Art History

Art History at the University of Illinois at Chicago offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of visual culture from antiquity to the present. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical skills through the study of diverse art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and new media from various periods and regions across the globe. Students will engage with historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches to understand the significance and influence of art within societies. The curriculum includes courses in Western and non-Western art traditions, response to contemporary issues in art, and opportunities for research, curatorial practice, and internships. Faculty members are active scholars who foster an interactive learning environment that encourages inquiry, creative interpretation, and scholarly debate. The program prepares students for careers in museums and galleries, academia, cultural management, and other fields related to arts and culture. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a comprehensive coursework plan complemented by research projects and exams. The university's location in Chicago provides access to a vibrant arts scene, including world-class museums, galleries, and cultural events, enriching the educational experience. Graduates of the Art History program will develop a broad understanding of art history methodologies and a deep appreciation for the cultural diversity expressed through artistic practices. They will be equipped with the skills necessary to analyze visual materials critically and communicate their insights effectively. The program also encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine art history with other academic disciplines for a well-rounded educational experience.

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
• Foreign Language Requirements Students must present evidence of advanced knowledge of a language other than English as it relates to their chosen area of research. Evidence of the ability to pursue research in additional languages may be necessary, depending on the availability of literature in the field selected. The selection of languages must be approved by the student’s advisor.
• Course Work Candidates must complete at least 64 semester hours of course work beyond the master’s degree. Of this amount, 32 semester hours must be in graduate seminars, of which 16 semester hours must be taken in the department. At least 32 semester hours of credit beyond the MA degree must be at the 500-level. Of the 64 semester hours required beyond the master’s degree, a maximum of 24 semester hours of dissertation research are allowed.

• Preliminary Examination Required; written and oral, to be taken upon completion of the course work and satisfaction of the language requirement. The written examination will cover the area of focus; the oral examination will be based on the written sections.
• Dissertation Required; the dissertation will make a contribution to knowledge in art history and will be publicly defended before the scholarly community.
• Grade Point Average Requirement Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.00/4.00. No credit will be given for a course taken as part of the doctoral program in which the grade earned was less than a B.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate Field No restrictions.
• Previous Degrees Completion of a Master of Arts program in Art History or equivalent is required for admission to the PhD program. However, exceptional students may be admitted directly to the PhD program with a bachelor’s degree, completing the requisite 96 semester credits of courses and the other requirements of the degree, without completing an MA. Students originally accepted in the department for the MA who wish to continue on to the doctorate must satisfy the department’s Master of Arts degree requirements and must apply to the PhD program. Doctoral applicants who have a Master of Arts degree in a related field may be accepted directly into the doctoral program with the transfer of up to 32 credits toward the doctorate. Examples of appropriate related degrees include: MArch, the MFA in Art, and the MA in such humanities areas as history, philosophy, or literature.
• Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 in an appropriate MA from another institution; if applying with a BA, the applicant must have a 3.20 overall and a 3.50 in the major, or approval by the Graduate Program Committee.
• Tests Required GRE General.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
  • TOEFL 650 (paper-based); 95, with subscores of  Reading 24, Listening 24, Speaking 24, and Writing 22 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
  • IELTS 7.0, with subscores of 6.5 for all four subscores, OR,
  • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
• Letters of Recommendation Three required, preferably from professors and others who are familiar with the applicant’s potential for serious academic work.
• Personal Statement Applicants must submit a short statement of purpose (2–3 pages) that should address the reasons for wishing to do doctoral work and the relationship of this work to their professional and career objectives.
• Writing Sample Applicants must submit a sample of their written work (approximately 25 pages).

Scholarships

• Teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships 
• Graduate assistantships
• Global Education

The Art History undergraduate program at the University of Illinois at Chicago offers students a comprehensive education in the visual arts, focusing on the historical development of artistic expression across different periods and cultures. This program aims to develop students' critical thinking, visual analysis, and research skills, preparing them for careers in museums, galleries, art consultancy, education, or further academic study. Students have the opportunity to explore a broad range of topics, including ancient, medieval, renaissance, modern, and contemporary art, as well as non-Western art traditions. The curriculum includes coursework in art theory, criticism, and methods, alongside specialized studies in specific periods and regions. The program often integrates hands-on experiences through internships and study abroad programs, allowing students to gain practical knowledge and exposure to the art world. Faculty members are experienced scholars and museum professionals committed to providing mentorship and fostering a vibrant academic community. Graduates of the Art History program at UIC are equipped with the analytical abilities and cultural literacy necessary to interpret works of art within their historical and social contexts. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to engage with gender, race, politics, and technology in understanding art. UIC's location provides students with access to numerous cultural institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and other regional museums, enhancing their educational experience through active participation in exhibitions and programs. Overall, the Art History undergraduate degree at UIC prepares students for diverse careers by combining rigorous academic training with experiential learning opportunities.