Course General Description

The Masters of Arts in Art History at the Corcoran School promotes interdisciplinary investigations of the visual arts. Our faculty engages diverse methodological approaches, encouraging students to explore and contribute to varied theoretical, philosophical and political debates surrounding art. In the program, we emphasize the development of research and writing skills in the discipline, and benefit from our close proximity to Washington, D.C.’s abundant cultural institutions. We offer a curriculum that is both traditional and innovative. Our students are encouraged in their challenging courses to take advantage of the rich resources of the D.C. area in their research and internships. The Master of Arts degree in Art History covers a range of historical, theoretical, geographic and transcultural topics. For some students, the Master of Arts degree is a terminal degree in preparation for curatorial or educational careers in museums and galleries; for others, it serves as a foundation for entering a doctorate program. All students receive training that hones their skills in research, critical analysis, and writing. The program additionally provides opportunities to study visual materials and creative practices of diverse civilizations and cultures. Students have the opportunity to interact with leading art professionals in seminars taught by local curators and art historians. The Art History program also has a robust visiting scholars lecture series.

School General Description

The Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at the George Washington University prepares its graduates to be the next generation of global leaders. Part of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the school functions as an incubator for artists, designers and scholars, who learn from internationally renowned faculty at the intersection of creativity and social innovation. It is an academic experience like no other—inspiring students to research, create and innovate with the potential to shape the world around them. We are a community of civically engaged artists and practitioners, aiming to impact the world through social change. Our students are poised to not just join the creative field of their choice, but to define it for themselves as they become well versed in both practice and research. We embody and exemplify the Columbian College’s Engaged Liberal Arts credo, which strives to link disparate fields and better prepare our graduates for rich, multidimensional careers in the evolving world we live in. The challenges society faces are diverse, requiring different modes of thought, and we prepare our students by encouraging inquiry and collaboration. While we at the Corcoran School can prepare specialists, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our practice and view ourselves as a place of possibility for students instead of teaching art in a singular way.