Each year, the Division of Art History receives more than 60 applications for their graduate programs. Applications are reviewed by a committee of Art History faculty members.
The selection process aims to identify qualified students who are prepared to succeed in the program and who have interests and goals well-matched to the strengths of the faculty and resources of the program.
It is the School of Art + Art History + Design’s policy not to comment on specific admissions decisions.
Prerequisites for Admission
Applicants to the Art History MA thesis track graduate program must meet the University of Washington Graduate School general admission requirements and must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or B average in art history courses.
Before beginning graduate work, students should ordinarily have completed the requirements for an undergraduate degree, majoring in the history of art. At the University of Washington, this includes 55 quarter-credits in art history covering a broad range of art history in a variety of cultural contexts. We invite applications from students who have completed their BA degrees in other fields but wish to pursue an advanced degree in art history; such students should have a strong art history background in addition to their coursework in other fields.
The Graduate Application Process
Application to the School of Art + Art History + Design graduate programs is completed online through the University of Washington Graduate School website. The online application cycle opens November 15th. Deadline for application is 11:50pm (PST) January 15. If you have any questions while submitting your material for review, please email gradart@uw.edu.
The Graduate School application website will request the following documents:
- Application for Graduate Study at the University of Washington (online). To finalize your application, please submit the $85 application fee. Once finalized, you will no longer be able to update your online application. You will be able to log into your application to view your status in the process. Please contact gradart@uw.edu if you have to make any changes to your application once it has been finalized.
- Transcripts: Applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each institution from which they have obtained a degree. Applicants who are admitted to the program will be required to submit official transcripts prior to matriculation. Please ensure that the student name and school name appear and that the scan is legible. If you are scanning original transcripts, make sure the pages are oriented upright for screen viewing (vertical or landscape).
- Letters of recommendation: Applicants will be prompted to provide the name and email address of 3 (maximum 4) recommenders. The recommenders will be sent a link to the online evaluation form via email. Each letter of recommendation should be written by someone who is able to comment on your qualifications for graduate study. As part of the application process, you will be given the opportunity to voluntarily waive your right to inspect the completed letters.
- English Proficiency test scores (for international students): Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington, and every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. See Graduate School Memo #8 and English Proficiency Tests comparison tables for information on the University’s policy. When requesting official TOEFL scores from ETS use institution code 4854 for the University of Washington. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. The University of Washington only accepts scores submitted electronically directly from the testing center. The application will also prompt you to self-report your test scores. If you have not yet taken the test, please enter the test date on the form. Official scores must be received by the application deadline.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Your resume/CV should summarize your educational background, including institutions and degrees earned. It should also include a summary of academic positions held (e.g. teaching assistantships), awards and fellowships, academic publications, and/or exhibitions.
- Personal Statement: This statement should clearly articulate your goals and the extent to which the program to which you are applying can be expected to prepare you for those objectives. The statement should also describe your background and experience in art history or an allied discipline as well as preparation for advanced work in the field to which you are applying.
- Writing Sample: Papers produced for art history classes are generally the most useful evidence for reviewers of your written work. Other helpful submissions include art-history-related articles, catalog essays, museum publications, or other writing dealing with art-historical topics. If none of the above are available, submit samples of writing you feel would be most useful for those evaluating (a) your ability to express yourself clearly in writing, and (b) your ability to address subject matter relevant to art history. Writing samples should not exceed 25 pages in length; a research paper of 10-15 pages in art history or a closely related field, preferably related to the student’s area of research interest, is preferred.