Each year, the Division of Art History receives over 100 applications for its MA and PhD programs. Applications are reviewed by the faculty of the division. We aim to identify students who are well-prepared for advanced study in art history, and whose interests and goals align clearly with faculty strengths and program resources. Prospective applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with faculty areas of specialization and to consult with potential advisor(s) via email to discuss how our program might support your specific research interests.
Eligibility
All Art History MA and PhD program applicants 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.
PhD applicants must successfully complete a master’s degree in art history, or an MA in a related field combined with coursework in art history, before beginning the doctoral program.
Preparation
Competitive applicants to the MA: Thesis Track need not have an undergraduate major in art history. However, they should demonstrate a solid record of coursework in the field. In our program, we define a “solid record” as having completed more than the minimum number of credits required to earn a minor, distributed across the major fields of study offered in our courses. Studio art classes and work experience in art-related fields can enhance your application but, in most cases, will not substitute for a good background in academic coursework.
Competitive applicants for the MA: Practicum Track will have a Bachelor of Arts degree. Applicants need not have an undergraduate major in art history but should have a solid record of art history coursework. Studio art classes and work experience in art-related fields can enhance your application.
Competitive applicants to the PhD program must hold or be nearing completion of a Master of Arts degree in the History of Art (a MA is required before beginning our program). They should be able to clearly demonstrate specific research interests and intellectual goals that align with our faculty’s areas of research specialization.
We expect MA: Thesis Track and PhD students to take reading proficiency examinations in one (MA: Thesis Track) or two (PhD) languages relevant to their field of study during their first year in the program. If students do not pass the language exams in their first year, they will be asked to make verifiable progress toward this goal and pass exams as soon as possible. They may be asked to curtail art history coursework if satisfactory progress toward language requirements is not made. Evidence of ability to pass language exams will be a consideration in evaluating applications.
Application Process and Requirements
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 on November 15. Deadline for application is January 15, 11:50 pm (PST). 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:
- Online application for Graduate Study at the University of Washington. To finalize your application, please submit the $90 application fee. After you have submitted your application, you will no longer be able to make changes online. Please contact gradart@uw.edu if you have to make any changes to your application once it has been submitted.
- 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’s 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. Please see Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements for examples of test comparison tables and 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, and any academic publications, exhibitions, or other relevant examples of your work.
- 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 50 pages in length; writing samples of 20-30 pages are most common.
Application Deadline
The online application cycle opens November 15. Deadline for application is January 15, 11:50pm (PST).
Graduate Aid
The School of Art + Art History + Design offers different types of recruitment packages – combinations of scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships – to qualified students in the first year of study. Additional funding is awarded based on funding availability and other factors, including student evaluations and faculty approval.