NY Schools for AH

[elreb]

I'm interested in MA programs in New York City. Can anyone tell me what they know about Pratt for art history? I've been told it has the best reputation within NYC, but I'm thinking that may be just for applied arts... How does it compare to NYU? It attracts me because it seems to be more design/ architecture oriented, but not sure if thats true.

And also, exactly how selective are the Sotheby's and Christie's programs?

If you could choose among all these, which one and why?

Many thanks!

[cleisthenes]

I'm interested in MA programs in New York City. Can anyone tell me what they know about Pratt for art history? I've been told it has the best reputation within NYC, but I'm thinking that may be just for applied arts... How does it compare to NYU? It attracts me because it seems to be more design/ architecture oriented, but not sure if thats true.

And also, exactly how selective are the Sotheby's and Christie's programs?

If you could choose among all these, which one and why?

Many thanks!

This would all depend very much on what it is that you wish to do with your MA.

Is this a stepping stone to a PhD and ultimately a job in the academy? Do you want to be a museum curator? Do you want to work in the commerical art world (and if so, in which part)? etc.

Be more specific about your long-term goals and your subfield.

[georgica2]

I'm interested in MA programs in New York City. Can anyone tell me what they know about Pratt for art history? I've been told it has the best reputation within NYC, but I'm thinking that may be just for applied arts... How does it compare to NYU? It attracts me because it seems to be more design/ architecture oriented, but not sure if thats true.

And also, exactly how selective are the Sotheby's and Christie's programs?

If you could choose among all these, which one and why?

Many thanks!

To echo the above comment, it depends what you want to do with the MA. As for Pratt, I don't know much about the specifics of their programs, but as far as I can tell, they don't actually have an academic art history MA program -- all of their grad programs appear to be either studio-based or more arts admin-related.

NYU has multiple art history-related MA programs. The Art History MA at the Institute of Fine Arts is one of the top art history MA programs and many of its graduates go on to get PhDs in art history and/or become museum curators. NYU also has various arts admin and museum studies MA programs with completely separate faculties. Those programs obviously include art history courses, but there is little, if any, interaction between those students and the ones in the art history program at the IFA.

I don't know much about the selectivity of the Sotheby's and Christie's programs, but they're more tailored towards people who are interested in going into art business, auctions, galleries, etc. If you're hoping to eventually get a PhD in art history, this is probably not the route you want to take.

If you're interested in design/applied art, the Bard Graduate Center has MA and PhD programs in decorative arts and design history; it's not my field, but as far as I can tell, it's a very well-regarded program.

Lastly, there are also MA programs in art history at Brooklyn College and Hunter College and a museum studies MA at City College, all of which are part of CUNY.

[elreb]

Thanks, I really appreciate the responses.

At this point, I am not interested in academia but rather curating or in arts admin, most likely in the nonprofit field (i.e. museums, nonprofit galleries), but I am quite sure that I want an academic MA. Many people I have spoken to suggest the art history MA, supplemented by hands-on work experience, is preferable to a museum studies MA. I would like to do a PhD, but I haven't planned out my life that far ahead yet.

Also, my area of interest is in modern and postmodern art and architectural history. I used the think NYU was the perfect place for me but after looking at the faculty's research interests, it may not be the best fit.

Pratt does have a ah MA- its called History and Theory of Art, Architecture and Design, and MA students can also do a museum studies certificate. However, Pratt is so applied-arts focused that I worry the MA program is an afterthought, plus their faculty almost all seem to be "visiting"- maybe because they are working in the field.

[hopelesslypostmodern]

Have you looked at Columbia? Their MA in Modern Art: Critical & Curatorial Studies seems like it might be right up your alley.

[Hicks]

Thanks, I really appreciate the responses.

At this point, I am not interested in academia but rather curating or in arts admin, most likely in the nonprofit field (i.e. museums, nonprofit galleries), but I am quite sure that I want an academic MA. Many people I have spoken to suggest the art history MA, supplemented by hands-on work experience, is preferable to a museum studies MA. I would like to do a PhD, but I haven't planned out my life that far ahead yet.

Also, my area of interest is in modern and postmodern art and architectural history. I used the think NYU was the perfect place for me but after looking at the faculty's research interests, it may not be the best fit.

Pratt does have a ah MA- its called History and Theory of Art, Architecture and Design, and MA students can also do a museum studies certificate. However, Pratt is so applied-arts focused that I worry the MA program is an afterthought, plus their faculty almost all seem to be "visiting"- maybe because they are working in the field.

I did the dual MFA/MS degree at Pratt. For some weird accrediting reason the Art History master's is an M.S. not an M.A. The program is solid and not just an after thought to the design and fine arts programs. But, one thing that many enjoy about the program is the close associating with the fine arts. There are some really good well respected faculty there. But, that said I don't know the current contemporary art professor. She is a young professor just out of Princeton. It looks like the new Chair is also a 20th century person. They started teh Museums Studies certificate after I left so I can't say much about it. At the graduate level you won't be dealing with many if any of the visiting professors. They mostly teach undergraduate surveys. Though there are a couple from the Brooklyn Museum conservation lab who help with the methodolgy course. If you have any questions I will try to answer what I can.