Art History - Master of Arts

Master of Arts degree program

Visual intelligence, analytical rigor, and scholarly creativity

This program focuses on individual growth in visual intelligence, analytical rigor, and scholarly creativity to prepare you for advanced academic study and practical work in the field. You’ll develop interpretive research skills, and learn to express ideas effectively and professionally in a written and oral context. View program requirements.

Opportunities in Art History

Study Abroad

There are several opportunities to study art in context through international study abroad programs, museum internships, and student symposia.

Graduate Student Art History Symposium

Dr. Marilyn Bradshaw works with graduate students to compose a call for papers and to select a keynote presentation.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR RECENT SYMPOSIUM HERE 

Careers

After completing the master’s program, students are prepared to enter programs in doctoral studies or to seek career paths in fields related to art history. Many former students are currently directors of galleries and museums and professors and deans of Fine Arts schools.

Earning your master’s degree

This two-year program includes a sequence of art history courses and seminars at the advanced level, directed electives, and proof of reading competency. Upon entry to the art history program, a student will be assigned an advisor in the area. By the end of the third week of the second year, a thesis proposal will be submitted to the student’s thesis committee, leading to the completion of a 40 credit-hour degree.

Applying to the program

To be considered for the M.A. in Art History program, applicants must create an account and complete the online application listed below. A writing sample is also required. Please prepare the following items as part of your application. All information must be uploaded and received by February 1st. 

Within this application you are asked to submit the following:

• Application Fee--$50 for US Citizens, $55 for International (credit card or electronic check only)
• Official set of transcripts sent to:
  Graduate College
  Research & Tech Building
  Room 220
  Athens, OH 45701
• Statement of Intent: This is typically 1-2 pages. Why are you applying for graduate school? Why OU? What are your future goals? Is there any information about your past experience/skills that is not reflected on your resume?
• Writing Sample
• Resume/CV
• Three Letters of Reference: Submit the contact information for three references. Our system will automatically send these people a request via email for their submission. Their responses should be submitted by the February 1st deadline.  

Note: Except for the official transcripts, NO materials should be sent through standard mail.

Apply Now

Art History faculty

Get to know our faculty in the M.A. in Art History program. If you’d like more information on the M.A. in Art History program, reach out to Professor Charles Buchanan

Charles S. Buchanan
Associate Professor
(740) 593-9413
buchanac@ohio.edu