Art History - M.A.

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 (approximately 250 words) indicating the proposed area of specialization within the art history curriculum
• Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in the proposed area of study or a closely related field
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

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 this 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

¹

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.

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

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

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)