MA Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University

Programme overview

The MA in Art History and Archaeology (MAAH) prepares students for doctoral study and for careers in museums and other art-related organisations, covering fields from antiquity through the pre-20th century. Students are accepted and mentored by a faculty member in the proposed field. The department also offers a separate MA in Modern Art: Critical and Curatorial Studies.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Art History and Archaeology | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Areas include ancient art and archaeology, art and architecture of Africa, the Americas and the lands of Islam, East Asian art, history of architecture, and history of Western art from early Christian to 1900, US and Native North American art, and South Asian art. Demonstrated proficiency in one foreign language is a degree requirement.

Career pathways

Museums and art-related organisations; further doctoral study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GSAS MA application: transcript for each school attended, statement of academic purpose, personal statement, resume, writing sample 10-15 pages double-spaced, 3 letters of evaluation (at least two academic). GRE not required. Applicants are generally expected to have at least four undergraduate courses in art history, archaeology or related fields; reading knowledge of a foreign language is recommended. Full or part time. Fall admission deadline: 12/10/2026. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country where English is not the official language must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores.

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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