University of Connecticut
School of Fine Arts
Department of Art & Art History
INFORMATION PROGRAMS ADMISSIONS EXHIBITIONS
 


BA
Art History

BFA
Comm. Design
Illustration
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture

MA
Art History

MFA
Studio Art

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions about the M.A. in Art History

1. Must I have undergraduate degree in Art History to apply for the Masters program in Art History at the University of Connecticut?
No, although it is helpful to have undergraduate training in art history, you do not need to have majored in Art History to apply for the MA in Art History.

2. What graduate degrees does UConn offer in Art History?
We offer an M.A., but do not offer a Ph.D.

3. How can I get the application materials needed to apply to the graduate program?
The Graduate School of the University of Connecticut supplies all application materials. The Graduate School’s website is: www.grad.uconn.edu

4. How can I find out about the program of study, coursework available in specific fields, and faculty research interests and contact information?
Please feel free to contact individual Art History faculty members by email about their research and teaching interests. Email contacts are listed above. For general information, please contact the Graduate Coordinator at (860. 486-3930, or the Administrative Assistant, Lorraine McConnell at lorraine.mcconnell@uconn.edu .

5 Do I have to know a foreign language prior to entering the program?
You do not need a foreign language to enter the program, but you must show proficiency in one foreign language in order to obtain your degree. See “Language Requirements” above. Students are highly encouraged to begin advanced language study before they enter the program.

6. How much does graduate education at UConn cost?
Information on tuition, housing and other costs can be found at the Graduate School website, www.grad.uconn.edu.

7. Does the University of Connecticut offer financial aid for graduate studies?
Two major types of financial aid are available to graduate students: (1. financial aid based on academic merit, and (2. financial aid based on need.

The Department of Art and Art History offers a certain number of Graduate Assistantships, which cover tuition costs, health care and a living stipend. These GAships are awarded on a competitive basis. To apply for an assistantship or fellowship, select yes after the appropriate question on the application for admission.

Need-based Financial Aid: United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States (but not International Students. may apply for need-based financial aid, which includes Federal Stafford Loans (FSL. , Federal Work Study, and University of Connecticut Tuition Remission Grant. To apply for need-based aid, an additional form not included in the online or paper application must be completed.

Need-based Financial Aid deadlines:

  • March 1 for continuing UConn graduate students
  • May 1 for entering UConn graduate students.


The FAFSA must be received and logged in at the Federal Processor on/before the published deadline date. On-time status will not be determined by postmark dates or postage receipts. Priority for the awarding of Federal Work Study as well as University of Connecticut Tuition Remission funds will be reserved for applicants who comply with the above deadlines. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for Federal Stafford Loans only.

The Graduate School also offers information on other financial aid opportunities. See the Graduate School website at: http://www.grad.uconn.edu/financial_aid.html

8. What application materials must I submit to the Department of Art and Art History?
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School (see www.grad.uconn.edu. , the Department of Art and Art History also requires a writing sample of approximately twenty pages in length.

9. Do you require the GRE?If so, which tests?
Yes, applicants are required to have test scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations submitted to the University of Connecticut as part of their application procedure. Specific subject tests are not required for application to the MA in Art History.

10. Who must take the TOEFL English Proficiency Exam?
International students who are not native speakers of English must submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) at a minimum level of 550 for the paper-based test or 213 for the computer-based test. For more information, see the Graduate School website at: www.grad.uconn.edu

11. What are the criteria for being admitted to graduate study? What does the review committee look for?
We look for the following criteria in applications to the MA degree program in Art History:

  • A clear, well-written statement of purpose: must demonstrate a sophisticated sense of the field of art history and indicates an intellectual direction the applicant wishes to follow. This is the single most important thing. We look for applicants whose statements give signs of a creative intellect.Research interests that are compatible with those of our faculty.
  • A strong undergraduate academic record: most admitted students have GPAs of at least 3.5.
  • Good language preparation: this is helpful, although not an entrance requirement.
  • GRE scores: Less important than other factors but most successful applicants have high verbal and analytical scores.
  • Honest, detailed letters of recommendation: letters from scholars (not employers) who are familiar with you and your academic work and interests.
  • A writing sample: approximately twenty (20. pages demonstrating original thinking, intelligent critical analysis, good research and the ability to write well.

12. Can I pursue a Masters degree at the University of Connecticut part-time, through evening courses, or through distance learning?
No. Our program is full-time and requires the full-time commitment of students. We do not offer distance learning programs.

13. How long does it take to complete the M.A. program?
It takes approximately two years of full-time study to complete the requirements for the MA.

14. If I have a question that is not answered here, whom can I contact?
Please contact the Art History Graduate Coordinator at (860. 486-3930 or via the Administrative Assistant at lorraine.mcconnell@uconn.edu.

You may also want to look at one of the following websites:

University of Connecticut homepage
University of Connecticut Graduate Division
University of Connecticut Graduate Financial Aid           

 

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    University of Connecticut
School of Fine Arts
  Department of Art & Art History
830 Bolton Road, Unit 1099
Storrs, Connecticut 06269-1099

  Telephone: 860 486 3930
Facsimile: 860 486 3869
 
    Web site design: Randall Hoyt, Edvin Yegir, Mark Zurolo