative intervention. By working closely with local organizations, students develop the ability to apply artistic techniques in practical ways that improve cultural access, education, and community wellness.

As part of the curriculum, students create projects that contribute to sustainable development goals and measure the real-world effectiveness of their initiatives. Graduates lead arts-focused community programs, work in nonprofit leadership, and support advocacy initiatives through visual or performing arts.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Our program integrates current trends in social practice, community engagement, and global sustainability. Courses reflect contemporary issues in education, environmental activism, diversity, and community wellness.

Graduate students also engage with grant writing, digital storytelling, and grassroots social action, essential to modern-day arts leadership. These elements ensure that students remain competitive in a field increasingly demanding proof of impact, inclusivity, and scalability in creative work.

Hands-on Activities

Applied learning is central to the Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art). Students complete an internship that places them within a community-based service organization in their geographic area, where they apply their newly gained experience in managing arts initiatives.

The program culminates in a two-part thesis project, where students research, develop, and implement a community-engaged art program. They go through each process stage, including data collection and project evaluation, enabling them to present their work as a replicable, measurable model for arts-based change.

What You’ll Learn:

Understand social justice through the arts
Assess the impact of community art projects
Explore cultural sustainability in practice
Analyze socially engaged art theories
Apply entrepreneurship

How You’ll Learn:

100% online graduate program format
Partner with community organizations
Studio work and practical projects
Faculty-guided research in your region
One-credit internship with a local service organization

Courses

The core curriculum offers a strong foundation in the theory and practice of community-engaged art, emphasizing both academic rigor and real-world application. Students begin with foundational studies in art education, community engagement, and research methods. As the program progresses, students engage in applied coursework and electives that focus on topics such as program development, social impact, and entrepreneurship. Studio-based art electives and leadership courses are also available, allowing students to shape the program around their individual interests and career aspirations.

ART 890: Introduction to Community Engaged Art

This introductory course provides a foundation in community-engaged art education, examining current practices through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students will explore their own positionality and strengths while developing strategies for community-building and fostering resilience through creative practice.

ART 894: Program Development and Assessment in Community Engaged Art

In this course, students will design and implement a community-engaged art project tailored to the needs of a specific community and in collaboration with local organizations. As part of the process, students will develop a project assessment plan, prepare and submit an IRB application, and seek grant funding to support their work.

SOC 664G: Social Entrepreneurship and Grassroots Social Action

This course introduces students to social entrepreneurship as a tool for grassroots social action. Students will explore issues they care about, examine real-world examples, and learn how to design community-based projects to support those in need. By the end of the course, each student will develop a detailed proposal for a grassroots initiative they may choose to pursue in the future.

Discover the full Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) can take on diverse roles that blend creative practice with social responsibility. With an emphasis on leadership, planning, and assessment, students leave prepared to lead in cultural institutions, schools, and grassroots organizations.

Community Arts Center Director

Graduates often take leadership roles in arts centers where they oversee programming, manage staff and volunteers, and facilitate partnerships with local stakeholders. Their background in community engagement enables them to design accessible programming and increase public participation in the arts.

Arts Education Coordinator

As coordinators, graduates develop curriculum, implement educational outreach initiatives, and train teaching artists. They may work in museums, nonprofit organizations, or school districts, using art as a medium to teach civic responsibility and cultural awareness.

Teaching Artists in Schools or Nonprofits

Many graduates find work as contracted or full-time teaching artists, integrating art projects into classrooms, after-school programs, and community workshops. Their focus is often on inclusion, expression, and social themes relevant to the student population they serve.

Grant and Program Manager in Arts Nonprofits

Armed with grant writing and program assessment skills, graduates often secure roles where they manage funding portfolios or direct major art-based projects. They write proposals, measure impact, and ensure projects meet funder and community expectations.

Festival or Public Arts Program Coordinator

Some pursue careers in event and festival planning, especially those focusing on public or community arts. They are responsible for organizing exhibitions, interactive installations, and performance events that celebrate and elevate local voices through collaborative creation.

Admission Requirements

Application and Supporting Documents

Applicants must complete the online master's program application and pay the required fee. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions as part of the application packet.

Statement of Interest

We require a written statement explaining the applicant's interest in community-engaged art, prior experience, and reasons for pursuing this graduate program. The statement should include insight into the applicant's vision for using art to support community growth.

Portfolio of Work

Visual artists must submit 10 images of original work. In contrast, performing artists must submit 10 examples of their creative contributions via video or audio. The portfolio must demonstrate artistic practice and the applicant's readiness for graduate-level work.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters are necessary. One should come from an academic reference familiar with the applicant's scholarly or creative work. The second should be from a professional or community leader who can attest to the applicant's commitment to civic engagement.

Enrollment Period

We accept admission only for the summer term entry. That cohort model allows for intensive collaborative and project-based learning from the beginning of the program.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,139.02* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers complementary arts, leadership, and community-building graduate programs. These programs provide alternative pathways for students exploring interdisciplinary approaches or diversifying their qualifications:

FAQ

Is the Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) offered entirely online?

Yes, the program is entirely online and has no in-person requirement.

What types of applicants are eligible for admission?

Applicants do not need an undergraduate art degree but must demonstrate creative visual or performing arts competency.

How long does it take to complete the Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art)?

Most students complete the 31-credit program within two and a half years.

What kind of thesis or capstone project do students have to write?

Students must develop, implement, and assess a community-engaged art project as a two-part thesis.

Will I be able to pursue grant funding during or after the Master of Professional Studies (Community Engaged Art) program?

Yes, students receive grant writing and program evaluation training, preparing them to apply for funding to support future projects.

Information about the School of Visual and Performing Arts

At FHSU’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, creativity thrives in a supportive and passionate community. Our programs in Art, Design, Music, and Theatre offer students the opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for rewarding careers in the arts. Whether you aspire to create visual masterpieces, perform on stage, or educate the next generation, our expert faculty provides hands-on learning experiences that inspire and challenge you.

With access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalized mentorship, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in your chosen field. From local exhibitions and major performances to internships and professional development opportunities, our programs equip you with the tools to make your mark in the world of visual and performing arts.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA): Connect with industry professionals and fellow graphic design students, attend conferences, and expand your network.
Arts for Social Change: Use art as a catalyst for positive social change through lectures, workshops, and public events.
Ceramica Clay Club (CCC): Participate in ceramic workshops, art events, and interdisciplinary projects that spread art into the community.
FHSU Theater: Dive into acting, writing, and directing through performances and peer education programs.
Fe Sculpture Club: Explore metalworking and host art events both on campus and in the community.
Interior Design Student Organization (IDSA): Prepare for a career in interior design through networking, field trips, and professional development.
Creative Arts Society (CAS): Enhance diversity and culture through guest-artist lectures, workshops, and community art projects.
Collaborative Art Project (CAP): The Collaborative Art Project is a collaboration between Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, students of FHSU, and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Schmierbach and students are providing workshops to the DSNWK individuals to provide structured art experiences centered around weaving, drawing, and photography. The goal of this project is to expand the arts in the Hays community to help reach more individuals, specifically creating more opportunities in the arts.
Art Eaters Art History Club: The Art Eaters Art History Club is a community dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of art across cultures and throughout history. Open to all, regardless of expertise, the club provides opportunities for members to explore art movements, artists, and forms through lectures, gallery visits, workshops, and discussions. With a mission to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of the arts, the club also connects members with key figures in the art world and helps develop valuable skills like curation. Through collaboration and dialogue, we cultivate a deeper understanding of art’s cultural significance.
Tiger Marching Band: This group is open to all students who enjoy marching band and want to be a part of the Tiger Marching Band tradition.
Pep Band: The FHSU pep band provides musical entertainment for FHSU Basketball games. Open to all students.
Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME): This student organization is dedicated to developing music education professionals, including workshops, training, field experiences, and annual participation in the Kansas Music Educators Association state conference in Wichita.
Student National Association of Teachers of Singing (S-NATS): Vocalists participate in workshops, trainings, and attendance at the regional NATS workshop and competition each fall.
Music Theatre: Participate in a fully-realized stage production produced each year, from a stage role to back-stage positions and technical support.

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