Master of Arts (MA) in Art History

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Art Historical Knowledge

• Demonstrate advanced specialized knowledge of a specific period or field of art history, including the creative process and related intellectual issues, through a final written thesis.

Research and Analysis

• Research and persuasively analyze/argue an art historical issue and/or theoretical position
• Apply theoretical and methodological approaches to the interpretation of Western art and architecture.
• Conduct independent scholarly research, highlighting a joint understanding of art historical issues and the creative process through a written thesis in the student's chosen area of specialization.

Communication Skills

• Clearly express their ideas through scholarly writing and researched presentations.
• Demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one Western European language.

Professional Readiness

• Apply acquired specialized as well as broader art historical knowledge and research skills in a variety of contexts (scholarly, educational, curatorial, connoisseurial).

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

• Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
• Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
• Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
• Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
• Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
• Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
• Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and guidance to help students accelerate toward their chosen art history careers. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel as a professional art historian. Our degree programs are designed to give graduates a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the field.

Appraiser

As an art appraiser, you'll work in an auction house appraising a variant of art pieces to help collectors and galleries grow their collections. With your knowledge of historical and artistic significance, you'll set the pace for the art world and its value in the cultural landscape.

Corporate Consultant

As a corporate art consultant, you'll work with private corporations as an art buyer, assessor, and art investor to assess potential additions to the collection. Understanding works of art as both a financial investment and as part of a growing collection, you'll create a portfolio of art that speaks to a specific message.

Curator

As a museum or gallery curator, you'll work as the content specialist in charge of the institution's collection. Interpret the material, organize its exhibition, and provide historical context through materials, catalogs, and labels.

Instructor

As an art history teacher, you'll teach a variety of topics including everything from survey courses to focused seminars at the high school or university level.

Researcher

As an art researcher, you'll work in a publishing house, museum, gallery, or institution studying and compiling information on a specific subject to be used in publications, presentations, or exhibitions.

Writer/Reviewer

As an art writer/reviewer, you'll work in a publishing house reading and reviewing art-related materials. Working in teams, you'll fact-check, revise, and edit everything from articles to books.

Unit Requirements

Degree Requirements

• Successful completion of Final Thesis Project
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
  • 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
• Reading Proficiency in one of the following languages:
  • French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, or Spanish*

* If proficient in another European language that is not listed, consult with Admissions Office.

NOTE: Students must demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one European Language prior to the midpoint. European Language coursework cannot apply to the Master's Degree.

Curriculum

Semester 1

• AHS 600: Art History Methodologies & Theory (Major)
• GLA 601: Classical Aesthetics and the Renaissance (Major)
• GLA 602: The Art & Ideology of the 20th Century (Major)

Semester 2

• AHS 612: Egyptian Art & Archaeology - To the Death of Cleopatra VII (Major)
• AHS 613: Medieval Art: From Carolingian to Gothic (Major)
• GLA 606: Crossing Borders: Art & Culture in a Global Society (Major)

Semester 3

• AHS 620: Italian Renaissance Art (Major)
• AHS 634: Dada & Surrealism (Major)
• AHS 750: Midpoint Thesis & Research (Major)

Semester 4

• AHS 636: Modern Painting and Sculpture from 1850 to the 1960s (Major)
• AHS 800: Directed Study (Directed Studies)
• FA 600: Figure Studio (Studio)