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Graduate Degrees and Admissions

Ready to join our community of dedicated artists, educators and scholars? Below, find admissions information, the application process and more information about the program you’re interested in, then fill out the Graduate Admissions Application by Jan. 10, 2023.

The School of Art will implement a “Free Graduate School” program in fall 2023 to help reduce financial stress as our incoming MFA and Ph.D. students pursue their passions. The program covers all base tuition costs, plus an annual stipend. Through Graduate Assistantships and other forms of aid, students will be guaranteed three years of full funding. Learn more

Contact Megan Bartel, graduate academic adviser, at mbartel@arizona.edu with any questions.

The Master of Arts in Art History provides a broad based and methodologically critical foundation essential to pursuing a career in Art History, whether in a university or museum setting. There are two options: thesis track, for those interested in continuing for a Ph.D. or pursuing an advanced teaching career in Art History through stressing scholarly research skills; and non-thesis track, for practical training for teaching at the community college level or for working in art museum education, galleries and other commercial visual arts enterprises.

Subject Areas within Art History

  • American
  • Ancient
  • Architectural History
  • Contemporary Art and Theory
  • Latin American
  • Modern
  • Museum Studies (Certificate Program)
  • History of Photography

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Spring – September 15

Fall – Priority Deadline: January 10
Fall – Final Deadline: March 15

Students who submit their applications by the priority deadline will have priority consideration for financial assistance from the School of Art.

Applications received on or before each deadline will constitute a competitive pool, and will be reviewed by faculty shortly after the deadline has passed.

All submitted applications will be considered after the application deadline has passed. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. Paper applications will not be accepted, please submit all materials via the Graduate Admissions Application.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITES

Applicants must have a recognized bachelor degree, and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. In addition, applicants should have taken at least four upper division Art History courses (12 units). While students may be admitted without these courses, they will be required to complete any deficiencies before graduate courses count toward the Master Degree.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Through the Graduate Admissions Application you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee. For this application you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Please provide a Statement of Purpose
  • Please combine the following items into a single document (maximum file size: 5 MB) in the order shown below:
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Writing or Research Sample. Maximum of 10 pages.
  • Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended. For initial evaluation purposes, you may attach scans of official or unofficial transcripts.
  • The names and contact information for 3 referees who will be submitting Letters of Recommendation on your behalf. All letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline and must be from faculty members that can speak about your academic and research ability and potential for graduate studies. The preferred method to receive letters of recommendation is through the web-based Graduate Admissions Application. If, however, this is not possible, letters can be sent to:
    • Graduate Program
      School of Art
      University of Arizona
      P.O. Box 210002
      Tucson, AZ 85721
  • GRE scores – Please request that ETS send official notification of your GRE scores to the Graduate College. The institutional code for the University of Arizona is 4832. The Art History division only looks at Verbal and Analytical scores.

The Graduate College requires additional materials for International Applicants (Proof of Financial Resources, Health Insurance, and proof of English proficiency for students whose native language is not English). Please refer to the Graduate College website for details

If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Art by sending an email to mbartel@email.arizona.edu.

Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at anytime by logging in to the Graduate Admissions Application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

View the Programs of Study page to explore the degree programs offered at the University of Arizona.

Apply

The Master of Arts in Art & Visual Culture Education is intended to meet the needs of students who wish advanced professional understanding within the field of Art Education. You may pursue an M.A. or, if interested in certification to teach in public schools and not currently certified, the MA plus certification. If you already hold an M.A. or M.F.A. degree, you may want to be a part of our Doctoral Studies program.

AREAS OF EMPHASIS

  • Art & Visual Culture Studies
  • Community & Museums
  • Teaching Certification

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Spring – September 15

Fall – Priority Deadline: January 10
Fall – Final Deadline: March 15

Students who submit their applications by the priority deadline will have priority consideration for financial assistance from the School of Art.

Applications received on or before each deadline will constitute a competitive pool, and will be reviewed by faculty shortly after the deadline has passed.

All submitted applications will be considered after the application deadline has passed. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. Paper applications will not be accepted, please submit all materials via the Graduate Admissions Application.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITES

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. In addition, applicants must have a recognized bachelor degree in either Art Education, Studio Art, Art History, or Education. If your degree is in another area, please contact an Art and Visual Culture Education faculty member to discuss your application. While students may be admitted without a degree in Art Education, Studio Art, Art History, or Education, they may be required to complete coursework deficiencies either before graduate courses or concurrent with graduate enrollment that will not count toward the Master Degree.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Through the Graduate Admissions Application you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee. For this application you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Describe your Art Education interests in a few sentences
  • Please provide a 1-2 page Autobiographical Statement addressing your educational and personal experiences, achievements, and goals relevant to art and visual culture education.
  • Please combine the following items into a single document (maximum file size: 5 MB) in the order shown below:
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Writing or Research Sample. Maximum of 10 pages.
  • If you have a studio background, submit a PDF with 10-20 images, one image per page and provide the title, medium, dimensions and date under each image. Please click here and review our sample portfolio. If you are submitting video, provide a link to a website like Vimeo or YouTube. Size limit 5MB.
  • Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended. For initial evaluation purposes, you may attach scans of official or unofficial transcripts.
  • The names and contact information for 3 referees who will be submitting Letters of Recommendation on your behalf. All letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline and at least 2 letters must be from faculty members that can speak about your academic and research ability and potential for graduate studies. The preferred method to receive letters of recommendation is through the web-based Graduate Admissions Application. If, however, this is not possible, letters can be sent to:
    • Graduate Program
      School of Art
      University of Arizona
      P.O. Box 210002
      Tucson, AZ 85721

The Graduate College requires additional materials for International Applicants (Proof of Financial Resources, Health Insurance, and proof of English proficiency for students whose native language is not English). Please refer to the Graduate College website for details.

If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Art by sending an email to mbartel@email.arizona.edu.

Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to the Graduate Admissions Application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

View the Programs of Study page to explore the degree programs offered at the University of Arizona.

Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator to learn more about programs and admissions.

Apply

The Master of Fine Arts program in Studio Art combines conceptual, technical and critical thinking skills that enable students to gain a deeper understanding of their own artistic ideas and vision.

AREAS OF EMPHASIS

APPLICATION DEADLINE

January 10

The Art MFA program admits students for fall semesters only.

All submitted applications will be considered after the application deadline has passed. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. Paper applications will not be accepted, please submit all materials via the Graduate Admissions Application.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITE

Applicants must have a recognized bachelor degree and a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Through the Graduate Admissions Application you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee. For this application you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Please provide a Statement of Purpose
  • Select the track you would like to apply for:
    • 2D: Painting and Drawing
    • 2D: Printmaking
    • 3D & Extended Media
    • Illustration, Design, and Animation
    • Interdisciplinary Practice
    • Photography, Video and Imaging
  • Please provide a Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Please attach a Portfolio of 20 Images (largest file size for each image is 2 MB) with the title, medium, dimensions and date. If you are submitting video, please submit a still for the image and provide us with a link to a website like YouTube, Vimeo before the title, medium, dimensions and date of your video.
  • Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended. For initial evaluation purposes, you may attach scans of official or unofficial transcripts.
  • The names and contact information for 3 references who will be submitting Letters of Recommendation forms on your behalf. (Click here for the PDF form; click here for the Word Doc form). All Letter of Recommendation forms must be received by the application deadline and at least 2 Letter of Recommendation forms must be from academic sources. The preferred method to receive letter of recommendation forms is through the web-based Graduate Admissions Application. If, however, this is not possible, letters can be sent to:
    • Graduate Program
      School of Art
      University of Arizona
      P.O. Box 210002
      Tucson, AZ 85721

The Graduate College requires additional materials for International Applicants (Proof of Financial Resources, Health Insurance, and proof of English proficiency for students whose native language is not English). Please refer to the Graduate College website for details.

If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Art by sending an email mbartel@email.arizona.edu.

Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at anytime by logging in to the Graduate Admissions Application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

View the Programs of Study page to explore the degree programs offered at the University of Arizona.

Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator to learn more about programs and admissions.

Apply

The Ph.D. in Art History and Education provides an interdisciplinary, theoretically informed, methodologically diverse two-track Ph.D. program: with one track in Art History and one in Art & Visual Culture Education. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to research, theory, and practice within their respective fields in university, museum, community, and other arts leadership positions.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Spring – September 15
Fall – January 10

All submitted applications will be considered after the application deadline has passed. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. Paper applications will not be accepted, please submit all materials via the Graduate Admissions Application.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITES

Art History Track

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Applicants should have a recognized Master degree in Art History. If your degree is in another area, please contact the Art History Graduate Advisor to discuss your application.

Applicants with an M.A. outside Art History may be admitted to the program, but they will be required to take one of the methodologies courses (511a or 511b) and three graduate level courses in Art History (a total of 12 units) that will not count as coursework for the Ph.D. degree.

Applicants currently enrolled in an M.A. program should include in their statement of purpose their M.A. thesis proposal and a statement that they expect to have completed the Master degree by August of the academic year in which they would begin the Ph.D. program. The letter of recommendation from the M.A. advisor should also make reference to the expected date of completion of the M.A.

Art and Visual Culture Education Track

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Applicants must also hold a recognized Master degree in Art Education, Studio Art, Art History, or Education. If your degree is in another area, please contact an Art and Visual Culture Education faculty member to discuss your application.

Current University of Arizona AVCE M.A. students are expected to meet the same admission criteria and requirements, and should be aware that admission to the doctoral program is highly competitive. Current University of Arizona M.A. students may use a maximum of two letters from their M.A. application and should solicit a third from someone with whom they have worked during their M.A. program who is external to the AVCE faculty.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Through the Graduate Admissions Application you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee. All students interested in the Art History & Education PhD must apply to either the Art and Visual Culture Education or the Art History track applications. For this application you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Please provide a Statement of Purpose
  • Please combine the following items into a single document (maximum file size: 5 MB) in the order shown below:
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Writing or Research Sample
  • Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended. For initial evaluation purposes, you may attach scans of official or unofficial transcripts.
  • The names and contact information for 3 referees who will be submitting Letters of Recommendation on your behalf. All letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline and must be from faculty members that can speak about your academic and research ability and potential for graduate studies. The preferred method to receive letters of recommendation is through the web-based Graduate Admissions Application. If, however, this is not possible, letters can be sent to:
    • Graduate Program
      School of Art
      University of Arizona
      P.O. Box 210002
      Tucson, AZ 85721

The Graduate College requires additional materials for International Applicants (Proof of Financial Resources, Health Insurance, and proof of English proficiency for students whose native language is not English). Please refer to the Graduate College website for details.

If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Art by sending an email to mbartel@email.arizona.edu.

Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to the Graduate Admissions Application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

View the Programs of Study page to explore the degree programs offered at the University of Arizona.

Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator to learn more about programs and admissions.

Apply

The Accelerated Master of Arts in Art History provides an opportunity for high-achieving University of Arizona undergraduate students in the a BA in Art History or a BA in Studio Art to use 12 units of graduate coursework towards both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, giving students the possibility to receive both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in five years.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Spring – September 15
Fall – March 15

All submitted applications will be considered after the application deadline has passed. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. Paper applications will not be accepted, please submit all materials via the Graduate Admissions Application.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITES

  • Current University of Arizona undergraduate student in the BA in Art History; BA in Studio Art
  • Completion of at least 1 400 level Art History course.
  • Meet with Dr. Stacie Widdifield, the Art History Graduate Faculty advisor, to discuss your interest in the Accelerated Master’s Program.
  • Completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of application; a minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of entry into the AMP. If the student’s GPA falls below 3.3 at the time they have completed 90 units, the student will not be admitted into the program. Courses taken for audit may not be included in the total number of units counted for eligibility or admission.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a minimum of 12 units of undergraduate UA.
  • Completion of at least 12 earned undergraduate credits in their major at the University of Arizona’s main campus. Units still graded Incomplete, units graded Pass/Fail or units taken as audit will not count toward the requirement of the 12 undergraduate units.
  • By the end of the semester of application (spring of year 3), the applicant must have completed all General Education requirements.
  • Demonstration of the maturity necessary for success in an accelerated, highly competitive program.
  • Expectation to complete the undergraduate degree within four years. The undergraduate degree requirements must be completed before the student is eligible to have the Master’s degree awarded.
  • Strongly recommended that the applicant must have completed 2 years of coursework in one foreign language (or the equivalent) by the end of year 3. By the end of year 5, AMP candidates must fulfill the language proficiency exam as defined by the Art History Graduate handbook (this is a translation exam).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Through the Graduate Admissions Application you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee. For this application you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Have you met with the Art History Graduate Faculty Advisor?
  • Please provide a Statement of Purpose
  • Please list the 400 level Art History course you have completed.
  • Please combine the following items into a single document (maximum file size: 5 MB) in the order shown below:
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Writing or Research Sample. Maximum of 10 pages.
  • Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended. For initial evaluation purposes, you may attach scans of official or unofficial transcripts.
  • The names and contact information for 3 referees who will be submitting Letters of Recommendation on your behalf.2 letters of recommendation must be from Tenured or Tenure-Track Art History faculty (Dr. Larry Busbea, Dr. Pia Cuneo, Dr. Paul Ivey, Dr. Jeehey Kim, Dr. Anya Montiel, Dr. Sarah Moore, Dr. Irene Romano, or Dr. Stacie Widdifield).A minimum of 1, preferably 2, of the letters from Art History faculty should be from someone with whom you’ve taken a 400 Art History course.The 3rd letter of recommendation can be from a tenured or tenure-track Art History faculty member, or a University of Arizona faculty member from another academic area (for example, History, Classics, Gender and Women’s Studies, Anthropology, etc.) with whom you’ve taken a 400 level course.All letters must be received by the application deadline. The preferred method to receive letters of recommendation is through the web-based Graduate Admissions Application. If, however, this is not possible, letters can be sent to:Graduate Program
    School of Art
    University of Arizona
    P.O. Box 210002
    Tucson, AZ 85721
  • The GRE is not required

If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Art by sending an email to mbartel@email.arizona.edu.

Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at anytime by logging in to the Graduate Admissions Application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

View the Programs of Study page to explore the degree programs offered at the University of Arizona.

Apply

The Accelerated Master of Arts in Art & Visual Culture Education allows current University of Arizona undergraduate students in the BFA in Art Education, BFA in Studio Art, BA in Studio Art or BA in Art History to use 12 units of graduate coursework towards both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, giving students the possibility to receive both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in 5 year.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Spring – September 15
Fall – March 15

All submitted applications will be considered after the application deadline has passed. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. Paper applications will not be accepted, please submit all materials via the Graduate Admissions Application.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITES

  • Current University of Arizona undergraduate student in the BFA, Art Education; BFA, Studio Art; BA, Studio Art; BA Art History
  • Completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of application; a minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of entry into the AMP. If the student’s GPA falls below 3.3 at the time they have completed 90 units, the student will not be admitted into the program. Courses taken for audit may not be included in the total number of units counted for eligibility or admission.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 with a minimum of 18 units of undergraduate coursework at UA.
  • Completion of at least 12 earned undergraduate credits in the major (ART, ARH, ARE) at the University of Arizona’s main campus. Units still graded Incomplete, units graded Pass/Fail or units taken as audit will not count toward the requirement of the 12 undergraduate units.
  • Completion or near completion of general education requirements.
  • Demonstration of the maturity necessary for success in an accelerated, highly competitive program.
  • Expectation to complete the undergraduate degree within four years. The undergraduate degree requirements must be completed before the student is eligible to have the Master’s degree awarded.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Through the Graduate Admissions Application you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee. For this application you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Describe your Art Education interests in a few sentences
  • Please provide a 1-2 page Autobiographical Statement addressing your educational and personal experiences, achievements, and goals relevant to art and visual culture education.
  • Please combine the following items into a single document (maximum file size: 5 MB) in the order shown below:
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Writing or Research Sample. Maximum of 10 pages.
  • If you have a studio background, submit a PDF with 10-20 images, one image per page and provide the title, medium, dimensions and date under each image. Please click here and review our sample portfolio. If you are submitting video, provide a link to a website like Vimeo or YouTube. Size limit 5MB.
  • Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended. For initial evaluation purposes, you may attach scans of official or unofficial transcripts.
  • The names and contact information for 3 referees who will be submitting Letters of Recommendation on your behalf. All letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline and at least 2 letters must be from faculty members that can speak about your academic and research ability and potential for graduate studies. The preferred method to receive letters of recommendation is through the web-based Graduate Admissions Application. If, however, this is not possible, letters can be sent to:
    • Graduate Program
      School of Art
      University of Arizona
      P.O. Box 210002
      Tucson, AZ 85721

If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Art by sending an email to mbartel@email.arizona.edu.

Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to the Graduate Admissions Application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

View the Programs of Study page to explore the degree programs offered at the University of Arizona.

Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator to learn more about programs and admissions.

Apply

The Museum Studies Certificate Program (MSCP) is designed to enhance existing graduate degree programs for those students seeking scholarly expertise and practical experience in the field of museum studies.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis.

Your application will be considered once you have submitted all required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. Paper applications will not be accepted, please submit all materials via the Graduate Admissions Application.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITES

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and a recognized Bachelor’s degree.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please schedule an interview with the Museum Studies Certificate advisor, Dr. Irene Romano (ireneromano@email.arizona.edu).

After the interview process, you will then complete the brief Graduate Admissions Application where you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Please submit a Statement of Purpose.
  • The names and contact information for 2 referees who will be submitting Letters of Recommendation on your behalf. At least 1 letter must be from a faculty member that can speak about your academic and research ability and potential for graduate studies. The preferred method to receive letters of recommendation is through the web-based Graduate Admissions Application. If, however, this is not possible, letters can be sent to:Graduate Program
    School of Art
    University of Arizona
    P.O. Box 210002
    Tucson, AZ 85721

If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Art by sending an email to mbartel@email.arizona.edu.

Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at anytime by logging in to the Graduate Admissions Application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

View the Programs of Study page to explore the degree programs offered at the University of Arizona.

Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator to learn more about programs and admissions.

Apply