THE GRADUATE PROGRAM
What is special about the
american university m.a. program?
We offer a traditional MA degree, with specializations in Renaissance, Modern, or American art. Students choose between a discipline-oriented focus to prepare for advancement to PhD programs in art history and to careers in college teaching; and a museum-oriented focus, which includes a structured internship and is the appropriate degree for many positions in art museums and galleries.
Within that framework, we provide a strong emphasis on feminist analysis, gender and cultural studies, and reception theory.
For full-time students, the 30 credit hour program can usually be completed in a two-year period. In addition to these course requirements, the master's candidate takes two written comprehensive examinations — one in the History of Western Art, the other in the field of specialization — and must demonstrate a reading knowledge at the intermediate level of one foreign language, usually French, German, or Italian. Two substantial research papers are written (in lieu of a Master’s thesis).
In addition to courses on campus, independent studies, consortium courses, and internships may be utilized to meet individual interests and needs.
There are approximately 20-30 full- and part-time students enrolled in the program. Many students are able to work part-time and even full-time jobs while pursuing their art history degree. The wide range of museums and cultural institutions in Washington, D.C. offers art history students many internship and employment opportunities.
Recent graduates have gone on to PhD programs at institutions such as New York University (Institute of Fine Arts), Columbia, Princeton, Bryn Mawr, City University of New York Graduate Center, Indiana University, and the Universities of Maryland, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Virginia.
Our graduates hold positions in museums and agencies such as the National Gallery of Art (Heads of Loans and Curatorial Records Departments), the Smithsonian American Art Museum (head registrar, development assistant), the Phillips Collection (Director of Education), Historical American Buildings Survey (Chief), the Corcoran School of Art, the Library of Congress, the Getty Art Information Program (Director), Art Institute of Chicago, and Museum of Modern Art, New York. Graduates have also taught at academic institutions including Smith College, George Mason University, Newcomb College, the University of Maryland, and the Corcoran School of Art.
Other graduates are in the forefront of visual resources information and technology. These include Kathe Hicks Albrecht, President of the Visual Resources Association and nationally recognized visual resources curator, and Eleanor Fink, Foundations Coordinator of the World Bank.
The master’s degree in art history is the appropriate preparation for a wide range of professional careers. Many positions in museums and other art institutions require an MA (not a PhD) in art history. The MA is also suitable for such specialized areas as visual resources, art libraries (in conjunction with a library science degree), conservation, and historic preservation. The master's degree also provides a solid foundation for those who decide to continue graduate study toward the doctorate.
Financial Aid and Directions for Applications
Approximately 30 - 50% of the students who are admitted each year receive financial aid in the form of assistantships. Additionally, there are special scholarships for foreign and minority students. Other work opportunities include part-time employment in the slide library, teaching assistantships for our general education courses, and staff positions in all areas of the university.
Applications are accepted for fall and spring terms; deadlines are November 1 (spring) and February 1 (fall). For further information and deadlines for assistantship applications, contact:
Department of Art, Katzen Arts Center, American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20016.
Tel: 202-885-1670
E-mail: ghaynie@american.edu
Applying to the program is competitive. Applicants to the MA Art History program must hold the BA degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission. The standard university application, with two letters of recommendation, and a sample research paper, are required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is also required. Students who have completed at least 18 hours of art history may be considered for admission, but will be asked to complete the missing six credits, either at American University or elsewhere, before starting the MA program. Students with a demonstrated aptitude for graduate study in art history whose undergraduate major was in another field will be required to complete at least 18 semester hours in art history before being considered for admission to the graduate program. For application information, please visit CAS Graduate Admissions.