Graduate Academics
Advancing Your Career
We offer specialized graduate programs characterized by small classes, individualized instruction, practical experience and cross-cultural inspiration. In tandem with the vibrant arts communities in Denver and Boulder, we connect students with local museums, artists, curators and scholars, providing opportunities for hands-on learning. The intensive, customizable nature of our programs helps ensure students can pursue a wide range of careers after graduation.
- Master's
- A master’s degree is the first level of graduate study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study. To pursue a master’s, you’ll need an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. Many degrees are specialized to prepare you to enter the job market as a highly qualified applicant or work as an educator in your field.
- Doctoral
- A doctoral degree is the highest achievable graduate degree, preparing students to work in the upper echelons of their field as either practitioners or educators. Many doctoral candidates complete a dissertation, thesis or project based off original research, defending their work in front of a committee of experts. Others take rigorous coursework that prepares them for professional practice and licensure.
- Certificate
- A graduate certificate is approximately equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but with a more limited scope. Most can be achieved in a year or less, and many confer professional benefits such as licensure. Learn more about federal-aid designated certificates.
- MA
- Master of Arts
- MFA
- Master of Fine Arts
- MS
- Master of Science
- PhD
- Doctor of Philosophy
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History
About this Program
A master’s in art history is perfect for students who wish to cultivate a deep understanding of the ways in which art and aesthetics develop and affect individuals and societies. Students have the option of pursuing a museum studies concentration within the program. You'll work closely with professors and internationally recognized visiting artists, curators and scholars. You'll also take part in scholarly research on your topic of choice. A wealth of class options will allow you the flexibility necessary to find what moves you, whether that means delving into the connections between art and technology or focusing on a specific cultural sphere or movement.
While we offer courses in most areas of world art, the program has a special emphasis on the arts of Europe, the Americas and Islamic art. Museum collections in Denver include the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Clyfford Still Museum and the Western Center for Conservation of Fine Arts, where you'll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as an art historian. Our graduate community also works with emerging and established artists through the University of Denver's Vicki Myhren Gallery and the Madden Museum of Fine Art.
Many MA students go on to complete PhDs at universities such as Cornell University, University of California-Berkeley and University of Delaware.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History — Museum Studies
About this Program
Students in our art history graduate program may pursue a museum studies concentration. In addition to earning a master’s degree in art history, you will take courses with curators and conservators from the region’s art institutions. During your studies you can gain experience handling art, hanging exhibitions and curating exhibits in our Vicki Myhren Gallery and Madden Museum. Classes taught on-site in Denver’s museums allow you to meet professionals from museum directors to collections managers and find a museum career that suits your skills and interests. Students in the museum studies concentration also conduct an individually-tailored internship in a regional or national art institution giving you hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Alumni now hold positions at distinguished venues as curators, consultants, administrators, registrars, collection managers and museum educators.