The M.A. degree is designed as a two-year program for students who wish to pursue a career in the visual arts or to move on to a Ph.D. in art history elsewhere. Roughly ten students are accepted each year from an applicant pool of sixty. Admission is highly selective. Applications are reviewed by the faculty, who pay particular attention to the applicant's statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, academic record, and GRE scores. Students are expected to have prior training in art history, and the majority of successful applicants major in art history as undergraduates.
Financial aid is available for qualified students.
Professor Judith Wechsler is Director of the Graduate Program. The MA with Certificate program is designed to give students advance qualification in art history and a broad introduction to museum work. The joint program is offered for those hoping to work in a small or medium sized museum or arts organization. Students take courses in art history and museum studies simultaneously and the program normally takes two years to complete. Professor Andrew McClellan is advisor to the certificate program in art history.