2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
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2009-2010 University Catalog

Art History, MA

Banner Code: LA-MA-AH

The program in art history offers a unique master’s degree based on departmental strengths in traditional research, the application of new media, and the vast cultural resources of the Washington, D.C., area. Students study a broad range of art-historical periods, theory, and research methods. In addition, the program emphasizes new media skills, museum studies, and preprofessional internship training. Graduates are well-prepared for art museum and gallery professional work, where a master’s degree is now routinely required, or further study in doctoral programs.

This program of study is offered by the Department of History and Art History .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.
 

Application Requirements

In addition to meeting requirements for graduate study at Mason, applicants should hold a BA in art history or a minor in art history that includes two courses at the 400 level, or have an equivalent background. Candidates without the requisite background may be admitted provisionally. In addition to the application materials required for graduate study, applicants should submit the following:

  • Résumé that clearly describes student’s background in art history or related fields
  • Goals statement that explains student’s interest in art history graduate study
  • Satisfactory scores on GRE (This requirement is waived for students who received their undergraduate degree 10 or more years ago, or hold another graduate degree.)
  • Writing sample
  • Two letters of recommendation from art history professors or others closely associated with the candidate’s preprofessional activities

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing this degree must complete 30 graduate credits.

Three required courses (9 credits):

Five elective courses (15 credits) in ARTH and HIST

  • Electives from AVT, ANTH, or CULT may be used, with prior written permission of the graduate director

One course (3 credits) of applied preprofessional learning chosen from:

One course (3 credits) in technology and new media for preparation for the comprehensive exam chosen from:

Research Language Proficiency

  • Demonstration of reading ability in one relevant research language, to be approved by the graduate director

Written comprehensive exam

  • Students may retake the exam once, following the original procedures.  The second exam must be taken within one calendar year.