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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, and who specialize in a particular field of research. Through the program coursework students will: demonstrate critical thinking about works of art; analyze scholarly methodology; synthesize knowledge by integrating history, formal analysis and contemporary scholarship into original scholarship; write critically about works of art; and present original scholarship. Students have a choice between thesis and comprehensive exam options. There is a foreign language requirement, which if not fulfilled prior to admission must be completed during the degree. The ability to pursue research in a foreign language may be necessary, depending on the specialization and availability of literature in the area of concentration. Opportunities for museum internships, student teaching, or curating exhibitions provides preparatory training for a variety of professions in the arts. 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, art auctions, appraising, art journalism, or arts management.

The Master of Arts with an emphasis in Studio Art develops critical understanding of art, aesthetics, cultural context, and studio practices. Through program coursework students will: demonstrate a broad based knowledge and skills in studio media, a specialization within an area of emphasis, and a succinct and original visual aesthetic; analyze, interpret, and criticize works of art from multiple perspectives; contextualize aesthetics to the canon of art history and contemporary art theory; document works of art professionally; disseminate research through exhibitions; and demonstrate knowledge of their discipline through written and verbal analysis. Opportunities for museum internships, student teaching, participating in exhibitions, or curating exhibitions provides preparatory training for a variety of professions in the arts.  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 teaching, 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 (Letters of recommendation will be waived for graduates with a BA in Art or a BFA in Studio Art earned at UT Tyler)
  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 recent artwork, from the past 1-3 years. 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

M.A. 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 advisor's 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.

Studio Art Electives (21 hrs.)

Thesis/Exhibition (6 hrs.)

Art History (9 hours)

ART 5336Aesthetics and Criticism
ART 5394Contemporary Issues
One of the following:
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

M.A. 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.