Program Description

The master’s program at the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History introduces students to a global history of art by way of close engagement with artworks held in collections throughout Dallas and Fort Worth. In their coursework and independent research projects, students draw on privileged access to public and private collections, outstanding research resources, and the innovative and interdisciplinary research initiatives of O’Donnell Institute scholars to explore a broad range of material across geography, chronology and medium, and to build a strong foundation in historiography, theory and professional practices. 

The two-year program is designed as a rigorous, immersive experience for the most motivated students, preparing graduates for top doctoral programs or arts careers. The curriculum comprises two Foundations courses (Practices of Art History and History of Materials and Techniques), five master’s seminars that explore a body of material and research questions that draw on faculty members’ areas of expertise, and a practicum in which students design and carry out an original project in the form of a scholarly essay, a small exhibition, a collaboration with a practicing artist, a conservation project or archival research. Practicum projects may be carried out in collaboration with partner institutions including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and The Warehouse. 

Benefits

The art history master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their chosen field or discipline, apply their knowledge in new, creative ways and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments. 

Other benefits include: 

• World-Class Faculty: The program is led by faculty of the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology who are widely cited experts in their respective fields. 
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the art history master’s program will introduce students to new ideas, methodologies, and competencies while preparing them to succeed in both public and private sectors. 
• Research Assistantships: Research assistantships with O’Donnell Institute Faculty, and graduate curatorial assistantships at museums such as the Crow Museum of Asian Art, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center are paid part-time work meant to complement students’ coursework and provide partial financial support as well as invaluable work experience. 
• Research related travel: Students have the opportunity to apply for travel funding for thesis-related research. 
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region — recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs” — UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population. 

Career Opportunities

In addition to highly selective doctoral programs, graduates of the art history master’s program are well-equipped for various research positions or advanced levels of professional practice, such as: 

• Researcher 
• Art historian 
• Educator 
• Museum professional 
• Collections manager 
• Arts nonprofit professional  

Career settings may include higher education, nonprofits, cultural and historical organizations, government agencies, international development organizations, museums and archives, business or corporate entities and independent consulting.     

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process.  

Applicants to the master’s degree program should have: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or its equivalent at an international institution, along with a strong undergraduate foundation in art history or related field or comparable professional experience. The strongest applicants will demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one foreign language related to the desired research focus. 
• A grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 out of a 4.0-point scale, especially in upper-division undergraduate coursework. 
• Transcript: Applicants are required to submit a copy of an official transcript from each institution from which they have obtained a degree. Applicants who are admitted to the program will be required to submit official transcripts to the Office of Admission and Enrollment before being allowed to enroll. 
• Curriculum Vitae: Applicants should summarize their educational background, including institutions attended and degrees earned, as well as their academic and professional positions (e.g. teaching assistantships or internships), awards and fellowships, and publications. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation from individual able to judge the candidate’s work in terms of its merit and potential. 
• Statement of Purpose: A 1,000-1,500 words long statement that describes the applicant’s preparation and motivation for graduate study in the field of art history as well as research interests, projected contributions to the field, and future professional goals. Applicants should explain what questions drive their study and research and how the plan to draw upon the research initiatives, academic curriculum, and resources of the Edith O’Donnell Institute. 
• Academic Writing Sample: Applicants must submit an academic writing sample, which should be in PDF format only and should not exceed 12 MB. 
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.