Why pursue a PhD in Art History?
The UCLA PhD program in Art History prepares students for careers as college-level teachers, writers, curators, and museum or art world professionals. It is designed to encourage interdisciplinary critical thinking and engagement with a variety of approaches to art history, and supports close interaction between students and faculty.
How do I apply?
UCLA’s Graduate Division has launched a new online application process in recent years. Complete the Graduate Division’s online application, which can be accessed on their website, and upload supporting documents. Please consult the guideline provided above, “Application Process” and “Application Checklist,” for important details.
When are applications due?
November 30th of each year.
How many students apply each year; how many are accepted?
The UCLA Department of Art History is highly competitive. On average, 100 applicants apply each year. On average, we accept approximately 6-8 students each year.
What makes a strong application for graduate school?
The Graduate Review Committee (GRC) values applications that reflect a serious engagement with art historical questions and problems, a focused intellectual direction, and a strong scholarly record. Preparatory training in foreign languages is also highly desirable.
What makes a strong Statement of Purpose?
A strong statement of purpose is concise, clearly written, and provides a substantive account of the applicant’s intellectual and research interests as well as aspirational direction in Art History.
Do I have to identify which faculty I would like to work with in my application material?
No.
What GPA do I need to be accepted?
The Graduate Review Committee (GRC) expects a GPA of 3.5 or better. However, students are accepted on the basis of the entire admissions package and not on any one element.
Can I apply if I don’t have a BA in Art History?
Yes. The minimum requirement to be considered for our graduate program is that you have taken 3 art history courses at the undergraduate or graduate level with a grade of B or better in each.
What if I haven’t taken the 3 Art History courses required for entry into the program?
At the discretion of the Graduate Review Committee (GRC), applicants demonstrating exceptional promise who are short on the 3 required courses in art history could still be admitted to the program. In some cases, additional coursework in the field may be required upon admission.
Does the Department offer just the MA degree?
No. The Department does not offer a terminal MA. The MA degree is awarded only as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD and is granted with the successful completion of the first stage of the program.
If I already have a MA, can I apply directly to the PhD program?
Yes. Students with a MA degree in art history or another discipline can apply for admission to the PhD program. The Graduate Review Committee (GRC) will determine the equivalency of the MA on an individual basis.
How long does the PhD program take to complete?
The normative time to degree for the PhD is seven years from the term of admission. For students entering at the PhD level (i.e., with a MA in hand), the normative time to degree is five years from the term of admission.
Can my Letters of Recommendation be sent electronically?
Yes, the three recommendation letters should be submitted online by your referees.
What should my GRE test scores be?
The GRE score requirement has been WAIVED FOR FALL 2022 admissions due to complications surrounding COVID-19. Although no minimum score has been established for admission, successful applicants in recent years have scored on average between 160-165 on verbal reasoning. GRE scores may not be older than 3 years/36 months to the month of the application deadline.
When should I take the GRE exam?
Please consult the GRE website for details about where and when the test is administered. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for the Department to receive your scores. The GRE score should not be older than three years at time of application.
What are the institution and department/major codes for the GRE exam?
Institution code: 4837
Department/major code: 2301
Can my writing sample be a chapter of my thesis? In a language other than English?
Yes to both.
Can prospective students arrange for a campus/department visit, including sitting in on a class?
Yes. For campus visits, go to this Graduate Division link. To sit in on a class, you must obtain permission from the professor teaching the class. For contact information, go to Faculty and click on the names of individual professors.
What kind of funding is available?
The Department makes every effort to support all incoming art history graduate students with multi-year funding packages. Additionally, there is Graduate Division funding, as well as funding from state, federal, and private sources. For more information about funding, subscribe to the Grad Fellowship List.
Where should additional application materials be sent?
Non-electronic supplementary materials should be sent to:
UCLA Art History Admissions
Attention: Student Affairs Officer
Dept. of Art History
100 Dodd Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1417
Who should I contact if I have questions about admissions to the program?
Anne Carpenter, Student Affairs Officer
OR
Professor Stella Nair, Director of Graduate Studies.