About the Fine Arts: Critical Studies and Artistic Practice Doctoral Program
Within the Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts degree, the field of specialization in the School of Art is titled “Critical Studies and Artistic Practice.” Students in this program examine diverse discourses in the visual arts, exploring their trans-disciplinary margins as well as their disciplinary strengths. In addition to the Fine Arts Core of 15 hours, students enroll in a Critical Studies and Artistic Practice Core of 12 hours, consisting of interdisciplinary topics in the visual arts. Beyond the two groups of core classes, students must complete a minimum of 33 hours of individualized coursework, including 12 hours of dissertation work. Individualized coursework may be chosen, with consent of the advisor, from two of the following fields: history of art, art education, critical studies, museum studies, arts administration, and studio art (if the student holds an appropriate master’s), as well as theatre and music. Additional coursework may be undertaken; however, the State of Texas limits students to 99 hours of doctoral study.
The residence requirement for the fine arts doctoral program is fulfilled by satisfactory completion of 18 semester hours of graduate coursework during one 12-month period. This is usually accomplished with one consecutive fall-spring schedule, or summer sessions I and II consecutive with either a fall or a spring semester.
For acceptance into the doctoral program, we strongly recommend but do not require that the applicant have a master’s degree, or its equivalent, with emphasis in a visual arts area. Every effort is made to select candidates who show strong scholarship and professional competence. Art doctoral faculty will evaluate each applicant’s professional goals and any evidence of progress toward these goals. More specific qualifications will pertain to specific career directions. Applicants must include GRE scores.
For admission into this program, the graduate visual studies and art history-criticism faculty review the applicant’s dossier. A personal interview is recommended. Faculty submit recommendations to a three-member preview committee. If approved, the applicant is recommended by the committee to the college’s Graduate Committee for acceptance into the program. Acceptance is also contingent upon meeting the admission requirements of the Graduate School. After admission, a specific degree plan is determined.
