Apply for a Master of Arts in Art History

Selection Criteria | How to Apply

selection criteria

For the MA in Arts History program:

Applicant Background

  • The department considers your preparation in art history, as well as your academic breadth in related fields such as literature and history.
  • An undergraduate degree in art history is not required for admission to the MA program.

Pathways to the PhD

  • Students may apply to and be admitted to the PhD program with or without a completed master’s degree.
  • Students entering the PhD program with an MA already completed may petition to waive select coursework, allowing for more rapid progression through the PhD curriculum.
Faculty Contact Guidelines
  • We strongly recommend that you contact the faculty member(s) with whom you are most interested in working prior to submitting your application.
  • Faculty interests and contact information are available from the faculty page.
  • Send general questions about the graduate program to the Director of Graduate Studies.
  • Direct your questions about the application process to 541-346-3675 or to arthist@uoregon.edu.
How to apply
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Application Timeline
Application Deadline: December 15
  • Application Available: October 1
  • Application Deadline: December 15
  • Application Decision: Decision letters are usually emailed approximately 4–8 weeks after the application deadline.

Note: If the application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the following business day.

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Application Process
Apply through the Division of Graduate Studies' Process
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Department of History of Art and Architecture Requirements
Submit with Your Application
  • Statement of Purpose
    • Describe in detail your interests in the field of art and/or architectural history. This statement should include an account of your research interests, professional goals, how these integrate with our department, and why you wish to be admitted to our program. Be sure to indicate the faculty member (or members) and the resources and aspects of the program that seem particularly suited to your educational needs. Please limit the length of this document to a maximum of four double-spaced pages.
  • Writing Sample
    • Provide one sample of your scholarly work that reflects your research and critical writing skills (30 double-spaced pages maximum)
  • List of Art History Courses
  • Description of Language Preparation and Proficiency
    • All graduate students are required to demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one foreign language by the end of their first year in the program. The language must be approved by the student's advisor and should be relevant to the student's scholarly interests.
  • CV or Resume
    • Upload a copy of your curriculum vitae or résumé listing your educational background and experience.
  • Transcripts
    • Upload a PDF copy of all of your transcripts and degree certificates. 
  • Three (3) Recommendations 
    • Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, and recommenders should be former professors or similar professionals who are in a position to evaluate your potential for successful completion of a graduate degree in art history. The GradWeb Application System will guide you through the process. You will only have to enter names and email addresses. The system will request the recommendation directly.