Graduate Admissions
When do I apply?
The deadline for applications is December 11 for admission in the following fall.
How do I apply?
Applications for admission are completed through the Graduate School's online application system. Please use the links below to find additional information and to access the online application.
After December 11 all applications will be reviewed for completeness. Any outstanding documentation will be requested from you at that time and should be submitted promptly.
Required Application Materials
- Graduate School application (must be submitted - and Application fee paid - by December 11)
- Transcripts of all post-secondary work
- Standardized test scores
- A copy of your most recent Resume
- Current letters of recommendation
- Application fee
The Department of Art requires applicants to the Graduate Programs in Art History to submit a Statement of Purpose and an Example of Written Work. Both of these items should be electronically submitted in the Supplemental Documents section of the online Graduate School application. Applicants preferring to submit paper copies may send them to The University of North Carolina, Department of Art, Hanes Art Center, CB# 3405, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.
- Statement of purpose
In a statement of no more than 500 words, please describe concisely your reasons for wishing to undertake professional training in the history of art. At this time, what area(s) of study do you plan to pursue? If you are undecided, please feel free to say so and, instead explain why you consider this program to be a suitable match for your interests. Alternately, you may describe issues or approaches from previous coursework that you found stimulating and would like to pursue further. - An example of your written work
Applicants to the graduate programs in art history must submit directly to the Department of Art a sample of their research and writing skills. Maximum length 15 pages. Suggested submissions are an academic paper, an honors thesis, or a Master's thesis. If you choose to mail your submission, the submitted copy will be returned only if a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage is included with the submission.
International Applicants must also submit:
- TOEFL score (no more than 2 years old)
- Financial Certificate (This is a U.S. Immigration requirement for entry into the United States. Submit to The University of North Carolina, Department of Art, Hanes Art Center, CB# 3405, Chapel Hill, NC 27599)
Preparation for Admission to the MA Program
An undergraduate degree in art history is highly recommended, but not required, for admission to the MA program. Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in art history should have 24 credit hours of course work in art history, archaeology, cultural anthropology, and/or aesthetics. Applicants will be admitted to the MA program unless they already hold an MA degree in art history. Only students who hold an MA in art history will be admitted to the PhD program.
Students who have completed an MA in art history at UNC-Chapel Hill who wish to go on for the PhD in art history must write a formal letter of application to the Art History Graduate Committee as soon as their MA Thesis has been signed and submitted for graduation.
Financial Aid for Art History Students
All applicants for admission who have completed their applications by December 11 are automatically considered by the department for nomination for Graduate School awards. Applicants and students in residence are also eligible for teaching and research assistantships, which are awarded by the department. There are also annual service and non-service awards. Students desiring financial aid should consult as early as possible the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, CB#2300, 300 Pettigrew Hall, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-2300 (www.studentaid.unc.edu) for information about work-study jobs and loans.
