弗吉尼亚联邦大学

There are two curriculum concentrations in the MA program: historical studies, and museum studies. Each concentration provides students with a general background in the research methods and teachings of art history, and equips them for careers in arts and cultural institutions that require an MA degree. Each concentration also prepares students for the more rigorous research demands of the PhD, which is the required degree for academic and curatorial careers.

MA students complete their programs of study in 2 years (four semesters), which culminate in the submission of a qualifying paper completed in consultation with a faculty advisor.

In the first semester, all students complete a course in art historiography and methodology, which provides an essential foundation for embarking upon research relevant to the current state of a chosen area of study.

In the second semester, students complete a course in art history and pedagogy, in which they explore various philosophies and contemporary practices in the teaching of art history in academic and museum contexts. This course prepares students to teach college-level art history, facilitate museum tours and programs, and develop a teaching portfolio.

During the third semester, students complete a writing seminar, in which they are immersed in the process of preparing their work for academic publication (including issues of copyright, publication submissions, and standards for review and professional success). For Museum Studies students, the qualifying paper may be based upon a museum project completed during a previous semester.

While completing the aforementioned required courses,

• students in the historical studies concentration complete 6 seminars (18 credits) in art history, with at least one seminar in each of two categories-period/regional and thematic;
• museum studies students complete 2 museum studies seminars (6 credits), a museum internship (3 credits), and three seminars in art history (9 credits)

The program requirements can be completed in 2 years-with full-time enrollment in three semesters and part-time enrollment in the fourth semester. Some students opt to enroll in additional, non-required graduate courses during the fourth semester. These optional electives can be in art history, museum studies, non-profit management, or other departments relevant to students’ interests and professional goals.

In addition to coursework, each MA student demonstrates an ability to translate art historical literature from a foreign language relevant to his/her research into English. This requirement is completed during the first semester of coursework, during which students may opt to enroll in the departmental course on German for Art History Research.