Master of Arts in Art History and Visual Studies Program By University of Kentucky |Top Universities
Main Subject Area

Art and DesignMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Art and Design

Study Level

Masters

The Master of Arts in Art History & Visual Studies prepares students with the course work, language skills, and research experience needed for further graduate study or work in a museum or educational setting. The curriculum is structured to provide both breadth and depth of inquiry through a variety of approaches to art history and, more broadly, visual studies. We recommend that courses be broadly selected to take full advantage of the multiple approaches, expertise, and insights of the faculty. The relatively small size of the MA program, the richness of available resources, and the dedication of its faculty enable students to tailor their program of study to particular needs while simultaneously attaining a strong general grounding in the discipline. Campus resources include the Lucille C. Little Fine Arts Library and Learning Center, the Special Collections of the M. I. King Library, the W.T. Young Library, the UK Art Museum, the School of Art & Visual Studies’ Visual Resources Office, and the Bolivar Art Gallery. The UK SA/VS Art History & Visual Studies program is predominately devoted to modern and contemporary art and visual culture, viewed from both Western and non-Western perspectives. Faculty specialize in contemporary, modern, 19th-century European, Asian and African art and visual culture, as well as ancient Roman/early Christian/early medieval art and visual culture. Art History & Visual Studies also offers broad foundational courses in early world art, post-medieval Western art, and visual studies. Majors may choose been two different tracks depending on the students' interests - Art History or Visual Studies. The Art History track is designed for students whose primary interest is the study of the traditional high art cultures in Western and non-Western societies. The degree typically prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, and as educators. Students in this track often go on to pursue graduate work in art history. The visual studies track is more closely connected to contemporary art, society, and visual culture. It is designed to give students a broad understanding of how images impact the world we live in. Students might consider this degree as complimentary to the study of visual communication. Graduates often pursue careers in curating contemporary art and other forms of visual expression, as well as a variety of design fields in which high level critical visual skills are in high demand. Either track teaches students the fundamentals of research, to read both texts and images critically, to communicate effectively in written form about visual material, and to present orally in a clear and effective manner their research to others.

Program overview

Main Subject

Art and Design

Study Level

Masters

The Master of Arts in Art History & Visual Studies prepares students with the course work, language skills, and research experience needed for further graduate study or work in a museum or educational setting. The curriculum is structured to provide both breadth and depth of inquiry through a variety of approaches to art history and, more broadly, visual studies. We recommend that courses be broadly selected to take full advantage of the multiple approaches, expertise, and insights of the faculty. The relatively small size of the MA program, the richness of available resources, and the dedication of its faculty enable students to tailor their program of study to particular needs while simultaneously attaining a strong general grounding in the discipline. Campus resources include the Lucille C. Little Fine Arts Library and Learning Center, the Special Collections of the M. I. King Library, the W.T. Young Library, the UK Art Museum, the School of Art & Visual Studies’ Visual Resources Office, and the Bolivar Art Gallery. The UK SA/VS Art History & Visual Studies program is predominately devoted to modern and contemporary art and visual culture, viewed from both Western and non-Western perspectives. Faculty specialize in contemporary, modern, 19th-century European, Asian and African art and visual culture, as well as ancient Roman/early Christian/early medieval art and visual culture. Art History & Visual Studies also offers broad foundational courses in early world art, post-medieval Western art, and visual studies. Majors may choose been two different tracks depending on the students' interests - Art History or Visual Studies. The Art History track is designed for students whose primary interest is the study of the traditional high art cultures in Western and non-Western societies. The degree typically prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, and as educators. Students in this track often go on to pursue graduate work in art history. The visual studies track is more closely connected to contemporary art, society, and visual culture. It is designed to give students a broad understanding of how images impact the world we live in. Students might consider this degree as complimentary to the study of visual communication. Graduates often pursue careers in curating contemporary art and other forms of visual expression, as well as a variety of design fields in which high level critical visual skills are in high demand. Either track teaches students the fundamentals of research, to read both texts and images critically, to communicate effectively in written form about visual material, and to present orally in a clear and effective manner their research to others.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

6+

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
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Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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More programs from the university

The University of Kentucky (UK), founded in 1865, is a public land grant university dedicated to improving people’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, UK plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human well-being.A diverse student body of 28,000, representing 117 countries, are studying in more than 100 undergraduate degree programs, more than 90 master’s programs and more than 90 doctoral programs in 16 academic and professional colleges – all on one centrally located campus. UK is pound to be one of the top 300 academic institutions in the world, and to offer its students more than 25 nationally ranked programs in the Top 20.Campus life at UK is never dull and provides countless ways to get involved and make new friends. With over 400 student organizations you’ll be sure to find a club, organization or volunteer opportunity that will enable you to explore your interests, while having fun. There are also frequent on-campus events such as live performances and sporting events.As a leading research university, there are over 70 centers for research, providing ample opportuntity to aid or participate in one of the many research projects being conducted at UK. In 2011, UK faculty received a record-breaking total of $229 million in grants and contracts. Groundbreaking developments made in all areas of study, not only benefit the local community but people around the world.UK is located in Lexington, Kentucky – a city of 295,000 known for its natural beauty and friendly residents. Lexington is proud to offer many unique attractions, cultural events and an energetic nightlife. It has been ranked in the top 10 nationally for safest, most educated, best value, best for business and best for employment opportunities. In addition, it made the list of Top 10 Cities of the Future.The University of Kentucky is well on its way to becoming a Top 20 institution, and is a place to dream and succeed. Expect the best in resources, teaching, research opportunities and your overall experience, as UK is leading through innovation!

UK grew from the vision of one man, John Bowman. In 1865, after winning financial support through the federal Morrill Land-Grant College Act and private donations, Bowman saw the realization of his dream with the opening of the state's new Agricultural and Mechanical College. The college was renamed the University of Kentucky in 1916.The University of Kentucky will be one of the nation's 20 best public research universities, an institution recognized world-wide for excellence in teaching, research, and service and a catalyst for intellectual, social, cultural, and economic development.The University of Kentucky is a public, research-extensive, land grant university dedicated to enriching people's lives through excellence in teaching, research, and service.The University of Kentucky: Facilitates learning, informed by scholarship and research. Expands knowledge through research, scholarship and creative activity. Serves a global community by disseminating, sharing and applying knowledge. The University, as the flagship institution, plays a critical leadership role for the Commonwealth by promoting human and economic development that improves lives within Kentucky's borders and beyond. The University models a diverse community characterized by fairness and social justice.

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