Art History and Museum Studies
Our two-year master's program in Art History and Museum Studies integrates the theoretical study of art history with practical concerns of displaying, managing, and interpreting art objects in a variety of museum settings.
After completing the degree, you will be well prepared for careers in museums, art galleries, art publishing, museum education, teaching, art libraries, visual resource collection, or auction houses.
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Degree Offerings
- Faculty
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Application Requirements
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Contact the Department
Questions about your application?
Contact us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Bendetson Hall
Medford, MA 02155
(617) 627-3395
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
MA in Art History and Museum Studies
Designed for those hoping to work in art collection-related fields, the master's program in Art History and Museum Studies, offered by the Department of the History of Art and Architecture, provides advanced qualifications in art history and a broad introduction to museum work. As a student in the program, you'll take courses in art history and museum studies simultaneously. With the consultation of a faculty advisor, you'll also complete independent research and either a thesis or two qualifying papers. Our small program size ensures that you'll receive dedicated attention from our expert faculty and get to know your cohort.
The metropolitan Boston area, and Tufts in particular, is also an ideal location to explore art history and museum studies. Instructors take advantage of Tufts' affiliation with Boston's renowned Museum of Fine Arts, as well as other area museums to bring learning outside of classrooms.
As an alternative to the two year master's program, we also offer a four course certificate program in Museum Studies.
Visit the Department of the History of Art and Architecture
- Demonstrate understanding of key debates, concepts, and methods in art history
- Advance their skills in visual literacy and analysis of artworks
- Gain familiarity with a broad temporal and geographic scope of art across media
- Demonstrate the ability to contextualize the cultural and historical significance of a broad range of artworks
- Develop and carry out original research in at least one subfield, using primary sources
- Refine their public presentation skills
- Produce publishable or near-publishable written work and understand field-specific publishing standards
- Build basic teaching skills
- Learn about a range of professional opportunities in art history
- Practice responsible and ethical conduct of the profession, especially as outlined by the practices and standards of the College Art Association
- Gain command of key issues facing art museums today
- Learn current museum practices from practitioners in the field
- Gain valuable hands-on experience through a structured internship at an institution of their choice
- Learn about professional opportunities and establish a contact network in the museum world
- Develop an understanding of the histories of museums and art institutions
Related programs:
- Art History MA
- History and Museum Studies MA
- Museum Education MA
- Museum Studies Certificate
Faculty
Application Deadline
Fall: January 15
Round 2 Fall Deadline: May 15
Application Requirements:
> Application fee
> Resume/CV
> Personal statement
> In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the availability of standardized testing, GRE scores are currently waived for students applying to this program
> Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores, if applicable
> Transcripts
> Three letters of recommendation
> Writing sample
- A recent writing sample of your best piece of writing
> Reading knowledge of a foreign language
For more information, visit the Department of Art and Art History.
For questions about this program, including scholarships and assistantships, please contact the graduate program director, Ikumi Kaminishi.
Department of Art and Art History
11 Talbot Avenue
Tufts University
Medford, MA 02155
Office: 617-627-3567