Overview

The Art History - Historical Studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University provides a general background in the research methods and teachings of art history and equips students for careers in arts and cultural institutions that require an MA degree. Additionally, this concentration prepares students for the more rigorous research demands of the PhD, which is the required degree for academic and many curatorial careers.

The historical studies concentration

requires 5 core classes: art historiography, museum collections, a seminar in art and representation, and two writing seminars

includes 5 additional art history seminars and elective options

culminates in submission of a qualifying paper completed in consultation with a faculty advisor

Key facts

The degree can be completed in 2 years (four semesters)—with full-time enrollment in three semesters and part-time enrollment in the fourth semester. Part-time enrollment is also an option, typically with degree completion in 3 years. Some students, both part-time and full-time opt to enroll in non-required electives either in art history, museum studies, non-profit management, or other departments relevant to a student’s interests and professional goals.

In the first semester, students complete the required course in art historiography and methodology, which provides an essential foundation for embarking upon research relevant to the current state of a chosen area of study. They complete the required museum collections and art & representation seminars in either the first or second year. During the third semester, students enroll in the first required writing seminar, which immerses them in the process of preparing work for scholarly publication (including issues of copyright, publication submissions, and standards for review). In the final semester, they enroll in the second writing seminar to complete a qualifying paper, in consultation with a faculty advisor.

In addition to coursework, students demonstrate the ability to translate art historical literature from a foreign language relevant to their research interests into English.

Through the process of completing coursework, museum internships and research endeavors, students develop a professional portfolio relevant to their career objectives.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Museum Collections

Historiography and Methodology of Art History

Writing Seminar

Seminar in Art and Representation

Art History and Pedagogy

Seminar in Early Modern Art

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

International applicants must submit their applications no later than one month before the deadline for nationals

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Richmond, United States

Disciplines

History Art History View 536 other Masters in History in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A bachelor’s degree in art history or in a related field (e.g., history, anthropology, literary studies, religious studies or philosophy)

Applicants who have completed at least 18 undergraduate semester credit hours in art history are preferred

A statement of purpose, 750-1000 words in length, that briefly recounts applicant’s academic background, describes an avenue of inquiry that the applicant expects to explore, notes applicant’s professional goals beyond graduate study and explains why VCU art history is suited to applicant’s interests

A research/writing sample that has a clearly articulated thesis statement

Three letters of recommendation

Official transcripts from schools where applicant completed course work applied toward the baccalaureate degree

A current resume or CV

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33008 USD / year

≈ 33008 USD / year
Out-of-State

33008 USD / year

≈ 33008 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

17790 USD / year

≈ 17790 USD / year

Living costs

Richmond

United States

1071 - 1750 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Art History - Historical Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Richmond

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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