About This Program

The Master of Arts degree in Art History offers a range of perspectives on art, theory and cultural production across historical periods, geographic regions and significant movements. When specializing in one area for the thesis, students may choose to focus in periods and genres related to faculty research and expertise.

Contact Information

• Shawn Powell | spowel31@kent.edu |
  330-672-2192

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Additional Careers

• Art history at the high school and introductory college survey level
• Museum registrars and museum technicians
• Property appraisers and assessors as part of auction houses, art galleries and antique shop businesses

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Curriculum vitae
• Goal statement (approximately 250 words) indicating the proposed area of specialization within the art history curriculum
• Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in the proposed area of study or a closely related field
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: February 1

Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
ARTH 52001	ART HISTORY METHODOLOGIES	3
ARTH 62091	ART HISTORY SEMINAR (repeated each semester)	12
Art History (ARTH) Graduate Electives		11
Culminating Requirement
ART 67199	M.A.THESIS I 1	6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:		32

¹

The thesis is a significant project or body of work done independently of other coursework. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to conduct research or produce a significant, original project in a discriminating and disciplined manner. The thesis topic should be one that will further the student’s knowledge and ability in the specialty by demonstrating skill as a researcher or studio artist. The outcome should be an effort that serves as a foundation for the pursuit of independent work when the graduate program is completed. At this stage, students are expected to work in close consultation with their thesis advisor.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements Summary

Minimum Major GPA	Minimum Overall GPA
-	3.000

• A reading knowledge of a language other than English is required.
• Successful completion of the Candidacy Review Examination is a requirement in every School of Art graduate program. In the Art History major, the examination is given in the third semester of full-time coursework. Successful completion of the examination designates the student as a candidate for the degree.

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of art from a range of historic and cultural traditions.
2. Observe, describe and interpret art objects, events and concepts within their cultural context.
3. Engage with a variety of methodologies and theories relevant to different fields of art history.
4. Demonstrate an advanced level of written and oral analysis.
5. Demonstrate advanced research skills and knowledge in a particular artist, collection, period or movement through the thesis.
6. Access and utilize relevant primary and secondary source material in diverse formats, including digital technology.
7. Become engaged citizens of a global community and recognize the role of art and cultural production as they foster communities, reflect identities and understand social systems.