After completing the M.A. in Art History, students are prepared to enter programs in Doctoral studies or to seek career paths in fields related to art history. Alumni of the Ohio University Art History program are currently employed as college professors, curators, museum administrators, and gallerists.
Art History
Master of Arts
Art History Master's Degree
Visual Intelligence, Analytical Rigor, and Scholarly Creativity with an Art History M.A.
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.
The Master of Arts degree in Art History is a two-year program in the School of Art + Design. As students develop interpretive and research skills, they learn to express their ideas in an increasingly professional manner through papers and oral presentations. Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities offered to study art in context through Ohio University international programs, participate in museum internships, and present work at student symposia.
Careers with an Art History Graduate Degree
Tuition & Financial Aid
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Art + Design Aid
All prospective graduate students who apply to the School of Art + Design Graduate Programs by the February 1 deadline are eligible for Stipend and Tuition Waiver funding. Consideration for these awards from the School of Art + Design is based on the quality of your application materials and portfolio of artwork (M.F.A.) or writing sample (M.A.). Additional opportunities may be available through your program.
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Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees are assessed based on the number of credit hours of enrollment, Ohio residency and program.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial aid for graduate study (regardless of discipline) is available in the form of student loans. To begin the loan application process, you need to complete and submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
To learn more about loans, scholarships and grants, visit Ohio University's Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Art History M.A. Courses & Curriculum
View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
This two-year program includes a sequence of art history courses and seminars at the advanced level, directed electives, and proof of reading competency in a language approved by the faculty.
Upon entry to the master's program in Art History, the student will be assigned an advisor in the area alongside two additional committee members. A Progress/Candidacy review will take place in the second semester for full-time graduate students and the fourth semester for part-time graduate students. The approval of a thesis topic by the thesis committee, including written approval by the advisor, will be required before the student can register for thesis credits. This thesis topic proposal will be submitted by the student in their third term and a review will occur with their committee. The student will then develop their full, written thesis in consultation with their committee, leading to an Oral Thesis Defense in their final semester. A normal, full-time academic load is a minimum of 10 credit hours per semester and progress toward the degree is guided by the student’s graduate review committee members to the successful completion of 40 credit hours over the course of four semesters (two years).
Application Deadline: February 1
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the M.A. in Art History program, applicants must create an account and complete the online application through the Graduate College. A writing sample is also required. All information must be uploaded and received by February 1.
- Bachelor of Art (B.A.) or equivalent degree. Art History will consider appropriate transfer credits up to 9 credit hours.
- Official set of transcripts: These may have to be sent by us postal mail, or depending on your prior institution, may have an electronic record that can be submitted with your online application. Please review the definition and requirements for official transcripts.
- Statement of Intent: This is typically 1-2 pages. Why are you applying for graduate school? Why Ohio University? 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.
- English Proficiency Requirement: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
International Students: This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Note: Except for the official transcripts, NO materials should be sent through standard mail.
The Ohio University Art Galleries host three to five exhibitions per year of works by nationally and internationally known artists of all disciplines. During the past years, Steve Rucker, Linda Herritt, Phyllis McGibbon, Harvey Breverman, Xu Bing, Mark Dion, Mary Jo Boles, Van McElwee, Burhan Dogancay, Annie Sprinkle, and Stefan Sagmeister, among many others, have exhibited work in our galleries.
Every spring semester, the galleries host multiple Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibitions, serving an integral part in the capstone experience of the School of Art + Design students and faculty.
Keep up to date with exhibition photos and event updates available on our Facebook Page.
From professional actors to international musicians to award-winning filmmakers, our visiting artists and scholars offer collaborative, hands-on experiences for our students. The Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts supports a curated selection of artists and scholars who bring their professional expertise, research, and practice to expand classroom experiences and student engagement.
Art History Faculty Expertise
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Charles BuchananBuchanan is a cultural historian specializing in medieval manuscript illumination. Professor Buchanan teaches a variety of courses in western art and architectural history. During his time at Ohio University, Professor Buchanan has built an outstanding collection of medieval manuscript facsimiles, which are housed in Archives and Special Collections in Alden Library.
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Andrea FrohneFrohne's new book is Contemporary Artists from the Horn of Africa: Encounters Beyond Borders through Conflict, Colonialism, and Modernity (forthcoming Africa World Press). Areas of teaching include contemporary visual culture, traditional arts, and cinema, all of the African world, through transnational, global, postcolonial, and indigenous knowledge theories; and studies of space.
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Jennie KleinKlein is an art historian who writes on contemporary art, performance art and the intersection of gender and visual culture. She teaches courses on contemporary art and theory, performance art and theory, and the intersection of gender and art. Her recent book is Assuming the Ecosexual Position: The Earth as Lover (University of Minnesota Press).
Art as Landscape
Andrea Frohne discusses her career exploring the visual landscape of African culture and her book on New York City’s African Burial Ground.
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Contact Us
If you’d like more information on the M.A. in Art History program, reach out to Professor Jennie Klein.
Jennie Klein
Professor, Art History
kleinj1@ohio.edu
Have Questions? Ready to Get Started?
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