modmuse

No one can tell you definitively, as PhDs and jobs often involve luck in the sense of having the skills and interests the professors/institutions are looking for at the time. That said, generally, those who get admitted to PhDs have very specific focuses and are already well versed in the literature of that focus. From my understanding, PhDs aren’t necessarily meant to be for “learning” in the way undergrad or even an MA is. Unless you can demonstrate this, coming with a BFA and possibly MFA will be tough. If you want to curate contemporary art, the curatorial MA is better than museum studies, which is obviously more general. Some museums may or may not be ok with either depending on the position but similar to PhD programs, they want to be sure that their curatorial staff has a solid background in art history, hence why you’ll see more curatorial positions ask for an MA (and now ABD/phd preferred) qualifications for many of their entry level roles. Your best bet is to look at job listings and see what jobs you’d like, and what qualifications they ask for!

Congrats! Do you mind sharing which departments?

Prewar and no, it was for spring last year. I ended up getting an offer that was paid at another big nyc museum right after the interview so I told them I wouldn’t be able to do both. I hope that didn’t burn any bridges, this is my first time applying again since.

Permanent collection, prewar and drawings and prints. You?

I think it’s done department by department (or so I’m hoping). That’s the impression I got when I interviewed in the past, but I may just be trying to stay optimistic at this point...

Do you mind sharing what departments?

The program at SVA is pretty new but I know some of it’s grads have gone on to have curatorial positions, though not in nyc. They’re trying to be an alternative to bard’s program. They have some funding but it is minimal and the degree is very expensive. I applied, got in, and though I liked the program I ultimately ended up somewhere else. Also, it’s really not an art history program — it’s curatorial studies which is different. You won’t be offered classes on pre-war art for instance. It’s just a different focus from art history.

Congrats! I applied too -- though I forget which of the curatorial sub-departments, though I suspect I choose the permanent collection as my top choice. I've interviewed with them in the past so I'm trying to stay hopeful, but now that it's mid-March I'm so nervous. I hope your interview goes well!!

Has anyone heard for summer 2018 yet? I think interview invites should come this week or next, but I’m anxious to know if anyone has been contacted yet!

Hey! So I don't think anyone can answer for you if you're ready to pursue a grad program, but it sounds like you're passionate about your research and have a good focus. A couple of things to keep in mind: Most programs will want you to have taken at least 12 credit hours in Art History specifically. Is that the equivalent of Art Studies at your school/did you fulfill that? It's less of an issue for MA programs, but PhD programs may be more picky about it. This is a somewhat controversial opinion, but don't take out loans to do an MA. I know City College has funding (and Ellen Handy is a great professor) and University of Madison might, but Columbia definitely does not for their MA. Have you considered applying for their PhD program instead? If you've got time, start learning French too. Most programs will ask you for both. Good luck! You sound like you have a real passion!

It never hurts to ask, but don’t be surprised if they say no. I’d send a polite email to whoever sent you your funding info thanking them for what they’ve given you already and then explaining why you need more. Sometimes fafsa doesn’t give an accurate picture of need and you can write about your circumstances. Just keep it brief, and again, don’t count on them saying yes.

Not Harvard related, but my friend got admitted to an ivy over the phone on Saturday. So, it seems possible to get calls at weird times.

Setting aside PhDs, I think this doc is also a great resource for people to find funded MA programs, which are few and far between. And, I don’t see why people can’t want some funding for their later PhD years and also not get external funding. It doesn’t have to be so black and white, and I think the more transparency we can build surrounding the realities of being an art history grad student, the better

What’s your specialty? There are quite a few options for modern/contemporary in NYC, though if you don’t live in NYC already, the cost of moving here for the summer will certainly eat up most of what they pay.

As someone who is in an MA program now and applying for Ph.D’s Fall 2019, seeing stats like this is extremely helpful. It’s nice to see where people are at, rather than hoping that the person with a 3.9 from their Columbia MA isn’t the one writing “omg I’m so stressed this sucks I’m not gonna get in.” I’m not sure why there’s a problem? Like, why can’t people share stats *and* commiserate. Also, @Sad! the top 10 thing is subjective. Like, obviously some schools are better for some subjects than others. No need to take it so personally, if you have a different perspective on what programs are good for a certain specialty, then please share! It could really help someone find a good program in the future.