Doctor of Philosophy in History of Arts - Museum and Curatorial Studies

Penn offers students opportunities to develop knowledge and experience of the wide scope of practices essential for museums, galleries, libraries, and other exhibition spaces. We are particularly interested in honing students skills in critical museum studies, which includes asking questions about what gets exhibited and what is left out, and why. Our collaborative relationships with on-campus and regional venues allow students to work directly with objects, archives, and other materials, learning about cataloging, preservation, acquisition, and other practices, to assist in selecting materials, writing copy, and installing works for exhibitions, and to present their research for a variety of audiences, thus gaining important skills necessary for the profession. The History of Art Department partners with the Arthur Ross Gallery, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Penn Libraries, Penn Museum, the Slought Foundation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Wrightwood 659 in Chicago, among others. We also have strong ties to other regional and national institutions, where we can offer regular opportunities for students to gain curatorial experience. Curatorial seminars for student-led exhibitions on campus and beyond are an important part of our course offerings.

The committee reviews each application very carefully and weighs all aspects of a candidate's preparation for graduate study. The primary elements of the application include: academic transcript, (3) letters of recommendations, TOEFL scores for international students, personal statement (1000 word maximum), and writing sample (30 double-spaced pages maximum, including images). All offer insights into a student's past achievements and prospects for future development. It is normally expected that students have a solid background in art history, but it is not necessary to have majored in art history. In addition, applicants should demonstrate good proficiency in at least one foreign language. Two foreign languages will be required of all Ph.D and MA students before they advance to candidacy. GRE Test are no longer required for admissions.