The Art History M.A. is a two-year program. Our courses are
taught by a dynamic faculty of internationally recognized
scholars. Seminars are small and hands-on learning is encouraged,
and there are abundant opportunities to conduct interdisciplinary
research in conjunction with other programs. Students have
opportunities to teach, conduct research for credit, hold
internships for credit, and engage with arts communities on
campus and in the region as part of their studies. Access to
important museums and a world-class library create a stimulating
setting for learning.
The 2026-27 Graduate Admissions Application is
closed.
Students are admitted fall quarter only.
As it generally takes several weeks to complete an application,
it is strongly recommended that applicants prepare their
materials early to ensure completion by the deadline.
Admission Requirements: The program
requires a minimum background of four upper division (junior or
senior level) art history courses, with at least one course in
each of four thematic areas:
Satisfy the sequence of the two methods courses in first and
second quarters (200A in fall, 200B in winter).
Satisfy any outstanding prerequisites and distribution
requirements as early as possible; ideally, have these completed
by the end of the first year.
Aim to take the minimum 3 topical seminars during your first
year. Consider these seminars as providing the basis of
your thesis paper, as you will select one of these to
develop into your M.A.Thesis.
Research papers written for Independent Study Courses (AHI
299) may also be considered as the basis for the M.A. Thesis.
Endeavor to complete coursework on time and to satisfy
Incompletes within the first weeks of the following quarter.
For Second-year Students
Specific thesis advancement is required for satisfactory progress
throughout the second year. Students are responsible for
reporting progress to the Graduate Adviser as indicated.
By end of fall quarter classes—select principal adviser to
serve as thesis committee chair and two additional committee
members; inform Graduate Adviser of their committee selection;
students circulate thesis proposals to their committees.
No later than beginning of exam week fall quarter—meet with
committee to discuss the thesis proposal and distribute a report
of the suggestions made at the meeting to committee members (with
electronic copy to Graduate Adviser).
By second week of winter quarter—submit paper to be developed
as thesis to committee chair (with electronic copy to Graduate
Adviser). Revise in Thesis Colloquium (AHI 200C) and in
independent study with committee chair (AHI 299).
Two weeks before the last Friday in January—submit completed
candidacy forms to department office.
No later than beginning of exam week winter quarter—submit
revision of thesis to committee chair (with electronic copy to
Graduate Adviser). Obtain committee chair’s comments and
determine whether the next draft can be circulated to the
committee.
For a June degree, Graduate Studies
recommends circulating completed draft of thesis to
committee for final corrections by April 20 (six weeks before the
submission deadline). For completion by June 30, submit corrected
draft to committee no later than six weeks prior to that date,
May 15.
In seventh and eighth week of spring quarter, prepare for
oral presentations, delivered on Friday in ninth week of quarter.
The deadline to submit thesis to Graduate Studies for June
degree is usually the first Tuesday in June. Consult Graduate
Studies website for exact date.
No later than end of spring quarter exam week—all students
still working on thesis begin circulating the completed draft of
thesis to committee for final corrections (with electronic copy
and routing plan to Graduate Adviser).
Inform thesis committee chair and Graduate Adviser when final
thesis is submitted. Submit one unbound photocopy of submitted
thesis to Visual Resources Library.
We are committed to a multicultural academic environment which
supports the success of all graduate students. Diversity among
students, faculty, and staff is a key, integral factor in
graduate education at UC Davis, to achieve an equitable,
hospitable and inclusive educational environment.
