Graduate Applicants

Our graduate programs in Art History are designed to help students think critically and conceptually, express themselves creatively, articulate ideas clearly, and make significant contributions to the society in which they live, no matter what area of focus they choose to pursue. The solid art historical foundation students gain throughout the program will prepare them professionally to enter the museum world or further their study with a doctorate program.   

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Tuition & Funding

Art History MA

Our MA degree is 56 credits and can be completed in two academic years. For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition is $1,668 per credit. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and students pay an average of $19,616 annually. 

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Admission Requirements & Deadlines

  • MA in Art History

    Deadlines

    Fall 2024 quarter (beginning in September)
    • Priority deadline: January 31, 2024

    • Final submission deadline: July 15, 2024

    • International submission deadline: May 6, 2024

    Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

    Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

    Degrees and GPA Requirements

    Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

    Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.

    Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

  • MA in Art History – Museum Studies Concentration

    Deadlines

    Fall 2024 quarter (beginning in September)
    • Priority deadline: January 31, 2024

    • Final submission deadline: July 15, 2024

    • International submission deadline: May 6, 2024

    Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

    Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

    Degrees and GPA Requirements

    Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

    Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.

    Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

  • Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers and International Applicants

    Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

    Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

    The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

    • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80

    • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

    • Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

    • Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

    English Conditional Acceptance Offered: No, this program does not offer English Conditional Admission.

    Additional Standards for International Applicants

    Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

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Application Materials

  • MA in Art History

    Your application will need to include the following materials:

    • Transcripts
    • Letters of Recommendation
    • Required Essays and Statements
    • Writing Sample
       

    See below for details.

    Transcripts

    We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

    Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

    Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

    Letters of Recommendation

    Three (3) letters of recommendation are required (professors that are able to comment on research and writing are best, but one can be from a museum or gallery employer).  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

    Essays and Statements

    Personal Statement Instructions

    Most personal statements are two pages.  Things to include:

    1. What are the field or topics in art history that excite you and why? Which faculty members in our department do you see as potentially providing guidance in helping you pursue an M.A. in these fields. If you are applying for the museum studies concentration, also discuss what aspects of museums excite or motivate you and why.
    2. What special skills, preparation or experiences do you bring to the program that will help you succeed here? Feel free to consider experiences beyond the academic realm, including your personal experiences and unique perspectives you may have to offer to the fields of art history and museums.
    3. What are your goals and motivations (personal/professional) in applying to the M.A. program, and how would the degree assist you towards your long-term objectives (career, further education, personal)?
    4. (optional) If you feel that your academic record and experience are not representative of your abilities and potential in graduate school, please let us know any details you wish to share.

    Writing Sample

    Advice on your writing sample:

    Submit a research paper (with notes and bibliography, art history preferred). We use this to assess your writing, ability to formulate a research question, research skills and understanding of citation methods. There are no word count requirements, but most essays are 8-15 pages.

  • MA in Art History – Museum Studies Concentration

    Your application will need to include the following materials:

    • Transcripts
    • Letters of Recommendation
    • Required Essays and Statements
    • Writing Sample
       

    See below for details.

    Transcripts

    We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

    Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

    Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

    Letters of Recommendation

    Three (3) letters of recommendation are required (professors that are able to comment on research and writing are best, but one can be from a museum or gallery employer).  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

    Essays and Statements

    Personal Statement Instructions

    Submit a statement outlining your reasons for graduate study and your professional goals.

    Writing Sample

    Submit a research paper (with notes and bibliography, art history preferred) that demonstrates your writing and research ability.

  • Application Fee

    Application Fee

    Application Fee: $65.00

    Fee Waivers

    MA/Certificate Programs

    • Colorado Residents: Application fee waivers are available to Colorado residents who apply to MA or certificate programs in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences prior to the priority deadline.
    • Limited numbers of MA/Certificate application fee waivers are also available for the following groups (first-come, first-served):
      • Americorps, City Year, and Peace Corps Alumni
      • Veterans
      • DU Alumni
         

    Fee Waiver Process
    1. Submit all of your application materials, including your transcripts and letters of recommendation. Do not pay the fee.
    2. Contact cahssgradinquiry@du.edu to request a fee waiver.
    3. You will receive a notification when your fee waiver has been applied to your account. Once the fee waiver is applied we will review your application.
       

    International Degree Evaluation Fee

    International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00

    Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States. Fees for degree evaluation are not waived.

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