Art History

Art History at Tufts University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the visual arts from ancient to contemporary periods. This program is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of artistic movements, historical contexts, and cultural significance across diverse regions and time periods. Students will engage in rigorous analysis of artworks, developing critical thinking and interpretative skills essential for careers in museums, galleries, academia, conservation, and cultural management. The curriculum includes courses that cover Western, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern art, ensuring a global perspective on artistic development. Students have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities such as gallery excursions, internships, and research projects that enhance practical experience and professional readiness. Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise in various areas of art history, providing mentorship and fostering intellectual growth. The program emphasizes methodological approaches, including visual analysis, archival research, and theoretical frameworks, preparing students for advanced scholarly work or interdisciplinary careers. In addition to classroom instruction, students benefit from access to Tufts' rich resources, including special collections and partnerships with local cultural institutions. The Art History program encourages critical dialogue about aesthetics, cultural identity, and the social role of art throughout history. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue graduate studies, museum positions, curatorial work, art conservation, or roles in cultural policy and education. The interdisciplinary environment at Tufts supports innovative research and fosters a global outlook, enabling students to become informed and thoughtful contributors to the understanding and appreciation of visual culture worldwide.

The master's program in art history is designed to provide a broad historical and theoretical understanding of the visual arts, in addition to developing critical thinking and methodological skills. Students engage these issues through course work, seminars, independent research, and teaching experience.

Students complete their degree either by writing a thesis or by submitting two qualifying papers; either option involves an independent research topic designed by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor. M.A. students from our program are successful in applying to and completing Ph.D. programs.

Requirements for the M.A. degree in Art History

• Reading knowledge of one foreign language upon entry
• Eight semester courses in art history at the advanced (100 and above) level
  • Historiography and Methodology (FAH101)
  • At least three (3) seminars
  • A graduate level language course in a second foreign language maybe taken in lieu of a lecture course with the permission of the graduate director
• Comprehensive Exam
• At least one semester TA or RA (subject to enrollments and funding)
• M.A. thesis or two Qualifying Papers

1. Online application for admission
2. Scanned copies of all college transcripts
3. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
4. Personal statement elaborating on your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study at Tufts
5. Application fee of $85 
6. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
7. Achieved competitive scores on both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE
8. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the internet based exam is required for M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. applicants, and a minimum score of 85 is required for M.F.A. applicants. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. 
9. GRE general test score
10. A recent writing sample of your best piece of writing
11. Personal statement
12. Three letters of recommendation
13. Reading knowledge of a foreign language

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

For students who show scholarly promise, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering offer scholarships, fellowships, and research or teaching assistantships to full-time students in doctoral programs. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences also offers awards to full-time students in master’s programs. Certificate students are not eligible for these awards.

• Tuition Scholarships are available in most master's and doctoral programs for qualified students.
• Teaching Assistantships are offered by most departments.
• Research Assistantships are generally available in the science and engineering areas.
• Fellowships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding records of achievement and a well-articulated plan of study.

The Art History program at Tufts University offers students a comprehensive exploration of visual culture from ancient to contemporary times. Through a rigorous curriculum, students engage deeply with diverse art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and new media, analyzing their historical contexts, stylistic developments, and cultural significance. The program emphasizes critical thinking, visual analysis, and scholarly research skills, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, academia, conservation, and cultural policy. Students have the opportunity to study a variety of periods and regions, supported by a distinguished faculty renowned for their expertise in areas such as medieval, Renaissance, modern, and non-Western art. The curriculum includes courses that focus on methodologies, conservation practices, and digital humanities, reflecting the evolving nature of art history as a discipline. Additionally, Tufts encourages experiential learning through internships, study abroad programs, and museum collaborations, enabling students to gain practical experience and professional networks. The program often emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, anthropology, philosophy, and literature to provide a holistic understanding of visual arts within their historical and cultural frameworks. Graduates of the Art History program at Tufts are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or to enter vocations that require visual literacy, cultural awareness, and analytical skills. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its curriculum and community, fostering a vibrant academic environment that celebrates global artistic traditions. Overall, the program aims to cultivate knowledgeable, critical, and culturally aware individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to the fields of art history, museum curation, conservation, and beyond.