Master of Arts in History of Art

KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Master’s in History of Art Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MA in History of Art, students 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 (M.A. exam).

What Careers are Possible with a Master’s Degree in History of Art

Graduates of the History of Art MA at KU find success in a variety of fields. Many pursue careers in:

• Museums and galleries as curators, educators, or managers
• Art conservation and preservation
• Higher education as instructors or researchers
• Arts management and public arts programs
• Art publishing and art criticism

According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with an art history master’s is projected to grow approximately 9% over the next decade, with current median compensation around $45,000 per year nationally. Career outcomes vary depending on experience, geographic region, and level of advanced study. Graduates of MA program often pursue additional credentials or doctoral study to expand career options.

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 Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

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

The art history graduate school experience at KU fosters collaboration, intellectual exchange, and preparation for both doctoral study and professional careers in museums, cultural institutions, and related fields.

Master’s in History of Art 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. History of Art MA 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 details, visit the KU Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes