Doctor of Philosophy in Art History

The PhD in Art History program at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture provides the broad-based training needed for teaching, research and curatorial positions at the highest levels of the discipline. Offering both the resources of one of the nation's top art schools and a large research university, Tyler PhD students work with faculty members who have expertise in diverse and global areas, including new digital technologies. Students take full advantage of faculty contacts and the extraordinary variety of research opportunities opened by Tyler's location in Philadelphia, a vibrant center of art, culture and history strategically situated near New York and Washington, D.C.

The Department of Art History offers a doctoral program for students with an MA degree, as well as for exceptionally well-prepared students with a BA, who may be admitted directly without first earning a master's degree. A strong art history background, appropriate languages and indicators of high achievement are requisites for students entering with a BA only. Upon entering the program, all students are assigned a primary advisor and are expected to work closely with the advisor during their studies. Students may change primary advisors in accordance with Graduate School procedures.

A number of resources are available at Temple to Art History PhD students:

The Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio in Charles Library offers opportunities for research in the digital humanities with high-end computing and visualization resources, a virtual reality studio, collaboration spaces, and 3-D printing and media-capture capabilities.
Expansive world-class art and architecture buildings provide direct access to all aspects of the creative process via fellow students and faculty artists and designers.
Tyler graduate students in Art History may participate in Temple University's Teaching in Higher Education certificate program to gain advanced training for a career in higher education or in the Cultural Analytics graduate certificate program offered by Duckworth Scholars Studio.
Tyler's art history community is enriched by a steady stream of compelling lectures by leading scholars and practitioners.

Applicants should declare an intention to enter the program by establishing contact with the Graduate Director in the Department of Art History. They are also strongly encouraged to establish contact with at least one faculty member whose area of research interest overlaps with their own and who could potentially serve as their faculty advisor. Information on the faculty can be found at https://tyler.temple.edu/programs/art-history.

Applicants who wish to be considered for a University Fellowship must apply by December 15. Those who would like to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship are also strongly encouraged to apply by December 15, but November 1 applications for Spring admission may be considered.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members, gallery directors and/or curators who can speak to the applicant's academic and art historical competence. The letters should be submitted by the referee at the time of application at https://apply.temple.edu/Tyler/.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Five courses in Art History are desired for admissions consideration: two general surveys and one upper-level course in each of three periods, in any geographical area: ancient art (to circa 1400), art produced circa 1400-1800, and Modern/Contemporary art. Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended, whether or not a degree was awarded and whether the courses were taken as an undergraduate or a graduate student, must be sent as part of the online application.

Master's Degree in the Discipline/Related Discipline: Generally, a master's degree in Art History is required, but a background in Art History and a master's degree in a related field suffice. Alternatively, exceptionally well-prepared students with a BA may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

Bachelor's Degree in the Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree is required, but it need not be in Art History.

Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, describe your interest in Temple's program, research goals, future career goals, academic and research achievements, and how you will contribute to the Tyler School of Art and Architecture mission. Submit at https://apply.temple.edu/Tyler/.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE optional. If you wish to submit scores as a supplemental item, your official scores should be sent directly from the Educational Testing Agency. Temple's institutional code is 2906.

For international applicants, the minimum scores for a standardized test of English are:

TOEFL iBT: 79
IELTS Academic: 6.5
PTE Academic: 53
Duolingo: 110
Applicants who completed an undergraduate degree in the United States or other English-speaking country are waived of the English-language testing requirements. Please contact Tyler Admissions to learn more.

Resume: Current curriculum vitae required. Submit at https://apply.temple.edu/Tyler/.