Doctor of Philosophy in History of Art

KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Doctorate in History of Art Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in Art History, graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate mastery of course material.
• read, critically analyze, and use archival/primary, contextual, and scholarly literature.
• complete quality primary/archival and secondary research.
• speak clearly, coherently, articulately, and persuasively.
• construct in writing a clear, coherent, and persuasive scholarly argument.
• use art historical methodologies and/or relevant critical theories.
• demonstrate mastery of relevant knowledge in the field of art history (comprehensive exams, dissertation proposal, dissertation).

What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in History of Art

Graduates of the PhD art history program pursue careers across academic and cultural sectors. Many secure faculty positions at colleges and universities, contributing to teaching and research in the field. Others work in museums, galleries, archives, libraries, and arts organizations in roles such as:

• Curators
• Collections managers
• Educators
• Research specialists

According to Lightcast, professionals with advanced training in art history may find opportunities in postsecondary education, museum leadership, cultural resource management, publishing, and nonprofit arts administration. The research, writing, and analytical skills developed through the History of Art PhD are highly transferable across the humanities and cultural sectors.

Tuition and Financial Aid

All applicants to the Kress Foundation Department of Art History graduate program will be considered on a competitive basis for departmental and university scholarships/fellowships and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) and Graduate Assistant (GA) positions. No separate application is required to be considered for funding; the department makes decisions based upon the information provided in the graduate application.

For detailed information on tuition rates and financial aid options, visit KU’s Financial Aid website.

Admission Requirements

Please visit the Kress Foundation Department of Art History for information about the admissions process, including upcoming application deadlines.

Required Application Materials:

• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from art history professors). The application system will send your recommenders an email containing the instructions for submitting their letters once you have entered their contact information.
• A chronological list of art history courses completed that includes (1) the number of credit hours, (2) the instructor’s name, and (3) the grade received. Applicants typically have completed no fewer than 18 credit hours of art history coursework.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• A statement of personal and educational interests and career objectives. We appreciate this opportunity to learn more about you. Feel free to discuss any personal, educational, economic, cultural, and/or social experiences that have helped shape you as a candidate. Please address how the graduate program/faculty in Art History at KU would help you to achieve your goals. Do not exceed 750 words.
• A writing sample, preferably from an art history course that you feel best represents your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Your text (not including the bibliography, endnotes, and images) should be between 10-20 pages.
• Official transcripts, or copies of official transcripts, from all post-secondary institutions

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Students in the History of Art PhD program engage in a vibrant intellectual community. Opportunities include participation in research workshops, guest lectures, interdisciplinary symposia, and an active graduate student organization.

Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty mentors, present research at conferences, and pursue publication opportunities. Access to museum collections, archival materials, and special research holdings provides hands-on scholarly training.

History of Art PhD Sample Courses

History of Art PhD students take a wide range of courses, exploring visual and material cultures of Europe, the Americas, and East Asia while engaging in discussion of methodological and theoretical models.

For more information about the PhD’s coursework requirements, please refer to the KU Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes