Art History (PhD)
Art History (PHD)
The University of Delaware offers an exceptional Doctorate program in Art History, providing comprehensive studies from ancient to modern times with specialized concentrations in American and European art.
The department offers two routes to degree completion. One is designed for students who hold an M.A. in art history or its equivalent. The other, the Direct Ph.D. Program, is designed for students who hold a Bachelor's Degree in art history, or a related field, and are seeking a Ph.D. in art history. Students admitted to the Direct Ph.D. Program have the option of stepping out of the program at the M.A. level, having fulfilled the requirements for the M.A. degree.
Program Overview
Our PhD program equips students with advanced research skills and in-depth knowledge to become leading scholars and curators in the field of art history. Key features include:
- Rigorous coursework covering diverse periods and methodologies
- Close mentorship from distinguished faculty
- Opportunities to work with original artworks and curate exhibitions
- Interdisciplinary connections with material culture studies and historic preservation
Areas of Specialization
- Art of the Americas
- European Art
- Art of Asia and Its Diasporas
- Architectural History
- Material Culture Studies
Research Opportunities
Students benefit from access to:
- University Museums' collection of 6,000+ objects
- Center for Material Culture Studies
- Center for Historic Architecture and Design (CHAD)
- Winterthur Museum Library
- Delaware Art Museum
Career Preparation
Our program prepares graduates for careers as:
- University professors
- Museum curators
- Arts administrators
- Cultural heritage specialists
With a PhD from UD's renowned Art History department, you'll be poised to make significant contributions to scholarship and the art world
All applicants must hold, or be a candidate for, the bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and must give evidence to the Graduate College of the University and to the Department of having completed that degree prior to enrollment.
Students will normally have completed an undergraduate major in art history, or at least show extensive preparation across a wide range of areas within the field. To be considered, an application form must be presented, along with a brief personal essay discussing the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate work in art history, plans, and special interests within art history, letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the applicant's academic work, official transcripts from all institutions attended, and a writing sample.
The writing sample will normally be an academic essay bearing upon the history of art or a related field. The writing sample should be what the applicant considers his or her best work in art history, demonstrating his or her ability to write cogently, to conduct art historical research, and to present a critical reading or interpretation. Although it is not a requirement that the writing sample deal with material related to the applicant's proposed area of specialization, it is essential that it demonstrate the candidate's ability to write well and pursue art historical research at a high level.
Applicants should also have a reading knowledge of at least one language other than English adequate to read art historical scholarship (see Language Requirement). The application deadline is January 2 of each year for admission during the next academic year, beginning the following September. Students are admitted only in the fall academic term. Applicants to the Ph.D. Program in Art History must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a Master's degree.
As of Fall 2021 the Art History Department eliminated the GRE as an admission requirement.
The University of Delaware holistically supports its graduate students, beginning with their health and wellbeing. Benefits include a subsidized health plan and physical and behavioral health services. UD fosters a culture of academic excellence, with committed faculty and staff and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technology. UD prioritizes professional development with job training, internships and industry partnerships. Graduates further enhance their professional growth and visibility with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams, present their work at conferences and publish in academic journals. Visit the links below to learn how UD is supporting society’s future leaders, scholars, and innovators.
