Medieval art

[Smln]

Dear all, recommendations needed!

I was thinking of applying for a PhD programme, my area of interest is the Middle Ages and medieval art. I was, however, discouraged by some professors to do so since, according to them, I am unlikely to be successfull in later rounds due to lack of an MA in the field. They advised me to get an MA first (citing Williams, Fordham, and Tufts as top choices for an MA). The problem with an MA is money, as usual.

So, to make my chances less slim,  I am now considering applying both for PhD and MA and would be very grateful for any recommendations regarding professors and programmes (who is known is a superstar and a very nice person) :)) ? Yale and UChicago have cancelled admissions, and I can't go to the Courtauld for an MA - was accepted two years ago, failed to find funding.

 

 

Edited August 27, 2020 by Smln

[raye237]

I've heard that Williams and Tufts both give major scholarships for their MA students

[raye237]

Also the medieval prof at my alma mater, Deborah Kahn at BU, is super nice, if you're looking for potential advisors

[Smln]

6 hours ago, raye237 said:

Also the medieval prof at my alma mater, Deborah Kahn at BU, is super nice, if you're looking for potential advisors

Dear raye237, I am definetely looking for advisors, many thanks for mentioning BU, will look closer into it! 

[Smln]

6 hours ago, raye237 said:

I've heard that Williams and Tufts both give major scholarships for their MA students

Yes, exactly, that's what the profs told me! Plus Fordham. 

[annarchy666]

Be wary of Tufts right now for Medieval. Their Western European medievalist just retired and they're conducting a search right now. I know because I was very excited to potentially work with her and then found out she was retiring when I was admitted in the winter. I wouldn't be surprised if the economy and pandemic affect the hiring of a replacement. They do have an Eastern European medievalist though if that's more up your alley!

For what it's worth, I'm a BA only student starting a PhD in medieval art history this fall and was admitted to about an equal number of MA and PhD programs, so it is definitely possible to go to your PhD without an MA.

[Smln]

31 minutes ago, annarchy666 said:

Be wary of Tufts right now for Medieval. Their Western European medievalist just retired and they're conducting a search right now. I know because I was very excited to potentially work with her and then found out she was retiring when I was admitted in the winter. I wouldn't be surprised if the economy and pandemic affect the hiring of a replacement. They do have an Eastern European medievalist though if that's more up your alley!

For what it's worth, I'm a BA only student starting a PhD in medieval art history this fall and was admitted to about an equal number of MA and PhD programs, so it is definitely possible to go to your PhD without an MA.

Thank you so much, dear annarchy666! I can see that there are quite a few people in the field but I want to make sure that we would be able to work together. As for East-West, I am definetely in love with the Western European medieval visuals. I guess you have a BA in art history which is not my case (I hold an MA in humanities and did some studies in history and theory of theatre, though unfinished). I think application committees will think that I am crazy but I want to give it a try. 

[raye237]

18 hours ago, Smln said:

Yes, exactly, that's what the profs told me! Plus Fordham. 

Fordham doesn't have an MA in art history??

[raye237]

Just now, raye237 said:

Fordham doesn't have an MA in art history??

Okay I see they have  Medieval studies one so I guess that's what your profs are referring to

[Smln]

6 hours ago, raye237 said:

Okay I see they have  Medieval studies one so I guess that's what your profs are referring to

Yep, it was about Medieval studies

[Smln]

On 8/28/2020 at 7:10 AM, raye237 said:

I've heard that Williams and Tufts both give major scholarships for their MA students

By the way, do you happen to know if international students are eligible to any scholarships/stipends etc.? I have not found anything on the websites, will reach out to them.

[kaufdichglücklich]

You don't need an MA to be accepted into a medieval art PhD program, but you do need Latin, German and French. Most Americans do not have these qualifications when they finish their BA so they need to get an MA. When I say Latin, German and French I mean *actual* knowledge of these languages, as in the equivalent of a 2nd year university level or higher. Medievalists cannot fake their way out of language requirements in the same way as many other fields can. If you don't have advanced knowledge of German you simply cannot write a dissertation on medieval art. Professors at top programs generally will not even look at an applicant that doesn't have at least 2/3 at the time of application. It's shouldn't be difficult to find potential advisors - just look at who has written recent publications you are citing/reading and google them. 

[Smln]

3 hours ago, kaufdichglücklich said:

You don't need an MA to be accepted into a medieval art PhD program, but you do need Latin, German and French. Most Americans do not have these qualifications when they finish their BA so they need to get an MA. When I say Latin, German and French I mean *actual* knowledge of these languages, as in the equivalent of a 2nd year university level or higher. Medievalists cannot fake their way out of language requirements in the same way as many other fields can. If you don't have advanced knowledge of German you simply cannot write a dissertation on medieval art. Professors at top programs generally will not even look at an applicant that doesn't have at least 2/3 at the time of application. It's shouldn't be difficult to find potential advisors - just look at who has written recent publications you are citing/reading and google them. 

I do have German and French, I studied them both at university, French being my first language. German is now in a sleeping mode but I can read. As for Latin, I started studying it but dropped. Thank you for your comment, it gives me hope.

[Vagante]

Thinking about medievalists:

Places that will accept you without an MA: Wisconsin, Oregon, Chicago (but Kumler just left)

Places to think about for an MA: Williams (Low), Tulane (Flora), Case (Gertsman in western, Bolman in Byzantine), Tufts (Maranci — Byzantine but they are looking for a western medievalist to start next fall), Fordham (Rowe)

I would not go to BU.

[brooketrout]

I would also suggest looking at University of Delaware's terminal MA or PhD program. Larry Nees, who has written some of medieval art's leading textbooks, is still active in the department after stepping down as chair (https://www.arthistory.udel.edu/people/faculty/nees). He is likely to retire soon since the department just hired Denva Gallant in 2018-2019 (https://www.arthistory.udel.edu/people/faculty/gallant?uid=gallant&Name=Denva Gallant).

[Smln]

On 10/31/2020 at 6:18 AM, Vagante said:

Thinking about medievalists:

Places that will accept you without an MA: Wisconsin, Oregon, Chicago (but Kumler just left)

Places to think about for an MA: Williams (Low), Tulane (Flora), Case (Gertsman in western, Bolman in Byzantine), Tufts (Maranci — Byzantine but they are looking for a western medievalist to start next fall), Fordham (Rowe)

I would not go to BU.

Dear Vagante, thank you very much, that's incredibly helpful!

I am going to apply to Wisconsin, Chicago is not accepting applications this year. I have not looked into Oregon, though.

Willams, Tulane, Case and Tufts are on my list, indeed! Fordham is not responsive, unfortunately. 

What do you think about NYU, Harvard and CUNY?

[Smln]

On 11/1/2020 at 11:33 PM, brooketrout said:

I would also suggest looking at University of Delaware's terminal MA or PhD program. Larry Nees, who has written some of medieval art's leading textbooks, is still active in the department after stepping down as chair (https://www.arthistory.udel.edu/people/faculty/nees). He is likely to retire soon since the department just hired Denva Gallant in 2018-2019 (https://www.arthistory.udel.edu/people/faculty/gallant?uid=gallant&Name=Denva Gallant).

Dear brooktrout, Professor Nees has already retired. As fas as I know, Delaware does not fund its MA students. 

[Villard]

You have a great list already for MA applications (Williams and Case give ample funding, Tufts gives partial funding, I am not sure what Tulane does). IFA MAs are, as someone already said, cash cows. I do not think Harvard offers standalone MAs - correct me if I am wrong. In terms of CUNY - I'd get in touch with former students of Hahn and ask them about their experience. Actually this holds for all others, too. A pity about Nees, I hear he is wonderful.

[Smln]

Tulane offers both tution waivers and stipends. Syracuse in NYC also gives funding to MA students. This might be useful for those who will read the thread later. I am going to approach former students if admitted.

[AncArt]

Many universities offer bridge programs now, specifically for students coming from diverse backgrounds. For example, https://graduate.as.virginia.edu/bridge-doctorate. 

[Smln]

4 hours ago, AncArt said:

Many universities offer bridge programs now, specifically for students coming from diverse backgrounds. For example, https://graduate.as.virginia.edu/bridge-doctorate. 

Dear AncArt, wow, I did not about that! It's a wonderful program, thank you very much! Unfortunately, I am not an international application which disqualfies me. Oh

[future museum professional]

On 11/3/2020 at 6:07 PM, Smln said:

Dear brooktrout, Professor Nees has already retired. As fas as I know, Delaware does not fund its MA students. 

Hi! Just a note, Dr. Nees has not yet retired. I have worked with him all year.

[Smln]

On 12/27/2020 at 12:13 AM, future museum professional said:

Hi! Just a note, Dr. Nees has not yet retired. I have worked with him all year.

I might be wrong, but he wrote me in September that he would not be teaching "next year" (I am not sure whether it is 2020-21 or 2021-22). Anyway, to my knowledge he is not taking students any longer.

[SocialKonstruct]

On 9/3/2020 at 1:05 PM, kaufdichglücklich said:

You don't need an MA to be accepted into a medieval art PhD program, but you do need Latin, German and French. Most Americans do not have these qualifications when they finish their BA so they need to get an MA. When I say Latin, German and French I mean *actual* knowledge of these languages, as in the equivalent of a 2nd year university level or higher. Medievalists cannot fake their way out of language requirements in the same way as many other fields can. If you don't have advanced knowledge of German you simply cannot write a dissertation on medieval art. Professors at top programs generally will not even look at an applicant that doesn't have at least 2/3 at the time of application. It's shouldn't be difficult to find potential advisors - just look at who has written recent publications you are citing/reading and google them.