Admissions

At DU's School of Art & Art History, aspiring artists and art scholars build technical skills, explore historical perspectives and develop critical methodologies for understanding visual mediums. We offer BA, BFA and MA degrees that prepare you for careers as creatives, administrators, curators and educators. 

Undergraduate Students

The School of Art & Art History offers six undergraduate degrees and three minors. 

art history students on a field trip to MCA Denver

Undergraduate Admission

We're Here to Help

Are you interested in pursuing an art or art history degree? Use the resources below to get started. Undergraduates are admitted into our BA program. If you're a first-year student interested in pursuing a BFA in studio art or pre-art conservation, you'll enter as a BA and may apply for the BFA after beginning coursework. If you are an advanced transfer student interested in the BFA in pre-art conservation, please contact the conservation advisor to learn about applying before coursework begins. If you're interested in pursuing a joint BA/MA or a BFA, you will enter as a BA and apply for those paths after acceptance to the BA program.

Graduate Students

The School of Art & Art History offers two graduate program options. Students may choose to complete an MA in art history, or an MA in art history with a museum studies concentration. 

Graduate students during a workshop learn how to "collar" paintings

Graduate Admission

If you're ready to extend your education in a rigorous and collaborative environment, we invite you to apply to our MA program in art history or our MA with a concentration in museum studies. 

The priority deadline is January 31. We ask that international applicants send materials six weeks prior to the January 31 deadline.  Limited application fee waivers are available for current DU students, DU alumni, McNair Scholars, Peace Corps members, AmeriCorps members, City Year members and veterans. To request a fee waiver, contact cahssgradinquiry@du.edu.

  • Recommended Qualifications

    Essentials You Need to Know
    • Bachelor’s degree in any field
    • 5 undergraduate art history classes with strong grades
    • 2 years of college-level language
    • GRE minimum scores (153 verbal, 4.0 writing) – Submitting GRE scores is optional for this degree

  • Application Process

    How to Get Started
    Start Your Application
    1. Take the GRE and indicate DU to receive scores (optional)
    2. Submit graduate school application online
    3. Request transcripts from all colleges attended
    4. Submit 3 letters of recommendation (professors able to comment on research and writing are best, but one can be from a museum or gallery employer)
    5. Submit a research paper (with notes and bibliography, art history preferred)
    6. Submit a letter outlining your reasons for graduate study and your professional goals

  • Recommendations for Personal Statement

    How We Get to Know You

    Ask yourself the following questions:

    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.
    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.

    Most personal statements are two pages.

  • Recommendations for Writing Sample

    More Info We Need

    How to Submit the Best 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.

Dual Degree Students

We offer an accelerated dual-degree program to motivated art history majors. This opportunity allows you to earn your BA and MA simultaneously, with the option of a museum studies concentration. 

Studies visit a museum

BA/MA Admission

A Highly Selective Dual-Degree Program

We offer an accelerated dual-degree program to motivated art history majors. This opportunity allows you to earn your BA and MA simultaneously, with the option of a museum studies concentration. 

You can apply during your junior year. Learn more about eligibility and the application process below.

For more information contact Scott Montgomery at scott.montgomery@du.edu and Annabeth Headrick at annabeth.headrick@du.edu.

 

  • Eligibility to Apply
    • Students pursuing a BA in Art History at the University of Denver are eligible to apply prior to earning 135 credits.*
    • At the time of application, students must have a major GPA of 3.5 or better to be considered.

    *Students with more that 135 earned credits can apply to the Art History MA through the Crimson Application.

  • Admissions Process and Education Timeline

    Sophomore/Junior Year

    Meet with the undergraduate and graduate advisors to discuss interest in applying and develop a coursework plan. After earning at least 20 credits in Art History (and prior to earning 135 credits) with a 3.5 major GPA, submit a graduate application.

    Senior Year

    Pending acceptance, begin graduate coursework by taking 3000/4000-level ARTH courses for graduate credit. Complete second year of a foreign language.

    Fifth Year

    Complete required Master’s coursework, comprehensive exam, and Master’s Research Paper. Students with the Museum Studies Concentration will also complete an internship.

aerial view of campus

Ready to Apply?

Our community of students is curious, always searching for the next exciting undertaking. Where can a DU education take you? Apply now and find out.

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