MA Program Requirements

The MA program is a course-based degree designed to prepare students for curatorial work, art consultation, heritage programs, cultural journalism, secondary school teaching, and doctoral research.

MA students take six seminars (3.0 Full-Course Equivalents). Most full-time students complete the program in two terms by taking three seminars (1.5 FCEs) in each of the two terms. 

We have a limited number of places for students who wish to complete the MA part-time. Part-time students can take a maximum of one seminar (0.5 FCEs) per term, and complete the program in six terms (approximately three years). If you wish to apply for the part-time MA, you must indicate this in your application.

Students in the MA program are not assigned a supervisor and do not complete a thesis.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are admitted under the general regulations listed by the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants should have a strong overall grade average in the history of art and closely related subjects, with at least a B+ average in recent senior art history and/or humanities courses. The Department also welcomes applications from outstanding candidates with a background other than art history (with at least five art history courses in their academic background). In addition to transcripts, a CV, and three letters of reference, applicants must include a statement of intent and a sample research paper.

Graduate Application Information

Program Requirements

Requirement Description
Coursework and Distribution

Coursework is designed to give students a strong foundation in Art History research across multiple research areas. Students will complete six seminars (3.0 Full-Course Equivalents).

  • Coursework must be chosen from at least three of four time periods: 1) Ancient, 2) Medieval, 3) Early Modern, 4) Modern/Contemporary. No more than four seminars (2.0 FCEs) may be taken in any one of the four time periods.
  • Coursework must also be taken in at least two areas (European/US/Canada, East Asian, South Asian, African, Islamic, Diasporic, Indigenous). A course designated as Global – or any other category without a specific area focus – may count toward the distribution requirement if the student's final paper is on an appropriate topic.
  • A maximum of two seminars (1.0 FCE) may be taken in another graduate department, subject to approval of the Department of Art History and the other department concerned.

Breadth requirements for students who entered before fall 2024:

  • Coursework must be chosen from at least three of four time periods: 1) Ancient, 2) Medieval, 3) Early Modern, 4) Modern/Contemporary. No more than four seminars (2.0 FCEs) may be taken in any one of the four time periods.
  • Coursework must also be taken in at least two geographic zones (Western, East Asian, South Asian, African, etc.). Courses without a specific regional focus may count toward the geographical distribution requirement if the student's final paper is on an appropriate topic.
  • A maximum of two seminars (1.0 FCE) may be taken in another graduate department, subject to approval of the Department of Art History and the other department concerned.
Language The MA degree requires demonstrated reading knowledge of a language other than English. Language exams are administered by the department and consist of a two-hour translation exercise from your chosen language into English; only hard copy print dictionaries may be used. Language courses may be taken as preparation, but may not take the place of the language exam.
Orientation to Art Historical Research Methods New students must attend Orientation to Art Historical Research Methods: a workshop designed to familiarize new students with research resources, led by the Department Librarian.

Questions?

Please refer to the FAQ page and/or contact the Graduate Assistant.

Graduate Studies FAQ