M.A. in Art History, Pathway - 2 Semesters

Washington, D.C.

 

INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug

Program Overview

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Art History program at American University Washington D.C. offers students an enriching educational experience focused on the study of art and visual culture. The M.A. in Art History program at American University Washington D.C. offers students a rich and interdisciplinary learning experience that prepares them for diverse career paths in academia, museums, galleries, cultural institutions, publishing, education, arts administration, and related fields. Graduates emerge as knowledgeable scholars, skilled researchers, and critical thinkers equipped to contribute to the study, interpretation, and preservation of art and visual culture in a global context.

Curriculum:

  1. Comprehensive Curriculum: The M.A. in Art History program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of art history, covering various periods, styles, movements, and geographic regions. Students explore diverse artistic traditions, aesthetic theories, and cultural contexts to analyze and interpret works of art.

  2. Interdisciplinary Approach: The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on perspectives from art history, cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and other fields. Students examine art within broader social, political, religious, and historical contexts, fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary scholarship.

  3. Historical Periods and Themes: The curriculum encompasses a range of historical periods, themes, and artistic media, including ancient art, medieval art, Renaissance art, Baroque art, modern art, contemporary art, non-Western art, architecture, sculpture, painting, photography, and new media. Students study significant artists, movements, and artworks, analyzing their stylistic innovations, cultural significance, and critical reception.

  4. Methodological Approaches: Students learn various methodological approaches to art historical analysis, including formal analysis, iconography, iconology, semiotics, psychoanalysis, feminism, postcolonialism, and critical theory. They develop skills in visual analysis, archival research, object-based research, and the interpretation of visual culture.

  5. Research and Writing Skills: The program emphasizes research and writing skills, equipping students with the tools to conduct independent research, write scholarly essays, and present their findings effectively. Students learn to formulate research questions, locate primary and secondary sources, analyze visual evidence, and construct coherent arguments supported by evidence.

  6. Museum Studies and Curatorial Practices: The program may offer courses or opportunities for students to explore museum studies, curatorial practices, exhibition design, and museum management. Students gain practical experience working with museum collections, organizing exhibitions, and engaging with museum professionals and cultural institutions.

  7. Professional Development: The program provides professional development opportunities, including internships, workshops, seminars, and networking events. Students have the chance to gain hands-on experience in museums, galleries, archives, auction houses, cultural organizations, or academic institutions, preparing them for careers in the arts and cultural sector.

  8. Digital Humanities and Technological Tools: Students may engage with digital humanities methods and technological tools for art historical research, preservation, and dissemination. They learn to use digital archives, databases, mapping tools, virtual reality, and other digital platforms to enhance their research and engage with digital art history scholarship.

  9. Global Perspectives: The program embraces global perspectives, encouraging students to explore art from diverse cultural, geographical, and historical contexts. Students examine transnational exchanges, cross-cultural influences, and global networks in the production, circulation, and reception of art across different regions and time periods.

  10. Critical Engagement and Public Outreach: Students are encouraged to critically engage with contemporary issues, debates, and ethical considerations in the field of art history. They explore questions of cultural heritage, representation, identity, power, and access, while also considering the role of art in public discourse, education, and social change.

Pollster Education

Location

Washington, D.C.

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

USD 30752

Entry requirements for Postgraduate programs

  1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate students applying to American University are expected to demonstrate strong academic qualifications in their previous studies. While specific requirements may vary depending on the program, applicants typically need to hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. The academic qualifications requirement generally falls within the range of 83% to 86%, depending on the program and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

  2. English Language Proficiency:  

    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 6 is required with no band less than 5.5.
    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score 74 with no band less than 20 is required.
    • PTE (Pearson Test of English): The minimum PTE Academic score required is 50 with no band less than 46.
    • DET (Duolingo English Test): The minimum DET score of 100 is required with no sub-score below 90.

American University (AU) in Washington D.C., USA, is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing financial assistance to international students through various scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to attract top talent from around the world and make an American University education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.  

Global Leader Scholarship: The Global Leader Scholarship at American University is a merit-based award offered to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

International Peace Scholarship: The International Peace Scholarship is awarded to international students who have a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to promoting peace, justice, and social change. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible students enrolled in undergraduate programs at American University.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students who have overcome significant obstacles and challenges to pursue their education and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities. This scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

AU International Merit Scholarship: The AU International Merit Scholarship is awarded to international students with exceptional academic achievements and strong leadership qualities. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students enrolled at American University.

AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students: The AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students is awarded to academically talented international students who demonstrate financial need and have a strong commitment to academic excellence. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students at AU.

AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students: The AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students is awarded to outstanding transfer students from international institutions who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate transfer students at American University.

AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students: The AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students is awarded to top-performing international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership abilities, and a commitment to service. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition for eligible undergraduate students at AU.

These scholarships for international students at American University reflect the university's commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and global engagement. By providing financial assistance and support to talented and deserving students from around the world, American University seeks to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community and prepare students to become global leaders and change-makers in their respective fields. International students interested in applying for scholarships at American University should review the eligibility criteria and application requirements on the university's official website and contact the Office of Admissions for further assistance.

Graduates of the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Art History program at American University Washington D.C. are equipped with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of art and visual culture. They are well-prepared for various career opportunities in the fields of academia, museums, galleries, cultural institutions, publishing, education, arts administration, and beyond. The M.A. in Art History program at American University Washington D.C. prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding careers in the arts and cultural sector, where they can contribute their expertise, passion, and creativity to the study, interpretation, and preservation of art and visual culture in local, national, and global contexts.

  1. Museum Curator: Graduates may pursue careers as museum curators, responsible for managing collections, organizing exhibitions, conducting research, and engaging with the public. They work in museums, galleries, historic houses, and cultural institutions, curating art exhibitions, developing educational programs, and preserving cultural heritage.

  2. Art Historian: Graduates may work as art historians, conducting scholarly research, writing academic articles and books, and teaching courses in universities, colleges, or art schools. They specialize in specific periods, styles, or artists, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in art history through original research and critical analysis.

  3. Gallery Director: Graduates may become gallery directors or art gallery managers, overseeing the operation of commercial art galleries, art dealerships, or auction houses. They curate exhibitions, manage art sales, cultivate relationships with artists and collectors, and promote the gallery's brand and artistic vision.

  4. Arts Administrator: Graduates may work as arts administrators or cultural managers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or arts councils. They oversee programs, manage budgets, coordinate events, and advocate for arts funding and cultural initiatives to support artists, arts organizations, and creative communities.

  5. Educator: Graduates may pursue careers as educators, teaching art history courses in secondary schools, community colleges, or continuing education programs. They inspire students, foster critical thinking skills, and promote visual literacy through the study of art history, contributing to the education and cultural enrichment of future generations.

  6. Researcher: Graduates may work as researchers or research associates in academic institutions, think tanks, or cultural organizations. They conduct specialized research projects, contribute to scholarly publications, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address complex issues in art history, cultural studies, or museum studies.

  7. Archivist or Librarian: Graduates may become archivists, librarians, or information specialists in libraries, archives, or special collections. They preserve and manage archival materials, rare books, and visual resources related to art history, facilitating access to historical documents and supporting research and scholarship in the field.

  8. Art Critic or Journalist: Graduates may pursue careers as art critics, journalists, or writers, contributing to newspapers, magazines, blogs, or online publications. They write reviews, essays, and articles on art exhibitions, artists, and art trends, offering insights and commentary to inform and engage diverse audiences.

  9. Arts Consultant: Graduates may work as arts consultants or advisors, providing expertise and strategic guidance to individuals, businesses, or organizations in the art market. They offer services such as collection management, art valuation, exhibition planning, or art investment advice to clients seeking to navigate the art world.

  10. Cultural Heritage Specialist: Graduates may specialize in cultural heritage preservation, working for heritage organizations, preservation societies, or government agencies. They assess cultural sites, monuments, and artifacts, develop conservation strategies, and advocate for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage resources.


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