Master of Arts in Art History
“And if I’d known I could have done art history, I would have done that. But I just didn’t know.”
The MA in Art History offers advanced study of global art and visual culture through coursework and focused research that culminates in a year-long thesis project. Students work closely with faculty experts and benefit from the dynamic, research-rich environment of a large top-tier university.
You will be mentored by faculty who are actively engaged in international research that frequently guides the direction of the field and informs contemporary debate. Through our HESCAH lecture series, you will meet leading scholars from around the world who come to UF every year to present the latest art historical research in public lectures, symposiums, and special small-group sessions for our graduate students. Courses regularly visit UF’s Harn Museum and the University Galleries to learn from artworks in their exhibitions.
The Art History program works closely with the University Galleries to provide opportunities for you to gain experience curating exhibitions, organizing other programming, and producing gallery publications. You may choose to pursue a certificate in Curatorial Studies with a seminar dedicated to curatorial practice and an internship.
Graduates of the program pursue careers in Florida and nationally in museums, galleries, cultural organizations, auction houses, and universities. Often, they use the MA in Art History as a bridge to the PhD degree. Or they use it to move into the art industry and advance their careers without further study.
We offer a limited number of graduate assistantships for MA students that cover tuition, provide health insurance, and offer a stipend in exchange for 10 hours of teaching or professional work each week. Students presenting at conferences or traveling to conduct research are eligible to apply for internal funding to help support their work.
See full details in the UF Graduate Catalog.
The quote at the top of the page by the poet Robin Coste Lewis is condensed from an interview with Chen, Angela, “Poet Robin Coste Lewis: ‘I am an artist through to my marrow,’” The Guardian, 21 Dec 2015.