Program Overview

Art History and Visual Culture (Certificate)

The Art History and Visual Culture graduate certificate program is designed for individuals passionate about exploring how art shapes and is shaped by society. This 18-credit-hour program offers a flexible and engaging path forward, with courses ranging from ancient to contemporary art and exploring themes like activism, identity, and visual storytelling.

Program Overview

Students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, and visual communication that are highly valued across industries. The program is ideal for those looking to enhance their credentials for teaching at the college level, develop their expertise for museum work, or enrich a graduate degree in another field.

Museum Experience and Professional Connections

In this program, students learn from faculty who are active researchers, curators, and museum consultants, gaining hands-on experience through access to local art museums and arts professionals. This combination of mentorship and real-world application equips students with the skills and industry connections that museums and cultural institutions are looking for.

Earn a Master's Degree

Students can combine this program with another eligible certificate to earn a master's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, customizing their degree to align with their professional and educational goals.

Admission Requirements

• Required Degree: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours.
• Transcripts: Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English.
• Credential Evaluation: Required if students have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions.
• English Language Proficiency: 600 TOEFL Paper / 85 TOEFL Internet / 7 IELTS / Duolingo 130.
• Purpose Statement: Required.
• Writing Sample: Required.
• Letters of Recommendation: 2 academic or professional references.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions generally made within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. Deadlines are subject to change.

• Fall 2026: May 1 (Priority and Domestic), Not Available (International).
• Spring: Not Available.
• Summer: Not Available.

Career Options

The program prepares students for future careers that are in demand, including:

• Careers based on data pulled from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and online job postings.

Course Offerings

Students will have the opportunity to explore program electives such as:

• Embodiment & Art
• Art & Love
• Art & Activism
• Radical Women in Contemporary Latin America
• Pirate Maps
• Foundations of Museum Studies

Certificate Advisor of Record

Kristy Masten, Ph.D.