Modern Architectural History Programs and Employment

[katzav]

I am finishing up my bachelor's in Art History and taking some time to get my applications together for September 2020. I am very interested in pursuing modern architecture as a field, but I have found very few architecture specialists on Art History faculties around North America, let alone ones who study modern architecture over baroque or ancient. Does anyone know of some good profs/programs to look into in the modern/contemporary architecture field?  I am open to going to Europe, but I have not had a thorough look through schools there as of yet. My particular interests revolve around Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright.

 

I have had a look at some Architecture faculties at larger universities as well, but I am unsure of how advantageous it would be to hold an MA/PhD in History of Architecture over History of Art in terms of future employment as an instructor considering it seems to be such a niche field? However, I also feel that having an education in architecture lends itself well to placing me on the faculties of Architecture schools as a theory/history instructor over just the art history departments worldwide. Am I right to think that?

 

Thanks a bunch!

[mrssalad]

This is tough. My close colleague/friend who is a professor in architecture of the period said that she/he will only take on students who want jobs outside of academia. He/she didn't think there were enough job positions in higher ed in the field. I would go with it ultimately depends on what you want to do with the degree?

[N0rd]

There are a lot of programs now that are encouraging interdisciplinary work so you don't necessarily have to choose just one. I would recommend looking into schools that offer graduate minors or designated emphasis options in either the history of art or architecture that would allow you to personalize your degree. It would also benefit you to look at universities with Art History and Architecture departments that have good relationships, it's been my experience so far that it's a lot easier to do interdisciplinary work when the two departments get along (they're a lot more willing to work with you and each other to make things work in your favor). 

7 hours ago, mrssalad said:

This is tough. My close colleague/friend who is a professor in architecture of the period said that she/he will only take on students who want jobs outside of academia. He/she didn't think there were enough job positions in higher ed in the field. I would go with it ultimately depends on what you want to do with the degree?

@mrssalad makes a good point about professors as well.  A past advisor told me to pay attention to the kinds of jobs alumni of the programs hold. There are some professors/programs that aim to have their students work solely in universities, others that want their students in museums, and others discourage their graduates from entering academia all together. In your applications you'll be asked what kind of career you want and your answer will definitely play into professor's admission decisions. You'll want to apply to schools that have graduates doing the kind of work you want to do.