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This program is founded on the conviction that art historians and critics engaged with modern and contemporary art need to understand curatorial strategies. Similarly, curators should write with extensive knowledge of critical theory and art history. Taking advantage of both Columbia’s location and the department’s close ties with The Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, among other institutions, the program immerses students in the art world of New York City. On-campus resources such as those provided by the School of the Arts and Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, further enrich the program’s multi-faceted and interdisciplinary approach. Students learn from and are exposed to a wide-range of contemporary cultural practitioners, including art historians, artists, architects, critics, curators, theorists, designers and publishers, just as they build community across institutions and disciplines.
At the core of the program are the MA Critical and Curatorial Colloquia. The Critical Colloquium is taken in the first term of study and combines reading and analysis of texts by major theorists and critics. Each week discussions focus on key terms and analytical lenses in the history of art and art criticism. The Curatorial Colloquium is taken in the second semester of study and introduces students to the history, theory and practice of object collection and display as well as to the history of exhibitions such as Documenta and the various biennials. Each colloquium both draws on the expertise and participation of Columbia’s distinguished faculty and includes guest presentations on particular issues. Writers for Artforum, Grey Room,Texte zur Kunst, and October, as well as curators and museum professionals from MoMA, the Whitney, among other international and experimental venues, count among the colloquia’s regular participants.
The program culminates in the preparation of an independent thesis. Students produce a written thesis based on rigorous, original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students may also choose to conceptualize a thesis exhibition project, which can assume a variety of formats.
Established in 1997, this MA program is committed to enhancing students’ ability to participate in professional activities and to formulate a critical position in relation to contemporary art and culture.
Full-time students are expected to complete all requirements for the MA degree in two years, of which the second year requires the student to engage in researching and writing the MA thesis. Part-time study for the MA is also possible, and part-time students typically complete the degree in three to four years. The program for all MA candidates is determined in discussion with the student’s advisor.
Courses
All students are required to complete ten courses in order to qualify for the degree. In the first year, the standard full-time program includes a total of eight courses. Of these eight courses, two will be the Critical and Curatorial Colloquia, and the remainder should be lecture courses at the 3000, 4000, or 6000 level (with no more than two at the 3000 level, and no more than two for “Registration Credit.” Graduate level seminars do count toward the degree.) In the second year of full-time study, students must register for one thesis course in each semester as they work under the close supervision of a faculty advisor.
Problems in Curatorial Practice and Problems in Art Criticism
In order to pursue academic credit for an internship, students should speak with their advisor about the requirements for Problems in Curatorial Practice and Problems in Art Criticism. These independent study courses are conceived as the academic complements to curatorial and critical work and thus integrate intellectual reflection with a student’s practical experience outside the classroom. These courses may be pursued after the first semester of study. Students may only register for one that will count toward the degree's completion.
Languages
Students must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language through a translation examination in order to complete the degree. The translation examination is given through the department and consists of two portions, a translation and a précis, of art history texts selected and evaluated by the faculty.
Students are strongly encouraged to take one course outside the area of modern art, either from a premodern period of Western art or a non-Western field. With the approval of the advisor, students may take courses in the culture, literature, history, and philosophy of their areas of interest. Language courses and studio art courses do not count towards the degree.
Note the minimum admission requirements described in the GSAS Bulletin and on the Questions and Answers page. Recipients of the terminal MA will be considered for admission to the PhD only upon separate application to the PhD program in the department.
Sample Program
10 courses (30 points of credit), one MA thesis required for graduation
Semester
1 |
Semester
2 |
Semester
3 |
Semester
4 |
Critical Colloquium
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture |
Curatorial Colloquium
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture or Seminar |
MA Thesis I:
Research
Lecture or Seminar (optional)
|
MA Thesis II:
Writing
Lecture or Seminar (optional) |
Cost
There are no fellowships or scholarships available for terminal MA programs. Loans and information about federal work-study are available through the financial aid office of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Resources for MA Students
Master’s students not only have access to the department’s renowned faculty and university libraries, but also to the multitude of other resources available at Columbia University, including The Avery Memorial Architecture and Fine Arts Library, the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, the Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture, and the Visual Media Center for Art History. Access to NYC institutions extends beyond campus with free admission to several museums including the Guggenheim Museum, the International Center of Photography, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art. For a complete list please visit http://www.cuarts.com/page/freemuseums.
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All application materials must be received by GSAS by February 3rd. Applications and information are available online [ here ]. On the application, indicate under Proposed Department “Modern Art: Critical and Curatorial Studies”. For additional information please visit FAQs for MAs or call (212) 854-4507.
Application Information
The GRE and TOEFL code for the Graduate school is 2162. There is no department code.
For admission to all graduate programs, the prerequisite is a minimum of 4 courses in art history or studies closely related (e.g., archaeology, architectural history, art-historical anthropology). An undergraduate major in art history is not a requirement. It is also advised that students have prior knowledge of at least one foreign language at the time of applying.
Application Requirements
In addition to the application the following must be sent to the Graduate School:
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official Transcripts
- GRE scores
- TOEFL (for international students)
- Personal Statement (no more than 2 pages)
- Writing Sample (10-15 pages) – this should be an example of your best scholarly writing and should be a complete text
- Optional CV
International applicants please visit the International Students and Scholars Office website for details regarding studying at the University including visa and registration requirements. |
