Art History

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 and the Americas as well as 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.