About the Art History Master’s Program
Art history investigates the intellectual and cultural products of human activity by focusing on artifacts, artworks, and monuments from around the globe. The Master of Arts in Art History prepares students for doctoral studies in art history and related fields. Those who earn the M.A. will be prepared for a variety of positions in museums and cultural organizations and for teaching in institutions that do not require the terminal degree.
The M.A. in Art History requires a minimum of 30 hours of postbaccalaureate study, including two required art historical theory and methodology courses (ARTH 5308 and ARTH 5309 ), 12 hours of graduate art history, 6 hours of the MA thesis (ARTH 6000 ), and 6 hours of supporting coursework (the “minor”). Additionally, the degree requires reading knowledge of at least one foreign language.
Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, will craft a broad curriculum from the following areas: contemporary art and critical theory; European art from medieval through modern eras with emphases on the Mediterranean, Italy, France, and northern Europe; the United States; and contemporary art. The program also offers a trans-geographic area of concentration: art of borderlands and contact zones.
