Program Overview

The area of Art History accepts each year a small number of qualified individuals into its Master of Arts program; successful candidates have come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, and have entered the program with a broad range of career goals in mind. A minimum of 30 credits of course work is required for the degree, as well as successful completion of the qualifying examinations. The latter consist of an image examination, an essay examination in a major and minor field of concentration, and an oral examination. With permission, a publishable paper may substitute for the essay examination in the major concentration. Most students require two years to complete the degree.

Requirements for the degree also include a distribution of courses in time and geographic area, completion of four graduate seminars, and research proficiency in the German, French, or Italian language. In addition to the courses listed in this Bulletin according to topic, the Seminar and Great Themes rubrics allow for specialized courses of timely interest to be taught on a one-time basis. Many candidates for the degree take advantage of the Independent Study courses to pursue topics of specialized interest under the guidance of a faculty member.

The Master of Arts in Art History program is designed to prepare candidates for a variety of careers; internships in museums and historical associations, teaching assistantships, and other individual programs of study combining academic and practical experience are encouraged for qualified students. Resources in the Five College consortium, including some courses as well as use of library facilities, further expand opportunities for learning and research.

For further information about the Master of Arts program, please write to the Graduate Program Director for Art History, Bartlett Hall, University of Massachusetts, Box 30505, Amherst, MA 01003-0505.