Earning a masters degree in Art from Northwestern State University requires 33 successful course credit hours. Some art students- those who specialize in design, photography, and new media can complete up to 27 of these credit hours online, while traditional art students must complete their degree in a traditional classroom/studio environment. This degree combines academic study along with hands-on skill development and practice, owing to the program's philosophy that a liberal arts education is essential to a successful career in art.

With concentrations in:

• Literature
• Folklife/Southern Culture
• Writing/Linguistics

Northwestern State University's Master's of Arts in English program can be completed online or on campus. The online option requires thirty credit hours (six of which are satisfied by completing an independent original research thesis project). Students are not allowed to select a concentration for the online option, but must take at least six credit hours from each of the three concentrations, in addition to research technique and theory courses. Literature courses will consist of American and British literature offerings, Southern Culture courses will focus on Louisiana writers, and Linguistics and writing courses range from grant writing to poetry.

The Master of Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education as offered at Northwestern State University seeks to satisfy all requirements of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, by requiring classes in educational techniques and theories, as well as a practical teaching component. Students seeking this degree who are not already working teachers will have to spend a certain amount of time teaching in a real classroom under the guidance of a certified and qualified teacher. In order to enroll in the program, graduates must achieve a satisfactory score on the Praxis II Examination.

The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for prospective secondary or middle school teachers or current teachers who are interested in earning an advanced degree. For the former student, the degree program will lead graduates to certification. Candidates must take a certain number of courses that explore theories of instruction, pedagogy, curriculum, and testing. They will also complete a year-long teaching practicum, which forms the core of their certification experience.

The Early Chlidhood Education Professional Studies course is a program dedicated to the teaching of young children. As it is a professional program, it requires advanced theoretical and practical study, and students will explore the problems faced by early childhood educators today and will help them develop the skills to deal with these problems. Candidates can choose to participate in independent study options.