[Art History & History]

1 hour ago, OHSP said:

People do change PhD programs, and I don't think your ability to get into a history program would be hampered by the fact that you'd previously started an art history PhD--it would just require explanation (e.g. once I started coursework I realised that to do the work I want to do I need history training [if anything that's flattering to an admissions committee]) BUT also, for now, I would see how you find the art history program that you've already accepted. Pre-grad school June/July regrets and what-ifs are really, really normal and I personally don't think there's much harm in just starting your program and feeling it out--it might be that you're actually allowed to work in a really interdisciplinary way and that you and some other cohort members become a group who are more history/art history than just "art history", if that makes sense. Then once you're in and you've settled, if you're still wondering about changing then it's time to talk to your advisor seriously about whether it's the right program. 

This was actually great and extremely helpful. Thank you very much! 

[Art History & History]

16 hours ago, psstein said:

I would suggest discussing this with your advisor. S/he'll likely be far better equipped to answer about art history than most of us.

Hey!

That is great advice and I hope to discuss that with him in the future! However, I am about to start graduate school so I don't really know him very well yet and it just feels like a weird thing to discuss over email... 

[Art History & History]

Hello,

I have been accepted for one of the top graduate schools in Art History for the Fall 2018 (of the so-called 'Big Three). However, I am currently having a lot of doubts regarding my field. Having taken a couple of history seminars, I am more and more certain that a program in history would suit me better. While I do understand that one can do very 'historical' work as an art historian, I think that I would rather be trained as a historian in a history department. 

I have already accepted the offer. My question is: how easy would it be for me to change to a different program having already started a PhD in another field? Is it something of bad taste to come to a program and receive their funding without being sure that you want to do it? I am having many doubts about this, practical as well as moral. Should I just quit now and re-apply next year for other programs? Or should I just start grad school in Art History and sense the waters, as one would say? I am afraid that changing after one semester might not be very advisable or that other grad schools could see this as a personal problem of commitment. 

Thanks a lot for your help!