Frequently Asked Questions
What about the foreign language requirement?Reading knowledge of one foreign language is required for all graduates and can be completed while a student in the program. Proof of proficiency must be attained by the time the student has taken 6 graduate courses (18 credits) or has reached the mid-point in the program. The requirement can be completed by successfully passing a reading language course (verified by an official transcript) OR by undertaking an examination proctored once per semester (as of fall 2010) by the Department of Art History at St. Thomas (there is a fee involved). Please note that St. Thomas does not offer any Foreign Language 'Reading Proficiency Courses' so students are generally directed to the University of Minnesota Continuing Studies.
Students interested in financial aid information can go directly to the Office of Financial Services website at www.stthomas.edu/financialservices, click on "Graduate Financial Aid" and follow the links to the desired information, including deadlines, etc.
Do any students attend just part-time?
The majority of our students attend on a part-time basis due in part to either their employment schedule or family situation, etc. It is possible to take just one or two courses per semester (whereas our program defines "full-time" as 6 courses over the academic year (fall/spring/summer). The degree must be completed in an 8-year time span so anyone attending part-time has plenty of semesters to complete the degree.
Is it possible to take courses in any given semester if one misses the Nov. 1/March 1 degree-seeking application deadline?
One can apply for non-degree admission following the non-degree admission deadlines of January 15 (for spring semester), May 1 (for summer session), or August 15 (for fall semester). Once accepted, non-degree admission allows a student to begin at the start of any semester/session. Non-degree students are allowed to register on a space-available basis.
Why would someone apply for non-degree admission rather than degree admission?
If a student learns of the MA program in Art History or wants to begin the MA program at a time of the year when the Nov. 1 or March 1 application deadline has passed or is too far in the future, he or she can apply for non-degree admission in order to begin taking a class or classes in the upcoming semester/session. Non-degree admission also gives students a chance to generate a current Art History writing sample (required for degree admission) and to develop a relationship with faculty members for future letters of recommendation (also required for degree admission). And, if one is unsure of how graduate school might work with their current situation, non-degree admission gives one the chance to see if the program is a good 'fit' for them. (Please review the application procedures for non-degree admission on the website under GRADUATE, then Program & Curriculum, then Application Requirements.) NOTE: Non-degree students are allowed to register on a space-available basis.
How can I change my status from "non-degree" to "degree"?
Students who take courses at non-degree status and wish to change to degree-seeking status must go through the regular admission process. Once admitted to the program, students may transfer up to four courses taken as a non-degree student for credit towards their degree.
Is the GRE exam necessary for degree application?
The GRE exam is no longer a requirement for degree application to the M.A. in Art History at St. Thomas (as of 3.2.2007).
Can I begin sending my degree application materials in at any time or should my complete application come in at one time?
A file will be created for you once any piece of your application arrives at the graduate office. Additional items that arrive (i.e. letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.) will be recorded and placed in your file. You may call the graduate office at any time to check on the status of your application materials.
