Department of Art History

PhD - Art Historical Studies

The Art Historical Studies track prepares students to make significant contributions to the field of art history through research and publication in a particular area of expertise. Students typically pursue academic teaching careers. The curriculum fosters critical engagement with art-historical theories and methods, provides in-depth investigation in the chosen subject area, and offers opportunities for professional development.

Students work closely with a faculty adviser in their major area of study. The ten full-time faculty members conduct research and offer courses in European art since the Renaissance, art and architecture of the Americas, South Asian and Himalayan art, African and African-Diaspora art.

Students may apply to the PhD program directly upon completion of the BA or after completing an MA in art history or a related field. Students entering with a BA will first complete the MA in Historical Studies before moving on to the 30-credit doctoral program (for a total of 60 credits). Students entering with an MA, especially those in fields outside art history, may be required to complete additional coursework beyond the 30 credits as determined by the Director of Graduate Studies and the prospective adviser.

Program Requirements

The required 30 credits are distributed as follows. Course work must include a minimum of six credits of Western and six credits of Non-Western art.

Courses

1. 3 courses in the major field of study (9 credits)
2. 2 courses in the minor field (6 credits)
3. 3 electives (9 credits)
4. 6 credits of dissertation

Exams

1. Proficiency in two languages, typically German plus French, Spanish or Italian.
2. Field exams in the major and minor areas of study.
3. Students advance to candidacy upon completion of all course work, exams, and approval of the dissertation proposal. Candidacy is typically attained by the end of the fourth semester of full-time study.

Admissions Requirements

For applicants with a BA requirements are the same as for admission to the MA in Historical Studies.
For applicants with an MA:

1. GPA of 3.8 on all graduate work
2. GRE scores: 1000 combined Verbal and Quantitative, 5 or better on the Analytic Writing portion.
3. 3 letters of reference from instructors who can assess the applicant’s preparation and promise for advanced doctoral work
4. Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s reasons for seeking a PhD, area of intended specialization, prospective major adviser, and professional goals. The statement of purpose may also include professional experience relevant to the pursuit of a graduate degree in art history.
5. Completed MA thesis or other academic writing sample
6. Applicants are advised to correspond with faculty members with whom they wish to work.

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