Academic Programs

MA in Art (Art History)

The Master’s Program in Art History in the School of Art is dedicated to maintaining high academic standards while simultaneously providing individualized attention in the advising and training of its students. The Art History faculty is committed to developing critical, creative, scholarly approaches to the history of art works, approaches grounded in sensitive perception as well as in familiarity with pertinent primary and secondary texts within a broader cultural context. Verbal and written discourse augments perceptual skills that are emphasized at every stage in the program. A student’s ability to use either French or German as a research tool must be demonstrated. Graduate students attend regularly scheduled classes at the graduate level and work independently toward a written thesis under the direction of faculty advisors. The MA in Art History degree is 30 credit hours and frequently necessitates a residency of two years; the Graduate College requires that all work including the thesis must be completed within five years. A written thesis is a requirement for the completion of the degree. The MA in Art History degree prepares the candidate to enter a doctoral program in Art History or to engage in museum or gallery work. Students seeking to gain admission to this degree program should have a strong liberal arts background with at least 18 hours in undergraduate art history credit. Students with fewer hours in art history must demonstrate special proficiency to do graduate work.

OU Graduate Bulletin

MA/PHD Graduate Handbook 2009-2010

MA Application