Schools for American Art History (M.A.)

[kpwi]

Hi,

I'm new to this site and currently stressing out about grad school nearly everyday! Nice to know i'm not alone

I'm an art history undergrad. and I am planning on applying for fall 2011 admission. I don't know specifically what I want to specialize in but I know I want to study American art, probably anytime prior to the 20th c. As of now my plan is to receive an M.A. and pursue work in an art museum.

So which US schools offer the best american art history programs? (MA not combined MA/PhD)

I'd also like to know the likely-hood of being accepted to these programs? Just how tough is it??

Quick info on me:

I have good grades 3.8 (4.0 major GPA)

(Yet to take the GRE)

Will have completed a curatorial internship this summer

I am studying abroad in Paris Spring of 2011

My undergrad. institution however is not prestigious or very selective.

Thanks, I look forward to and advice/suggestions!

[kpwi]

Well, you can't really change the prestige of your undergraduate institution, but it sounds like you have other things going for you. If I were you, I would start thinking about potentially turning one of my term papers into a good writing sample that I could submit with my application. I would also think about what I would want to say in my personal statement, maybe incorporating ideas about your curatorial experience this summer. You can control these latter two pieces of your application package.

Also, you may want to take the GRE this summer rather than in the Fall. Things will start to get really hectic in the Fall, and I'm guessing you'll have more time to commit to studying over the next few months. Ideally, you'll want a month to prepare for the GRE, especially the vocab part.

Thanks! I already have a paper that I think would work great as a writing sample, and I'll definitely plan on taking the GRE over the summer, no way I'll have time for that in the fall.

Does anyone know anything about the art history programs at the University of Oregon or the University of Washington? This is an area of the country I'm considering moving and I'd appreciate any opinions on those schools!

Edited May 16, 2010 by KP-WI

[alaslesenfants]

Williams is very highly regarded (both for museum work and continuing on to a PhD somewhere), but I am not positive that is true outside of 20th century stuff. I imagine it is also rather competitive (and expensive, if you are not able to secure funding)--though it sounds like you have a good start as far as GPA and experience goes.

Sadly I can't comment on the two schools you mentioned, but the Pacific Northwest is a lovely place to live if you can stand the rain, no question.

Edited May 25, 2010 by alaslesenfants

[rmcfaddi]

Thanks! I already have a paper that I think would work great as a writing sample, and I'll definitely plan on taking the GRE over the summer, no way I'll have time for that in the fall.

Does anyone know anything about the art history programs at the University of Oregon or the University of Washington? This is an area of the country I'm considering moving and I'd appreciate any opinions on those schools!

Hi. I actually received my MA in Art History from the University of Oregon. Like the post below, I can confirm that the Northwest is a great spot of the country in which to live. The MA program at UO is actually quite good (the PhD program, not at all) at sending students to more prestigious universities elsewhere for PhDs, and they do offer a museum studies focus to the program for those interested. However, it is not particularly strong in American Art, but the faculty certainly work with students outside their respective disciplines, especially MA students.

All reports I have had from University of Washington confirm that this also a very good school for the MA and average to slightly above average school as far as PhDs are concerned.

Hope this helps.

[Girl-with-a-Pearl-Earring]

Look at UT. Susan Rather is an excellent scholar and an even better adviser. She is a real up-and-comer in her field and one of few in research universities. UT has one of the strongest MA programs in the country, Austin is amazing, and the program often accepts students from non-prestigious universities. UT has a strong American Studies program as well.