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Art M.A.

There are two possible emphases for the MA in Art degree, an emphasis in Art History or Studio Art. Students must follow the admission requirements and degree requirements for their chosen emphasis. 

The Master of Arts with an emphasis in Art History develops scholars and professionals who are knowledgeable about a wide range of art, from Ancient to Contemporary.  Students develop a deep understanding of historical context, formal and stylistic development, as well as the relevant aesthetic theories and scholarly methodologies that define the discipline.  Courses in art history teach students to speak and write clearly and creatively about art through the ages. The M.A. with an emphasis in Art History prepares scholars who plan to continue their graduate education, or who plan to pursue a career in teaching, museums, or arts management.

The Master of Arts with an emphasis in Studio Art develops critical understanding of art, aesthetics, cultural context, and studio practices.  Students will acquire broad based knowledge and skills in studio media (with emphasis on two-dimensional, three-dimensional or mixed-media); personal aesthetic; understanding of movements and concepts in art history; an ability to analyze formal issues and apply accurate terminology to that analysis; abilities to exhibit knowledge of art historical scholarship and methodology verbally and in written form; abilities to organize an exhibition of their art works. The M.A. with an emphasis in Studio Art prepares students to continue their graduate education, become professional studio artists, and prepares scholars who plan to pursue a career in community art education, galleries or museums, or arts management.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites and Admission Requirements for MA in Art

  1. Minimum upper-division requirements equivalent to UT Tyler’s BA degree in Art History for students applying to the MA in Art with an emphasis in Art History or minimum upper-division requirements equivalent to UT Tyler’s BFA degree in Studio Art for students applying to the MA in Art with an emphasis in Studio Art.
  2. A minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
  3. Completion of the appropriate applications for graduate admissions to the University.
  4. A one-page typed statement of intent regarding the purpose and rationale for graduate study.
  5. An original research paper showing competence in the use of the English language and with conducting research.
  6. Curriculum Vita/resume
  7. Three academic letters of recommendation
  8. Official transcripts
  9. Completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
  10. Applicants for the emphasis in Studio Art must also submit the following:
    1. A portfolio of 20 individual images of artwork on a CD. Digital submissions should be accompanied by a list containing the artist’s name, title, dimensions, media, and date of completion. Three-dimensional works may include multiple views/details.
    2. Artist Statement

MA in Art with an Emphasis in Art History Degree Requirements

The MA in Art with an emphasis in Art History is a 36-hour degree program. All students complete a 6-hour set of Core Courses and 24 hours in art history electives. After 18 hours of study, students must select one of the two following options with an advisors approval.

Graduate students should take no more than 9 hours in a regular term and 6 hours during summer terms

Option I: M.A. in Art with an Emphasis in Art History With Thesis

  1. Core Classes required of all students (6 hours)
    Select two of the following courses:
    ART 5337: Theory and Research methods in Art History
    ART 5336: Aesthetics and Criticism
    ART 5394: Contemporary Issues
  2. Art History Electives (24 hours)
  3. Thesis (6 hours)

Option II: M.A. in Art with an Emphasis in Art History Without Thesis

  1. Core Classes required of all students (6 hours)
    Select two of the following courses:
    ART 5337: Theory and Research methods in Art History
    ART 5336: Aesthetics and Criticism
    ART 5394: Contemporary Issues
  2. Art History Electives (24 hours)
  3. Art History or Studio Art Electives (6 hours)

Additional Requirements

  1. Language Requirement: Students must be proficient in German, French, or another language in consultation with a professor. The language requirement can be fulfilled concurrently with the degree program. Students are required to pass one of the following:
    1. An oral and written proficiency exam given by the Department of Language and Literature (Spanish, French, or Latin)
    2. A nationally standardized examination (such as the MLA Cooperative Foreign Language Test) in their chosen language
    3. Receive a grade of “B” or higher in 12-16 semester hours of college-level classes in a single foreign language.
  2. Students must receive a grade of “B” or higher in all graduate level coursework.
  3. Students selecting Option II: MA in Art with an Emphasis in Art History Without Thesis must successfully complete a comprehensive examination.

MA in Art Emphasis in Studio Art Degree Program Requirements (36 semester hours)

All studio art graduate students seeking the MA or MFA degree enter the MA in ART with an emphasis in Studio Art program. The MA in Art with an emphasis in Studio Art is a 30-hour minimum, 36-hour maximum degree program. Upon completion of 6 hours of art history and 15 hours of studio art electives, students must declare whether they are going to complete the MA in Art with an emphasis in Studio Art or the MA in Art with an emphasis in Studio Art and Studio Art MFA coordinated degree program.

Art History (9 hours)

ART 5336Aesthetics and Criticism
ART 5394Contemporary Issues
One of the following:
ART 5343Graduate Studies in Greek and Roman Art
ART 5345Graduate Studies in Renaissance Art History
ART 5346Graduate Studies in Baroque and Rococo Art
ART 5347Graduate Studies in Nineteenth Century Art
ART 5348Graduate Studies in Art in America
ART 5349Graduate Studies in Twentieth-Century Art
ART 5390Selected Topics in Art

Studio Art Electives (21 hrs.)

Thesis/Exhibition (6 hrs.)

MA in Art Emphasis in Studio Art Degree Program Requirements (30 semester hours)

Thesis/Exhibition (6 hrs.)

Art History (6 hours)

ART 5336Aesthetics and Criticism
ART 5394Contemporary Issues

Studio Art Electives (18 hrs.)

Additional Degree Completion Requirements

  1. Students must receive a grade of “B” or higher in all graduate level coursework.
  2. All students admitted into the program are required to undergo a Portfolio Review after the completion of 15 hours. Recommendations for actions will be at the discretion of the faculty. This review must be successfully completed before enrolling in additional hours. Students may be dismissed from the program if the faculty, upon Portfolio Review, deems the student’s progress not sufficient, or that the portfolio holds insufficient potential.