Art History - M.A.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Art History offers a range of perspectives on art, theory and cultural production across historical periods, geographic regions and significant movements. When specializing in one area for the thesis, students may choose to focus in periods and genres related to faculty research and expertise.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Curriculum vitae
• Goal statement(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: February 1

Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of art from a range of historic and cultural traditions.
2. Observe, describe and interpret art objects, events and concepts within their cultural context.
3. Engage with a variety of methodologies and theories relevant to different fields of art history.
4. Demonstrate an advanced level of written and oral analysis.
5. Demonstrate advanced research skills and knowledge in a particular artist, collection, period or movement through the thesis.
6. Access and utilize relevant primary and secondary source material in diverse formats, including digital technology.
7. Become engaged citizens of a global community and recognize the role of art and cultural production as they foster communities, reflect identities and understand social systems.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

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The thesis is a significant project or body of work done independently of other coursework. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to conduct research or produce a significant, original project in a discriminating and disciplined manner. The thesis topic should be one that will further the student’s knowledge and ability in the specialty by demonstrating skill as a researcher or studio artist. The outcome should be an effort that serves as a foundation for the pursuit of independent work when the graduate program is completed. At this stage, students are expected to work in close consultation with their thesis advisor.

Graduation Requirements

• A reading knowledge of a language other than English is required.
• Successful completion of the Candidacy Review Examination is a requirement in every School of Art graduate program. In the Art History major, the examination is given in the third semester of full-time coursework. Successful completion of the examination designates the student as a candidate for the degree.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)