Frequently Asked Questions

All applicants must submit:

• short written essays following the prompts in the online application
• a resume
• two letters of recommendation (ideally, both academic and professional)
• official transcripts or official evaluations from ALL previously attended institutions of higher education
• English-language proficiency scores for international students
• non-refundable $100.00 application fee

View our application deadlines. We highly encourage candidates to apply by the January 15th priority deadline.

No, the GRE is not required.

It is recommended that candidates have completed two college-level art history courses or present equivalent experience prior to entering the program. Candidates will have the opportunity to describe their relevant educational and/or professional experience in their application.

An international credential evaluation and English language proficiency scores are required. For more information about required materials for international applicants, please visit our International Applicants page.

Most students who have been admitted to the program have undergraduate degrees in art history or other subjects relevant to the art business, such as fine arts, business, economics, or history.

Regardless of undergraduate major, all students must demonstrate a knowledge of art, as well as strong writing and research skills.

The curriculum is designed for full-time study, but in special circumstances, a student may take fewer than the full-time load per term, and is permitted to take up to three years to complete the program. Students must request permission from the department chair to enroll in the program on a part-time basis. 

Students who are interested in writing a thesis are encouraged to think about possible topics from the onset of the program. They will declare their intention to embark on a thesis and submit a brief project proposal by the end of the second semester of study.

Students who choose the thesis track will enroll in AM 655 Thesis Seminar and AM 701 Thesis Preparation in their third semester of study. The Thesis Seminar guides students through the research and writing process, while also providing background on research methodologies and academic standards.

Thesis students also work closely with an advisor. Totaling 12,000 to 15,000 words, the resulting project will represent an original contribution to the field. 

The choice of internship sites, the selection of coursework in the third semester, and the specific topic of the thesis offer students the opportunity to pursue individual interests. Full-time graduate students may also take undergraduate courses free of charge. 

Candidates who submit and complete their application by the priority deadline are the first applications to be reviewed, thus candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. Candidates who apply by the priority deadline are the first applications to be reviewed.

Selection is based on all of the components of the application, though the department prioritizes applicants with a demonstrated interest in the field, relevant educational backgrounds, and prior professional experience. A candidate’s transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, work experience, and test scores (if applicable) are considered together.

All candidates will be required to submit a recorded interview as part of the application. Applicants should be prepared to take part in a follow up live interview with their academic department upon request.

Between 15 and 20 students are admitted each year.

No, the fall semester is the only intake period per year.

Most graduates find employment in the commercial art world (galleries, auction houses, appraisal firms, art fairs, art advisory firms, etc.), but alumni have also obtained positions in museums and non-profit organizations.