Phd + MFA?

[BuddingScholar]

Does anybody know if there is a program out there where you can pursue a PhD in Art History and an MFA in studio art concurrently?

[solus]

If I were you I would make a list of the schools which have programs you like and email those that have both first and then those that are in close proximity to each other second.  I want to do two degrees, Art History and Conservation.  None of the schools I liked listed that as an option on their websites, but when I emailed and talked to members of the department all were willing to work with me and allow me to work on both degrees consecitively.  Many of them were also willing to allow me to use classes from each program to waive others (ie allowing an art history class to count towards my art hsitory work as well as the art history requirement for the conservation, unless, of course, I wanted to take more classes). 

 

Some times there are matriculation if it is the same college or university (I had looked at enrolling in conservation at FIT and art history at Purchase, both SUNY schools), but they were willing to allow me to matriculate into one program while working towards both and then as soon as one program was completed matriculate me into the next and then let me finish whatever other classes I needed.  I had emailed about 20 schools across the US and UK about this; each one was willing to allow me to work towards both degrees.

 

I wouldnt worry about what schools allow accoridng to their general informaiton.  I would go directly to the schools you are interested in.  Many grad schools are actually quite flexible about meeting the students wishes/needs.

[TaraGreen89]

Dear Solus- you've probably already come across this in your research, but NYU's IFA offers a masters program in Art History with an Advanced Certificate (essentially another masters) in Art Conservation which, as a full time student, takes 4 years.

[solus]

Tara, I appreciate it   I am actually going to UCL for one year for art history then to FIT for 2 for the MA in Conservation, I have acceptances to both.  I specifically want to do textile work, so the IFA only has limited classes for my concentration.  For what I want to do I can really only go to FIT, University of Glasgow or Abegg in Switzerland.  Some of the courses at the IFA made me think twice, but I really love what I do

[KajeCaffeine7]

Anyone know of any MFA programs in art history (preferably in the north east?) ugh, I am an undergrad still, I graduate in spring 2014. One of my professor's told me since I want to teach art history, I should go for the MFA. I am not an artist, just a lover of history and art. In your opinion, is it better to get an MA & then the PhD? Just get the MFA? Thanks for any information you can provide me.. Sorry if this is redundant, too. :/

[condivi]

If you want to study art history, there's no reason to get an MFA. I'm not sure what your professor was talking about. Of course, a background in studio art provides some benefit for practicing art history--especially since we are in a moment that emphasizes process--but the vast majority of art historians do not have MFA's. In fact, I can't think of a single prominent art historian who does, off the top of my head. If you want to study art history, apply for an MA in art history or an MA/PhD program.

[fullofpink]

If you want to teach both Art history and Studio, then yes - you will need a MFA and a PhD -- some schools will love this in an applicant especially top art schools (RISD, Yale, AIChicago, etc). However, I doubt you will want to work on both degrees at the same time; however, I do know of a few professors who teach both studio and art history and this degree combo worked well for them

[condivi]

I think I misread your post. Do MFA's in art history even exist? Usually you get an MFA in studio and an MA in art history--I'm not aware of any programs where it's otherwise. And if you're not a practicing artist, there's definitely no reason to get an MFA!