Design, Environment and the Arts (History, Theory and Criticism), PhD
Are you interested in interdisciplinary research involving architecture, design and art history? In this program, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as an independent scholar.
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.
ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Please explore Degree Search for other similar program options.
Degree description
In the history, theory and criticism concentration within the Doctor of Philosophy program in design, environment and the arts, you focus on the theoretical dimensions of architectural, design and art histories including critical discourse in the design or art disciplines. The program offers you classes and research across many cultures, geographies and time periods as well as many approaches and methodologies within the art history program. Within this broad-based, on-demand program, you gain extensive knowledge of basic issues in the areas of architecture, design and art history.
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 (6 credit hours) Required Concentration (15 credit hours; choose five courses) Research (12 credit hours) Electives (39 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curricular Requirements When approved by the student's supervisory committee, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this program.
EPD 700 Research Methods (3)
EPD 710 Current Research in Design (3)
APH 515 Current Issues and Topics (3)
APH 590 Reading and Conference (3)
APH 598 Special Topics (3)
ARS 501 Methodologies and Art History (3)
ARS 506 Critical Studies in Roman Art (3)
ARS 514 Monasteries, Madonnas and Manuscripts (3)
ARS 533 The Pre-Raphaelites (3)
ARS 574 Art of Japan (3)
ARS 575 Approaches to Chinese Painting (3)
ARS 584 Internship (3)
ARS 585 Women in the Visual Arts (3)
ARS 591 Seminar (3)
ARS 598 Special Topics (3)
ARS 790 Reading and Conference (3)
EPD 790 Reading and Conference (3)
EPD 792 or ARS 792 Research (12)
EPD 799 or ARS 799 Dissertation (12)
A foreign language exam is required in order to show reading knowledge of two foreign languages as demonstrated by the exam administered by the School of International Letters and Cultures (or equivalent) during the program or by a "B" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") in a reading course such as a 400- or 500-level special topics course (example: ITA 494 or FRE 598 for reading knowledge). These credits do not count toward the degree total unless taken at the 500 level or above and approved by the faculty mentor as a concentration course.
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 appropriate 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 fulfill deficiencies. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Applicants must submit to Slideroom (https://asudesign.slideroom.com/#/Login) the personal statement, abstract of proposed research, and contact information for three references. 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 their current residency.
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.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Study abroad is possible for graduate students. There are more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
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 are well prepared to pursue opportunities in authentication agencies, antiques reselling and brokerages, gallery spaces and other related businesses and organizations. A doctorate degree is necessary for responsible administrative posts in museums and higher education and for employment as a university or college faculty member.
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.
Dean, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
|
ART 102
soaadmin@asu.edu
480-965-8521
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.
