History of Art MA/PHD 2010

[shake1204]

Could those accepted to the IFA MA program share their research interests?

[helenanapier]

Anyone heard anything from Berkeley? Have they sent acceptance emails yet?

[good∵desire]

Anyone heard anything from Berkeley? Have they sent acceptance emails yet?

Last Thursday (3/11) I got an email from the department secretary about my CA residence. A prof had asked her to ask me to confirm it. In my reply I asked her about when decisions would be made. She said the department was still considering applications and "hoped" to be finished within 10 days. So . . . I'm expecting to hear any day now. Based on what I've read on the forum about Berkeley this year, I imagine their budget issues are slowing everything down.

[good∵desire]

As I was making a post in the Courtauld thread I received an email regarding my scholarship application and have just discovered I will be getting no money to go to school in London. I was hoping someone could shed some light on the situation - anyone at the courtauld? or anyone who knows about the school? I was under the impression that they were in a fairly good financial situation so I was absolutely not expecting NO FUNDING - especially being an international student. I'm wondering if I should be offended - or if I'm wrong in thinking that most international students get some money.

While I'm on the topic could anyone give me their opinion on the Courtauld - I ultimately want to get my PHD in America - so would be going for just an MA. Is there an advantage/disadvantage to getting an MA at a school different to the one you ultimately want to get a phd from. I'm thinking wider exposure and more contacts versus building relationships...

I definitely feel a little less wanted now...

I know lots of people who went to the Courtauld as I lived in London for over two years and did my MA in the UK. It's no surprise to me that you weren't given any funding, even if you are a top student. International students pay the highest tuition and help keep the school/system afloat. By going there you would basically be subsidizing all of your British peers.

The school has a top reputation all around the world and that should be the least of your worries. I would think more about the fit. It's MA courses are very specialized and if you don't want to write your PhD on the exact topic of your MA course you might reconsider. You should also research the professor and try to gauge their accessibility to MA students. Many professors who teach there can't be assed! While specialized knowledge shows maturity and is desirable for specialists, it also limits your perceived potential. My understanding is that many US PhD programs look to mold their students into little "mini thems." And you won't appear very "moldable" with an MA from the Courtauld.

[helenanapier]

Last Thursday (3/11) I got an email from the department secretary about my CA residence. A prof had asked her to ask me to confirm it. In my reply I asked her about when decisions would be made. She said the department was still considering applications and "hoped" to be finished within 10 days. So . . . I'm expecting to hear any day now. Based on what I've read on the forum about Berkeley this year, I imagine their budget issues are slowing everything down.

Look at the results page-- two Berkeley rejections are up-- what's with that? They're dated as of tomorrow from EST...

I called today and they claimed they were still working on things. Hmmm.

[georgica2]

As OliverOD said, you shouldn't be surprised about not getting funding. Most postgrad scholarships for UK universities comes from the AHRC, which is government-funded and only UK/EU students are eligible. On top of that, tuition is subsidized for UK residents at both levels (undergrad and postgrad), with international students paying substantially higher fees to compensate. With regard to the benefits/drawbacks of a Courtauld MA, I wouldn't worry about getting your MA at a different program than the PhD -- some universities actually avoid accepting internal candidates especially if they have sequential programs, and it certainly won't hurt you to get your MA elsewhere. With that said, though Courtauld is well-known internationally and has an excellent reputation, the UK system is very different to the US, which is something you should factor into your decision. Universities in the UK are very focused and require a great deal of independent work -- there's not a lot of room for changing your mind about what you want to study or experimenting with a variety of different courses, especially in a program like Courtauld where you apply directly to a course/professor. If you have any doubts about your research interests, Courtauld is not the place to go. As with any university, the accessibility of faculty members varies person to person, but in general, the culture of UK universities requires students to be very independent and pro-active. If you're a person who needs a very hands-on advisor/program, a UK uni might not be right for you. Again, the key thing in your decision should be how closely the course fits your research interests, and how certain you are about specializing. If you absolutely know what you're interested in and the course is a perfect match, Courtauld is a good choice; if you're wavering between a few different areas of interest, or the Courtauld course seems exciting, but not totally related to what you envision your PhD research to be, it might be worth considering a US program.

[Hugh10]

Thanks everyone for your responses - it really puts things into perspective and I appreciate the advice.

[mangomm]

Hello everyone -- I am writing because I'm in desperate need of advice! Namely, I'm deciding between two schools and could really use ANY input! I've been accepted to the Courtauld Institute and am really thrilled at the prospect of living in London and really think that my interests coincide with that of my tutor; however, my special option does deal with printmaking, and I study painting. I've also been accepted to the IFA at NYU, which I really wasn't expecting. They've also given me money to travel one summer.

Both programs are great -- does anyone have an opinion on either one? Or any advice on how to go about choosing?

Thank you in advance! I'd really appreciate any guidance!!!

[mitzydoodle]

Hello everyone -- I am writing because I'm in desperate need of advice! Namely, I'm deciding between two schools and could really use ANY input! I've been accepted to the Courtauld Institute and am really thrilled at the prospect of living in London and really think that my interests coincide with that of my tutor; however, my special option does deal with printmaking, and I study painting. I've also been accepted to the IFA at NYU, which I really wasn't expecting. They've also given me money to travel one summer.

Both programs are great -- does anyone have an opinion on either one? Or any advice on how to go about choosing?

Thank you in advance! I'd really appreciate any guidance!!!

Are they MA or PhD programs?

[mangomm]

Are they MA or PhD programs?

Oops! Totally forgot to mention they're MA programs.

[mitzydoodle]

Oops! Totally forgot to mention they're MA programs.

If you feel like the "fits" are fairly equal, I would base my decision on cost, going with the cheaper option. Not knowing more specific details (which I don't blame you for not wanting to publicize), it is difficult to give you meaningful advice. Feel free to PM me if you want.

[sweetc10]

Sorry to take away from those still waiting (I'm still waiting on a few myself). I was accepted into the MA Art History program at Syracuse University Florence with no funding (ouch). I've done research on alumni, etc...but wanted to hear from all of you what you thought. What is the perception of this program in the art world? Is it worth the multiple student loans?

[stilnovista]

Does anyone know anything about funding at Bryn Mawr? I was accepted with a full tuition waiver but no stipend, a situation that is really not financially feasible for me. I contacted the department, and their response was that they would look to the list of funding offers "with my inquiry in mind" if anything opens up. I was also advised that there are positions available in library and elsewhere for graduate students, but that there are no TA-ships for first-year graduate students. Will I be able to support myself if I attend? Is anyone familiar with how competitive funding is and whether I'm likely to have opportunities to secure fellowships in the future? Bryn Mawr is looking to be my only viable option, since my only other admit to date was the Courtauld, and they're giving me zero funding. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

[worldspinsmadlyon]

Sorry to take away from those still waiting (I'm still waiting on a few myself). I was accepted into the MA Art History program at Syracuse University Florence with no funding (ouch). I've done research on alumni, etc...but wanted to hear from all of you what you thought. What is the perception of this program in the art world? Is it worth the multiple student loans?

I was accepted as a "self-funded" (wasn't that the strangest acceptance letter you've ever received?) student, as well. Honestly, for me, that was an instant deal-breaker. There is absolutely no way that I could justify financing that MA, when other students would be enjoying a fully funded fellowship. It would almost feel as if I was paying for their stipend. I can't speak to the perception of the program in the art world, but I just thought I'd add my two cents. Luckily I was offered money at a few other programs, so I have some other options. Best of luck with your decision making process.

[lovliedmeringue]

Hi All,

I am in the midst of decision-making as I got into all of the schools I applied to for my M.A. I currently work in the museum world and hope to continue on this path after graduating with my Masters. Could anyone shed some light on which of the following programs are the most "impressive" to employers in New York and beyond? I was accepted to The Bard Graduate Center, Columbia's Modern Art: Critical and Curatorial Studies program, and NYU's Institute of Fine Arts. I'm finding that I love each of the programs equally, even though they are all pretty different. I received funding at Bard and love the specificity of the program, but am worried A) that the program is perceived to be as rigorous/prestigious/academic as the others to the outside world that I will end up pigeon-holed as a desigm/decorative arts person from there on out and have more difficulty finding a museum curatorial position (I know I can only hope to become a curatorial assistant or something in that range upon graduation).

I am thinking that I potentially want to keep my museum career options open wide by enrolling in an art history program and writing my masters on fine art + design and am thus a little concerned that only studying design might lead to fewer job prospects. Is this concern valid, considering the BGC's reputation? I know one should almost always go for whoever gives you funding, but I would just like to know people's opinions on the reputations of these three programs. All things being equal for me, which might be looked upon most favorably in the museum world in your opinion?

Thanks for any help and so sorry for any rambling!

[shake1204]

Is anyone waiting to hear back on the Master's program at Maryland? Has anyone heard back yet?

[helenanapier]

Anyone here currently in University of Chicago's MAPH program/ can weigh in on whether it is worth a shot? I have been rejected by all but one of the PhD programs I applied for (I am still waiting to hear from Berkeley, but I am expecting to hear the worst). I would eventually like to enter a PhD program and I am wondering if going the MAPH route would be an advantageous move, especially considering that I will not be receiving funding for the MAPH program. My concentration is in modern/contemporary with emphasis on critical theory and performance. I do not have any student loans from undergrad, but I will independently finance my graduate studies. Any insight would be very greatly appreciated!

I am deciding between MAPH (unfunded) and and Toronto (partially funded) for an MA, and I'm still not sure what to think myself. Are you going to the admitted students' weekend?

[stilnovista]

Is anyone waiting to hear back on the Master's program at Maryland? Has anyone heard back yet?

Has anyone heard ANYTHING from UMaryland at all? I have one offer that I'm considering, but time is running out and I just want Maryland to tell me yes or no so I can definitively make up my mind.

[mmsw86]

Anyone else considering Notre Dame or UNC for the M.A.?

As I've received equally generous financial offers from both, I'm having some trouble deciding. My intended concentration is 18th/19th century French, British, and American art.

[lovliedmeringue]

I also hate to be negative here, but I have to agree with 'obscurefemale' about getting an MA/Phd straight from school. I got my MA a few years ago straight out of undergrad, and was then rejected from my (granted much too limited) Phd list because even then I wasn't as experienced or published as other candidates (thats with an MA mind you). Some of my friends from grad school went straight through to their Phd (which has its own issues), and others have gotten some good experience teaching, publishing, working, and are now happily ensconced at their top choice Phd programs. There is always the possibility that an undergraduate student with excellent recs and internships might get in, as was mentioned previously its really a complicated matrix depending on the department, speciality, etc., but getting additional credentials only helps your chances! I know in the 2009 list there might have been some successful candidates straight from undergrad, but I think 'obscure's' experience is more typical. I hope not too discouraging!

What is you new job/where are you working, if you don't mind my asking? Just wondering what type of work I miiight be able to expect after gaining my masters, if I'm lucky. Our fields are really closely aligned!

Thanks!

[ne4810]

What is you new job/where are you working, if you don't mind my asking? Just wondering what type of work I miiight be able to expect after gaining my masters, if I'm lucky. Our fields are really closely aligned!

Thanks!

A position opened up working on an exhibition that closely related to my masters thesis. I was lucky enough to hear about it from someone in my MA program, and am working for another graduate of the same program. Networking is the #1 way I can recommend for getting a job, probably tied for #1 is interning. If you want to work in museums, and are lucky enough to have funding or funds for your MA(hence no part time job) intern for as many places, and types of places as you can. I think some masters students don't realize that museum departments are desperate for help, the staff they do have is always overworked in my experience. I got some amazing internships by calling up departments and offering my services for free doing whatever they needed. Basically at the end of the day every museum job opening gets hundreds of applicants with amazing academic credentials, but if you also have the requisite skills from interning (computer progams like TMS and other project management skills unique to the museum/exhibition experience)you are the one who gets that job. I've seen this many times from both sides of the hiring spectrum, both being hired and doing the hiring. I hope that helps a little. I'd be happy to give more info, feel free to PM me.

[lovliedmeringue]

Congrats, sounds like you got a little but lucky, but mostly it sounds like it was due to your hard work and planning!

I work in a museum now in the very department where I would want to end up in later in my career, so ideally an MA will help me get back here at a higher level. In the end, I've decided to go with the Bard Graduate Center over Columbia and the IFA for my MA. Luckily, they set you up with an internship between the first and second years whether you like it or not, so hopefully that will help! I think you're right about work/internship experience being the thing that gets you the job. Thanks so much for the advice!

[Ritualist]

Hey, guys and gals. I decided a few days ago to take my offer from Columbia for the PhD in Art History and Archaeology! It was a tough decision for me, but it is done. Now to start planning my move to NYC in late August. I'm very excited. I hope that decision making is going smoothly for all!

[georgica2]

Is anyone seriously considering CUNY? If so, what field? Has anyone visited? Since getting the acceptance letter, I haven't heard a peep (which doesn't bode well for funding, of course) and am wondering if anyone has communicated at all with the department or had a chance to look around.