To be considered for admission to the M.A. program, students must submit the following credentials:

• Application to Graduate School

• Application Fee

• Transcripts of all colleges attended (undergraduate or graduate)

• Two letters of recommendation specific to the program
  

• Graduate Record Examination scores

Students may receive a Master of Arts degree in the Department of Fine Arts by completing thirty-one (31) hours of graduate study divided between work in the Core Curriculum and work in one of the following three tracks of study: Art History, Critical and Curatorial Studies, or Studio Art.

Master of Arts in Art (Creative) and Art History Core Curriculum Hours

Concentration in Art History
Applicants for admission to the Master's Program in this track are expected to demonstrate competence in the history of art, equivalent to an undergraduate major.

Reading knowledge of one foreign language is required for the completion of the Master's degree in the art history track. This requirement should be met during the first year in the program, but must be met before enrolling for Thesis Guidance (ARTH 645/646). Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of two ways: 1) taking an examination administered by the department, scheduled in the fall and spring semesters; 2) completing the intermediate level of the language at the University of Louisville with a grade of B or better.

Each student must complete a core curriculum (16 hours) consisting of Art History 541 ("Modern Perspective in the Visual Arts"), six (6) hours of 500 or 600-level electives in the Department of Fine Arts, three (3) hours of 500 or 600-level electives outside the Department, three (3) hours of thesis guidance, and a one (1) hour graduate seminar.

The concentration in Art History will require fifteen (15) hours of 500 or 600-level courses in art history with a minimum of one course in each of the following areas: Ancient/Medieval; Renaissance/Baroque; Modern/Contemporary; Asian/Non-Western; and Independent Study (ARTH 643/644) (students are permitted one independent study course) concluding with a written thesis. The thesis consists of a research paper demonstrating critical knowledge of relevant sources, skill in analysis and interpretation, and ability to present the results in a well-organized and intelligent manner. The thesis must be defended in an oral examination. A reading knowledge of one foreign language is required (see above). A minimum of 12 hours (exclusive of Thesis Guidance) must be at the 600-level, of which at least 9 hours must be in art history.

Concentration in Critical and Curatorial Studies
Applicants for admission to the Master's Program in this track are expected to demonstrate competence in the history of art, studio art or arts management equivalent to an undergraduate major and an interest in museum theory and work.

Each student must complete a core curriculum (16 hours) consisting of Art History 541 ("Modern Perspectives in the Visual Arts"), six (6) hours of 500 or 600-level electives in the Department of Fine Arts, three (3) hours of 500 or 600-level electives outside the Department, three (3) hours of thesis guidance, and a one (1) hour graduate seminar (ART/ARTH 600).

The concentration in Critical and Curatorial Studies will require fifteen (15) hours of coursework consisting of ARTH 542: Special Topics (or ARTH 591/691); ARTH 547/647: Museum Methods I; ARTH 648 Curatorial Methods; a 600-level Public Administration arts management course (selected from PADM 600, 603, 609, or 612); ARTH 649 Curatorial Internship; and concluding with a thesis exhibition or curatorial project. The exhibition or curatorial project may be produced in cooperation with the University's Galleries, the Speed Art Museum, or other appropriate institutions authorized by the Department, and should be a culminating experience occurring in the final year of study. To fulfill this requirement, the candidate must submit a prefatory project proposal with the approval of their graduate advisor, produce or implement the thesis practicum proposed and appropriately document the exhibit or project. This documentation will include exhibition or project materials such as press releases, announcements, wall texts, brochures and/or catalog, and digital and/or photographic documentation of the exhibition or project as well as other corollary documentary materials. The thesis project will also include a written portion, in addition to the practicum and documentation, that will provide a narrative basis in critical theory and current professional curatorial practice detailing the planning, implementation and documentation of the project. The written thesis will be submitted in conformity with the regulations governing the form and presentation of the written master's thesis. (Note: 12 hours, exclusive of Thesis Guidance, must be at the 600 level)

Concentration

Concentration in Studio Art
Applicants for admission to the Master's Program in this track are expected to have completed training equivalent to an undergraduate major. To demonstrate his/her ability to pursue study at the graduate level, a student must submit examples of his/her work to the department by October 15 for spring semester admission and January 15 for fall semester admission. Contact the department for complete portfolio requirements.

Each student must complete a core curriculum (16 hours) consisting of Art History 541 ("Modern Perspectives in the Visual Arts"), six (6) hours of 500 or 600-level electives in the Department of Fine Arts, three (3) hours of 500 or 600-level electives outside the department, three (3) hours of thesis guidance, and a one (1) hour graduate seminar.

The concentration in Studio Arts will consist of fifteen (15) hours of 500 or 600-level courses taken in 2-D Studios, and/or 3-D Studios concluding with a thesis exhibition (12 hours, exclusive of Thesis Guidance, must be at the 600 level). The thesis exhibition, which must be authorized by the Department, should take place during the candidate's last semester of study. To accompany this exhibition, the candidate must submit a catalog containing a prefatory statement written by the candidate, a properly documented list of works in the exhibition, photographic reproductions of the work in one of the following forms: black and white photographs, color photographs, or slides placed in plastic sleeves to be bound into the thesis. The catalog will be submitted in conformity with the regulations governing the form and presentation of the written master's thesis.

Concentration Courses
15 hours of Studio courses (500 or 600 level) to be selected in consultation with advisor.
Thesis Exhibition with Thesis Statement.
Total of 15 hours.

Total Program = 31 hours

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Emeritus/Emerita