University of South Florida

School of Art & Art History

USF College of The Arts

MA in Art History Admission Process

Students interested in applying to the Master of Arts in Art History at the USF School of Art & Art History should read the requirement list first, then follow the steps listed below under How to Apply. Please note that admissions are for the fall term only.

Graduate Admissions Deadlines:
January 15 to be considered for the Fall semester
October 15 to be considered for the Spring semester

MA Art History Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Art History degree:

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited university or art school
  • Fulfillment of one of the following:
    • A graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and/or
    • A “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) average or better in all upper division studies as a baccalaureate student
  • A Graduate Record Exam General Test, taken within five years preceding application, is required. Official GRE scores must be sent to USF’s Office of Admissions by the test administrator.
    • It is best if applicants take the GRE at least 60 days prior to the application deadline to ensure your test scores are received by the January 15 (to be considered for the Fall semester ) or October 15 (to be considered for the Spring semester) application deadlines.
    • GRE scores are sent to the Office of Admissions by the test administrator. To facilitate application review, a PDF file (of your student copy of test scores) is submitted online (see Step 2 in How to Apply).

Due to COVID-19, submission of the GRE scores for the 2020-2021 cycle of MA applications is optional. The candidates should note that their application will be strengthened in light of their GRE scores. The test is offered both on site and online, based on geographical location.

Admission is competitive. Fulfillment of the above-listed admissions requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. All submitted materials of each applicant, including the Research Paper, statement of research goals, and the letters of recommendation, are reviewed by the art history faculty to assess academic potential.

 

How to Apply to the MA Art History program

The Master of Arts in Art History program accepts applications for fall admissions only. Apply to USF and submit your application fee by January 15 (to be considered for the Fall semester ) or October 15 (to be considered for the Spring semester). Submit supportive application materials to the school beginning September 30th to January 15th. All official transcripts must be postmarked by January 15th or October 15 and sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

 

Step 1: Apply to the University of South Florida

Complete the online application and pay the application fee by January 15 (to be considered for the Fall semester) or October 15 (to be considered for the Spring semester). Have official transcripts from all institutions you have received a degree (AA, BA, etc.) sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  Exception: Official transcripts are not required from former or current USF degree-seeking students.

Do not submit letters of recommendation with your USF application. Refer to Step 2.

 

Step 2: Submit application materials to the School of Art & Art History

The following application materials must be submitted electronically via SlideRoom by January 15 (to be considered for the Fall semester) or October 15 (to be considered for the Spring semester).

  • A typed research paper, written in English, in PDF format dealing with a topic in art history or relevant research.

    • There is no length requirement for the research paper. The research paper must be a typed, clean copy without written comments and corrections. It should deal with a topic in art history or other relevant research and should demonstrate your ability to write, research, and think critically.

  • Statement of research goals: A short essay of one to two pages explaining the applicant’s research interests and goals for graduate study in art history.
  • Resume/CV
  • Names and email addresses, etc. of three references submitting electronic letters of recommendation for you for graduate study (from professors who have taught you and are familiar with your research and classroom participation).
    • It is always best to have college professors (preferably art historians) who have taught you write your letters of recommendation for graduate study. They are most qualified to discuss your academic potential. If this isn’t possible, then ask other individuals who can attest to your academic abilities. Be sure to confirm with your recommenders that they will write a letter of recommendation for you before submitting their names as references online at SlideRoom.
  • PDF files of unofficial transcripts
    • Official transcripts from every institution of higher learning where an associate or higher degree was awarded. (These should be in sealed envelopes from each institution where the degree was awarded with the registrar’s stamp across the flap and mailed to the address listed below.)
  • PDF file of unofficial (student copy) GRE test scores
    • The test administrator sends the official GRE test scores directly to the USF Office of Admissions. To facilitate application review, you must also submit a PDF file (of a student copy) at SlideRoom. 

 

Step 3: International Students (only)

International applicants from non-English- speaking countries or who have not earned a degree in the United States must provide a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 taken within two years of the desired term of entry, a minimum PTE-A score of 53 or a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 550 (written test). Official scores must be submitted to USF directly from the testing agency, but applicants should upload unofficial copies of their test score reports to expedite the processing of their applications. Any admission granted using unofficial scores will not be finalized until official scores are received from the testing agency.

Please review the Graduate Requirements & Deadlines for International Students at the USF Office of Admissions for important application instructions. International students must fulfill English proficiency requirements.

 

Contact Us

For questions about curricular requirements, application procedures, transfer credits, procedural issues, costs, financial aid, policies, and to schedule a tour, please contact our graduate advisor, Maureen Slossen.

Office: FAH 246

Email: maureens@usf.edu

Phone: (813) 974-9240

Dr. Elisabeth Fraser is the faculty coordinator of the Master of Arts in Art History program. Contact her to find out more about our graduate program, including:

  • our philosophy or direction of the program
  • disciplines or concentrations offered
  • description of the faculty and areas of expertise
  • other faculty at USF for interdisciplinary study
  • organizations on campus or in the community
  • details about events
  • research opportunities
  • responsibilities associated with graduate assistantships
  • matching your interests to our programs