Graduate FAQ

Visit Graduate Art History Admission for dates and deadlines.

No.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• A statement of no more than 500 words describing the applicant’s preparation for graduate study and academic and professional goals
• A writing sample that demonstrates art history research skills, not to exceed 20 pages in length
• Three letters of recommendation

Applicants are strongly encouraged to have studied one foreign language — French, German, Italian, Spanish or one approved by the department — for two years or have reading proficiency. The TOEFL, IELTS, or Doulingo English Test score is required for foreign students.

Applicants will normally have completed 18 semester hours (6 courses) in art history. The department will consider applications from qualified students in other fields.

Students must pass a reading proficiency exam in an approved language at the start of the program. There are two options for the language exam:  

1. Translate two art-related passages into English, one with the use of a dictionary (which they bring to the exam) and one without dictionary. Each passage will be no more than 250 words, and students will be given 30 minutes to complete each portion of the exam. The dictionary and non-dictionary portions of the exam will each be graded separately. Students are required to pass both sections of the exam. 
2. Translate one text into English with a dictionary (which they bring to the exam) for 60 minutes. 

Foreign language exams assess students’ ability to conduct art history research in a foreign language. Exams are graded on a scale of high pass, pass, low pass, or fail for both dictionary and non-dictionary sections. Passing both sections is required for the MA in Art History.  

Students who do not pass the examination have two options:

• Option 1: Retake and pass the examination at the beginning of the following semester. 
• Option 2: Enroll in two semesters (or equivalent) of second-year foreign language study and achieve a minimum grade of “B” in both semesters. This requirement must be fulfilled before the start of the second year of graduate study. Please note that our fellowships do not cover the costs associated with foreign language study, so students opting for this course must arrange their own funding.

Students typically complete the Art History program in 4 semesters and the Studio Art program in six semesters.

Each year, four to six applicants are awarded full-tuition waivers along with stipends of up to $14,000 and 80% of the cost of TCU Health Insurance. Among these stipends are the prestigious Kimbell Fellowships awarded through the College of Fine Arts Graduate School. Students are expected to dedicate 10 hours a week of service to the School of Art.

Graduate students can compete for research travel grants from the Mary Jane and Robert Sunkel Art History Endowment. Recent Sunkel grants have funded graduate student travel to New York; San Francisco; Washington, D.C.; Paris; London; Dresden; Italy; Mexico; and Cuba.

Grants for research travel are also available on a competitive basis and are awarded through the Dean’s Office and Office of Graduate Studies.

See application and deadline information on the Graduate Studio Art Admission page.

No.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Portfolio review by faculty committee
• Provide GPA throughout academic career
• Statement of professional experience and goals
• Three letters of recommendation

No. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts or its equivalent, with a concentration in their intended specialty as demonstrated by relevant coursework.

A foreign language is not required for this program.

The program consists of 60 credit hours and spans a three-year residency.

Research assistantships are offered each year to all accepted candidates. Assistants commit to ten hours of weekly service to the School of Art, receiving a full tuition waiver, a stipend, 80% of cost of TCU Health Insurance, and a designated studio space.

Graduate students can participate in a residency program in Italy at the beginning of third year, known as the thesis year.