PhD Art and Art History at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The PhD in art history requires nine courses for students with an MA, or 15 courses for those without, plus doctoral dissertation credit (ARTH 994). Candidates complete written exams, a preliminary oral exam and a dissertation prospectus defense before the dissertation and final oral exam.

Faculty: The Graduate School | Department: Department of Art and Art History | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

Required courses normally include ARTH 850 and ARTH 991, with ARTH 852 (Professional Development) strongly recommended; at least six remaining courses must be department research seminars (four for students with an MA). Proficiency in two languages other than English is required; written exams have three six-hour parts.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme. Programme-specific: For further information, the applicant should write to the Director of Graduate Studies for art history. While the majority of applicants hold a bachelor's degree in art, we also welcome applications from students who hold undergraduate degrees in other fields and can present a strong art portfolio. Applicants to the M.F.A. program are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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