Art and Art History

The Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students a comprehensive education that combines the study of visual arts with the academic discipline of art history. This interdisciplinary program is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative abilities through a diverse curriculum that includes studio art, art history, and cultural studies. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital arts, and printmaking, while also gaining in-depth knowledge of the historical contexts and cultural significance of artworks across different periods and regions. The program aims to foster a deep understanding of visual expression and its impact on society, encouraging students to develop their own artistic voice alongside scholarly expertise. Through coursework, studio practice, and research projects, students learn to analyze and interpret artworks, mastering various techniques and conceptual frameworks. The program also emphasizes the importance of professional development, providing students with opportunities for internships, exhibitions, and engagement with arts communities. Graduates of the Art and Art History program are prepared for careers in art production, curation, education, arts administration, and other fields related to visual culture. The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and a vibrant campus artistic community that nurtures creativity, scholarly inquiry, and collaborative projects. Whether aiming to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce directly, students graduate with a well-rounded education that combines practical skills with critical awareness of art's role in society.

Degree Requirements: Plan I (Thesis Option) 

A minimum of 30 semester hours must be completed, of which 21 must be completed in residence on the Boulder campus. Requirements and regulations include:

Courses

• ARTH 6929 Theories of Art History must be taken during the first semester. This course may be taken twice for up to 6 credit hours.
• ARTH 5949 Visiting Scholars Seminar must be taken during the second semester when offered. Students are encouraged to repeat this course.
• At least one 3-credit, 5000- or 6000-level course in four of the following areas of art history: medieval, early modern and Renaissance, art of the Americas, Asian art, modern art, contemporary art and critical theory/museology. When available, ancient art may constitute an area.
• At least one 3-credit, 3000-level or above course in a department outside the Department of Art and Art History, which supplements the major or minor areas of specialization.
• Comprehensive exam (see below).
• ARTH 6959 Master’s Thesis: 4–6 credit hours (see below).
• No more than 9 hours of independent study credit may be applied toward the MA degree.
• Pass/fail courses do not count toward the MA degree.
• ARTH 5087 Selected Topics courses do not count toward the MA degree.
• A limit of 9 hours of transfer credits may be applied toward the MA degree.
• Students are encouraged and expected to attend undergraduate lecture courses as needed to prepare themselves for graduate seminars and for the comprehensive exam.
• Language requirement (see below).

Degree Requirements: Plan II (Project Option)

Same requirements as above with the following exceptions:

• A minimum of 36 semester hours is required.
• The project replaces the thesis.

Advisor. Upon admission, students are assigned a faculty advisor. Students should remain in close contact with the advisor as regards course registration and program requirements. At the end of the second semester of full time study, students should select a thesis advisor (or project advisor) from among the art history faculty.

First Year Review. During the last two weeks of April, students are evaluated during the first year review. It focuses on a review of student course work and performance, on selecting the major and minor areas of study in preparation for the comprehensive exam (see below) and on selection of a thesis topic.

Comprehensive Exam. This exam is given to measure the graduate student's knowledge of art history at the MA level. It consists of essay questions pertinent to the student’s major and minor areas of study. It is given once per year during the second week of October. The comprehensive exam consists of two essays: a two-hour essay in the major area and a 90-minute essay in the minor area. Students must pass the comprehensive exam in order to be eligible to register for thesis hours.

Thesis Abstract (“pre-thesis review”). By the end of the semester preceding the student's thesis semester, the student will prepare an abstract of approximately one-two typewritten pages, wtih attached bibliography, outlining the thesis topic and method of inquiry. The thesis abstract must be approved by the student’s pre-thesis review committee in order for the student to register for thesis hours.

Thesis. This should demonstrate scholarly research and writing in art history, should be based on independent study and analysis and should represent the equivalent of 4–6 credit hours. In most cases, the master's thesis is the equivalent of a 40–50 page paper, exclusive of endnotes, bibliography and illustrations.

Thesis Defense. In consultation with the thesis advisor, the student will select a thesis committee that consists of not less than three members of the art history graduate faculty, including the thesis advisor. The student will then schedule the thesis defense and prepare all necessary paperwork. The thesis must be submitted to all members of the thesis committee at least one week before the thesis defense. Graduate School guidelines ("specifications") must be used to prepare the MA thesis. Upon successful defense, the thesis is submitted to the Graduate School in the electronic form specified by the Graduate School, in accordance with the Graduate School’s deadlines. A hard copy of the signature page, complete with the thesis committee members’ signatures, is submitted to, and remains in, the Graduate School. 

Language Requirement. The candidate for the MA degree in art history is required to demonstrate an adequate reading knowledge of French, German or another appropriate language before receiving the degree by satisfactory course work equal to 3 progressive semesters at the college level or above or by passing an approved language examination. Language examinations may be arranged with one of the art history faculty on an individual basis.

Requirements

• Hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
• Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 for Art Practices and 3.00 for Art History.
• Provide GRE scores (70% of higher on the Verbal component) for MA (Art History) program.
• Provide writing sample of approximately 10-20 pages for MA (Art History) program. Typically, this is a paper submitted for an undergraduate class.
• For the MFA (Art Practices) program, provide 20 images (not more, not less) online through SlideRoom.  Film/Video applicants must submit DVDs, mailed to the departmental graduate program coordinator. Please see the departmental website for specific instructions, mailing address, and link to SlideRoom.
• For the MFA program, provide an Artist Statement (in addition to the personal statement of goals and objectives).
• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• TOEFL or IELTS 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Fellowships, teaching assistantships (MA, Art History). There is no separate application for financial support but the applicant's interest in a part-time teaching (TA, GPTI) or non-teaching (GA) position may be expressed in their statement of goals and objectives.