Overview
Graduate Students in Art History have Access to the Cultural Resources of Washington, D.C.
The Department of History and Art History offers a unique M.A. in art history, based on departmental faculty strengths in traditional research, the application of new media, and the vast cultural resources of the Washington, D.C., area. Students learn methods of art historical analysis, a variety of art historical interpretations and methodologies, and practical applications of the field, all while acquiring a solid grounding in historical content.
The program places a special emphasis on new media skills, museology, and preprofessional internships¿program features that are unique to this region. The program is designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Traditional research skills and new media practical studies provide the tools for independent high-level research, professional work, and dissemination of knowledge. After graduation, students are well prepared for art museum and gallery professional work, where an M.A. degree is now routinely required, or for further doctoral study in preparation for a job in higher education.
The art history faculty members work closely with the history faculty within the department and in a broad range of programs throughout the university. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to take courses in related areas of interest. George Mason University is committed to providing its students with a solid liberal arts education, with up-to-date applications of visual and information technology, and with access to all the exciting opportunities that the Washington, D.C., area offers.
Graduate Students Enjoy Small Classes and World-Class Research Facilities at George Mason University
George Mason's widely-published faculty members teach and conduct research in areas that range from ancient to contemporary in time periods, consider a full spectrum of art and artifacts, and span the globe to cover Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Students can expect small classes, with personal attention to individual interests and career goals, and the opportunity to get to know and study with one another in small classes and a collegial environment.
Located in Virginia, only minutes from Washington, D.C., George Mason is home to a student body representing 135 countries and all fifty states. The university is recognized internationally for its innovation, research, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The program provides unparalleled opportunities in research, internships, and work experiences through strong alliances with business, the community, and government.
Graduate students work one-on-one in small classes to create a research and learning path catered to their particular areas of interest. Students often present at conferences, are guided to publish research, and are introduced to various parties for professional networking. Faculty members with applicable areas of research invite graduate students to collaborate in their research studies or work to partner them with institutions related to their career interests.
Graduate Student Applications and Admissions Processing is Ongoing Throughout the Year
Applications are reviewed for the fall and spring semesters on a rolling admission, space-available basis. Interested students should complete the graduate application form that is available online by visiting http://admissions.gmu.edu. Applicants must submit the following: Official transcripts from previous institutions of higher education, a goals statement describing the student's background and interest in art history graduate study, satisfactory GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a Departmental Art History Form.
The 30-credit curriculum features required courses in art historiography and methods, history, technology and new media, the museum, a research seminar, and directed readings in preparation for the comprehensive exams. Students may elect courses from diverse graduate offerings, related fields, and internship opportunities. Since the program began in 2006, students have gained experience from graduate internships at Dumbarton Oaks, the Textile Museum, at Christie's Auction House, and study abroad in London through the Sotheby's program.
