Program Overview

Introduction to the MA in Art History and Art Museum Studies

The MA in Art History and Art Museum Studies at the City College of New York prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers as art historians and museum professionals. The program offers three graduate tracks of study: MA in Art History, MA in Art History with a concentration in Art Museum Studies, and MA in Art History with a concentration in Art Museum Education.

Program Overview

Courses in the program build expertise in the history and theory of art, the history, theory, and professional standards of art museums, and the theory and practice of art museum education. The program is global in reach, offering an array of courses in the arts of Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Students take full advantage of New York City's rich cultural and artistic scene during their graduate studies.

Application Process and Admissions

• The ideal student is anyone interested in Art History who has taken a few art history courses as an undergraduate, looking to advance to further research such as a Ph.D. program or looking to find employment in Art Museums as curators or educators.
• Total Credits:
  • 30 (Art History)
  • 36 (Art Museum Studies Concentration)
  • 36 (Art Museum Education Concentration)
• Minimum Language Test Scores: 90+ (TOEFL IBT), 7 (IELTS), 61 (PTE), or 110 (Duolingo)
• Eligibility: Applicants should have a minimum of 12 undergraduate credits in art history (or the equivalent) beyond the introductory level.
• Application Requirements:
  • Official transcripts from post-secondary institutions attended
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample (10-page Art History paper)
  • GRE Required: No
• Applicants may be asked to appear for a personal interview by the departmental Graduate Committee.

Faculty and Student Information

• The program has an internationally renowned faculty with expertise ranging from Asian Art, African Art, the history of photography, Latin American Art, medieval art and architecture, to modern and contemporary art.
• Faculty members have received prestigious book awards, fellowships, and grants, and demonstrate a strong track record of scholarly publishing in journals and museum catalogs, as well as curatorial endeavors.
• MA students come from undergraduate art history and related humanistic disciplines and reflect a diverse, multicultural student body, entering into the program from nearby New York City and from all around the world.
• Graduates go on to pursue further graduate work as doctoral students and to work as art museum professionals.

Curricular Innovation

• The program offers a balance of art historical inquiry and the exploration of urgent contemporary issues.
• Graduate students take courses with MFA students, allowing for a mixing of perspectives and practices.
• Select interdisciplinary course offerings are cross-listed with other departments in the Humanities.
• The structure of the program allows for flexibility with respect to students' professional lives.
• The program is eminently affordable in comparison to comparable MA programs at other universities.

Program Advisor and Additional Information

• Program Advisor: Craig Houser
• For more information on the MA Art History concentration and the Museum Education concentration, please visit the Program Website.