Art History

Art History at the University of Utah offers a comprehensive and dynamic exploration of visual culture from ancient times to contemporary periods. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions of art across various civilizations and regions. Through rigorous coursework, students examine the development of artistic traditions, the influence of historical contexts on artistic production, and the ways in which art reflects and shapes societal values. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical approaches, encouraging critical analysis, research skills, and appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. Students engage with a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and new media arts, acquiring expertise in art interpretation and critique. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from history, anthropology, archaeology, and cultural studies to enrich students' understanding of art within broader societal frameworks. The faculty comprises experienced scholars and practicing professionals dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an environment of academic inquiry and creative exploration. Graduates of the Art History program are well-prepared for careers in museums, galleries, academia, art conservation, or further graduate study. The University of Utah provides state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and opportunities for research, internships, and exhibitions to enhance the educational experience. Whether you are passionate about ancient artifacts, medieval manuscripts, modernist movements, or contemporary art practices, the Art History program at the University of Utah offers a rigorous and inspiring environment for intellectual growth and professional development.

The MA degree in Art History is comprised of 36 semester credit hours composed of core coursework, area/period directed studies, and thesis research. Each student will consult with a faculty mentor for advising throughout her/his time in the program.

Required courses:

• Six semester credit hours of ARTH 6810 (3 credit hours each) taken in the fall and spring semesters of the first year.
• Three semester credit hours of ARTH 6800  taken in the fall semester of the first year, unless waived by the Director of Art History Graduate Studies. Completion of the course with a passing grade will count towards the 24 semester credit hours.
• Six semester credit hours of ARTH 6970, Thesis Research for students who have successfully passed the qualifying exam and been admitted to candidacy.
• A total of 24 twenty-four semester credit hours of graduate-level classes in the Art History Program. With pre-approval by the supervisory committee, one three-credit graduate course in another department may be substituted for an art history course.
   

Other degree requirements include:

• Verification of advanced proficiency in a foreign language approved by the Art History supervisory committee. Any class in foreign language instruction does not count toward the MA degree minimum 24 credit hour requirement.
• Passing score on a written qualifying paper
• Successful oral defense of a thesis approved by the Art History supervisory committee

Coursework must be taken for a minimum letter grade of “B-.” Credit/no credit is not an option for art history courses. Graduate students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in coursework in the MA degree program. To continue active status, students must enroll for at least three semester credit hours each fall and spring semesters until all degree requirements are completed.

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university or from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education in their home country. The Office of International Admissions will determine if applicants with international degrees meet the Graduate School's requirement of a recognized bachelor's degree.
• At least a 3.0 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA on a 4.0 scale. If the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, a GPA will be calculated for the last two years attended if schooling was done at a foreign institution, and based upon the last 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) if the student attended a U.S. institution.
• 6.5 on the IELTS
• 80 on the TOEFL iBT
• 550 on the TOEFL pBT (paper-based)
• Statement of purpose to explain your preparation, interests, and goals in the graduate study of art history. You should also identify one or two faculty members in the Art History Program who you believe would be best suited to mentor you in your area of interest within art history.
• Curriculum vitae (résumé) with your academic background and other educational experiences
• Academic writing sample (e.g., an undergraduate research paper) to show your most mature approach to research and writing
• Two letters of recommendation by professors or instructors who are familiar with your academic work and can speak to your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program [submitted online separately by your evaluators]

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

The Department of Art & Art History offers financial aid for incoming and second-year students in the form of teaching assistantships, fellowships, research and conference travel grants, and summer language study. The teaching assistantships provide students with both a stipend and at least 50% off of in-state tuition. Assistantships are dependent upon departmental needs and are made on either a semester or annual basis. Other sources of graduate funding include the Excellence Through Diversity Fellowship from the Diversity Office and Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships in Asian Studies and Latin American Studies. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History at the University of Utah offers students an in-depth exploration of the visual arts across various cultures and time periods. This program is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and appreciation for historical and contemporary art. Throughout the curriculum, students examine a wide array of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, architecture, and decorative arts, while gaining an understanding of their cultural and historical contexts. The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of art history, encouraging students to engage in visual analysis, research, and writing.

Students have opportunities to study ancient, medieval, Renaissance, modern, and contemporary art, with courses often focusing on specific geographical regions such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The coursework typically includes courses on art theory, history, and methodology, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding artistic movements, styles, and techniques. The program also encourages experiential learning through museum visits, internships, and research projects, facilitating real-world applications of theoretical knowledge.

Faculty members are scholars with extensive expertise in various areas of art history, guiding students through personalized mentorship and research opportunities. The university’s location offers access to significant art collections and museums, enhancing the academic experience. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in art curation, museum work, academia, arts administration, or continue their education in graduate programs. Overall, the Art History degree at the University of Utah is structured to prepare students for diverse careers in the arts sector by fostering critical analysis, cultural awareness, and research proficiency.