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George Mason University
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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Art History, MA


Banner Code: LA-MA-AH
Web: historyarthistory.gmu.edu

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences  
Department: History and Art History  

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.

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in any bachelor’s program.  See Bachelor's Degree (any)/Art History, Accelerated MA  for requirements.

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

Application Requirements


Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admissions  section of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in art history, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

Degree Requirements


This program does not permit a reduction of credit based on a previously conferred graduate degree.

Four to five elective courses (12-15 credits) in ARTH and HIST


Students may choose electives in AVT, ANTH, or CULT with prior written permission of the graduate director. Students who choose to write a thesis complete 12 elective credits; others complete 15.

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


One course (3 credits) in technology and new media chosen from:


Research language proficiency


Students must demonstrate reading ability in one relevant research language to be approved by the graduate director.

Written comprehensive exam


Students who do not pass may retake the exam once, following the original process.  The second exam must be taken within 12 months of the first exam.

Optional Thesis (3 credits)


Students who choose to write a thesis should be aware of the policies governing theses as stated in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog. They must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in ARTH 799, maintain continuous enrollment.

Total: 30 credits