Overview:
- Degree Awarded: Master of Arts (MA) in Art History
- Duration: Designed for 2 years full-time, with a time limit of up to 3 years to complete
- Delivery Format: On-campus (in person) with full- or part-time enrollment. No indication of a fully online option
- Location: Temple University’s main Philadelphia campus (Tyler School of Art & Architecture)
Short Description:
The MA in Art History at Temple’s Tyler School offers two tracks — Research and Arts Management— designed to blend rigorous historical inquiry, theoretical engagement, and professional skills. Students can pursue part-time or full-time enrollment.
In the first fall semester, all students take a historiography course to ground them in major theoretical and methodological debates in art history, as well as exposure to institutional resources in the Philadelphia region.
The Arts Management track adds coursework and internships or fieldwork to prepare graduates for leadership roles in cultural institutions; the Research track culminates in an original qualifying paper under faculty mentorship.
Entry Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) is required.
- Preferred background: five courses in art history is expected for strong admission consideration — e.g. two general surveys and upper-level courses across periods (ancient / ~1400 / modern).
- Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended must be submitted.
- Letters of recommendation: three, from faculty, curators, or those who can speak to academic/artistic ability.
- Statement of goals (≈ 500–1,000 words) describing interests, intended contribution, future goals, and fit with Temple’s program.
- Writing sample: up to 10 pages (scholarly style, fully referenced) on an art history topic.
- For international students: minimum scores (if submitting) — e.g. TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 53, Duolingo 110.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Museum / gallery curator, researcher, registrar, educator, collections manager
- Arts administration or programming in cultural institutions
- Academic or doctoral studies (PhD in art history or related fields)
- Cultural policy, non-profit leadership, public art agencies
- Advisory or consulting roles in heritage, visual arts organization
Fees:
- Tuition is charged per credit. For the 2025–26 academic year, Tyler School of Art & Architecture graduate tuition is $1,148 per credit for Pennsylvania residents, $1,577 per credit for out-of-state/international students.
- Other fees: application fee ($60 online, $75 paper)
- Health insurance fees may apply for full-time graduate students
- Additional university services fees and standard graduate event/course fees (e.g. graduation application, etc
- Note: all tuition & fees are subject to change by the university.
Scholarships &Funding:
- Assistantships & Fellowships: Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, Future Faculty assistantships, Presidential and University fellowships are available to qualified applicants.
- Temple’s Graduate School offers financial support including assistantships, externships, and fellowships.
- Merit-based scholarships via Tyler School of Art & Architecture for graduate students.
Application Deadlines
- Fall admission: December 15 (for MA in Art History)
- Spring admission: November 1 (for programs that permit spring start)
- International applicants — recommended to submit all materials by December 15 to ensure processing in time.
Contacts & Resources:
For more information about the Art History MA program, please contact the following staff members.
Jane DeRose Evans is the department chair.
Email: jevans@temple.edu
Mariola Alvarez is an assistant professor.
Email: mariola.alvarez@temple.edu
Website link:
