Program Requirements

The program requires students to complete a total of 12 courses (36 credits), according to the following plan:

Core Courses

One seminar in each of the following areas is required:
Theory and Methodology; Pre-modern art; Modern or American art; Non-Western art.

Language Requirement

Reading knowledge of one language other than English is required for all graduates and can be achieved while in the program.

Elective Courses

Seven courses are chosen in consultation with the director of graduate studies. Mostly additional graduate seminars, they may include undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit, independent study projects, internships, or graduate courses in other departments. Click here for descriptions of current seminars.

Qualifying Paper and Presentation

Students submit a qualifying paper during the last semester of study, which counts as the twelfth course for the degree. This paper demonstrates the ability to carry out original and extensive scholarly work in the discipline. Students give a presentation of their work at the annual graduate forum sponsored by the department.

Oral Examination

Also in the last semester of study, students prepare for a formal oral review and discussion of the issues raised in their qualifying paper research, conducted by a faculty committee.