Art History, PhD
Are you interested in interdisciplinary research in art history and visual culture? Do you want to learn the skills needed to become a successful scholar, curator, researcher or writer? Are you pursuing a teaching or museum career? Join us to explore new directions in art history.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in art history focuses on critical understanding of the aesthetics, production, patronage and reception of art, architecture and design. The program offers classes and opportunities for research across many cultures, geographies and time periods as well as many theoretical approaches and methodologies.
The PhD program offers you a tailored experience to develop critical and creative thinking. Small seminars and lecture courses help you gain expertise in a broad range of methodologies, critical theory and contemporary debates in the field, as well as explore ways to bring about change in the field. Internationally-recognized faculty train you in the fields of modern and contemporary art in global contexts, art of the Americas (including the U.S.), and Asian art, among others. The art history faculty members mentor you in applying theoretical and methodological approaches to conduct original research and to write a dissertation that has lasting benefits for the field.
In addition to art history courses, the program includes coursework in other disciplines across the university, particularly in museum and curatorial practices. The program is further augmented by internships offered by a wide variety of arts organizations, visiting artist and scholar lectures and public exhibitions supported by the School of Art galleries, the ASU Art Museum, the Ceramics Research Center and Archive and Pyracantha Press. These events and activities offer you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art and culture while building a professional network. The program is enriched by close proximity to cultural institutions in the Phoenix metropolitan area and nearby regions, such as the Phoenix Art Museum, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Heard Museum.
Financial aid in the form of a graduate assistantship position or scholarship may be available. You should visit the art history areas of study page to learn more about the program and the faculty. If you want to engage with the creative community, you can subscribe to the School of Art newsletters and follow the school on social media.
The degree prepares you for a range of professions, including academia, the museum world and publishing.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus, a dissertation and two foreign language exams
Required Core (3 credit hours) Restricted Electives (21 credit hours) Electives (36 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
ARS 501 Methodologies of Art History (3)
ARS 591 Seminar (12)
ARS 690 Reading and Conference (6)
ARS 790 Reading and Conference (3)
ARS 792 Research (12)
ARS 799 Dissertation (12)
For ARS 591 and elective coursework, students should see their program advisor for a complete list of approved topics and courses.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Examples of related fields include art history, architectural history, design history or fields in the humanities, such as history or literature; archaeology and anthropology may also be considered. Students without graduate experience in the history of art, history of architecture and history of design may be asked to complete additional coursework. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information Applicants must submit the personal statement, abstract of proposed research and contact information for three references to Slideroom (https://asudesign.slideroom.com/#/Login). It is required that these be submitted in addition to the Graduate College application requirements.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as:
- appraisers
- archivists
- gallery curators
- museum administrators
- museum curators
- university faculty members
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Art
|
ART 151
soaadmin@asu.edu
480-965-8521
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
