Graduate Programs
For four decades, ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ has pioneered new approaches to art history.
The graduate program in the history and theory of art and architecture was among the first graduate degree programs in the United States to offer opportunities for advanced study and research in a department with a particular commitment to new theoretical perspectives and to interdisciplinary, cross-cultural and global approaches to the history of art, architecture and visual culture. The success of the department has been aided by a campus with strong interdisciplinary programs in cultural history, theory and global studies, and by University strengths in history, sociology, anthropology, cinema, Middle East and North Africa Studies and critical theory.
The program aims to foster innovative teaching and research, and to develop scholars, teachers, museum curators, and heritage and planning professionals capable of interpreting the role of art, architecture, visual culture and cultural production in the broadest sense. Because of its programmatic links with other interdisciplinary research centers and graduate programs within the University, the program in the history and theory of art and architecture also offers a unique opportunity to graduate students wishing to undertake innovative studies of a cross-disciplinary nature, with a stress on the development of critical theoretical and historical perspectives in relation to the visual arts, photography, architecture, planning and the wider built environment at local, national and global levels.
The program caters effectively to a broad range of students from diverse national backgrounds who wish to pursue careers in research, education, museum and gallery practice and publishing, as well as in related areas in cultural policy, urban design, planning and conservation. Essential to our integrated program is the active working relationship between faculty and students in an intellectual environment in which students are offered a unique opportunity to engage in advanced studies and research in theory and criticism, the social history of art, feminist interpretations of art, the history and theory of photography, architectural history, the study of museums and art world institutions, media studies and digital art history from early modern to modern and contemporary.
In addition to organizing the department’s cross-disciplinary lectures, workshops and symposia, faculty and students are actively involved in the teaching and conference activities of other interdisciplinary centers and programs, including the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Faculty also play prominent roles in campus-wide transdisciplinary initiatives, such as the Material and Visual Worlds Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence (TAE).
Master of Arts Program
Admission
Applications are invited from students in a variety of disciplines concerned with the history and theory of art, architecture and cultural production. Taking account of different backgrounds, students may be directed toward additional courses or supervised reading programs designed to broaden their knowledge of the field.
Course Requirements
A minimum of eight graduate-level courses (32 credits) with regular letter grades and a B average or better, to be distributed as follows:
| Required Courses | Credits |
| ARTH 500 Theory and Methods (required in the first year) | 4 |
| Seven courses (including at least six art history seminars; taken with at least four different faculty members in art history) | 28 |
| Total minimum number of credits | 32 |
A student must receive a grade of B- or better for an ARTH course to count toward the degree.
(For courses outside the department and all independent studies, students submit a petition to the graduate committee.)
Foreign Language
Students must pass an examination demonstrating an ability to read research literature in their areas of interest in an appropriate language of scholarship in addition to English. The examination must be taken by the end of the second semester (24 credits). Work in certain fields may require additional language skills.
NOTE: Students may seek a waiver of the language requirement by petitioning the graduate committee in writing and providing appropriate documentation of their competency in the language in question.
Master's Comprehensive Examination
The master’s comprehensive examination has been incorporated into the mandatory seminar on theory and methods. All students are required to pass ARTH 500 Theory and Methods with a grade of B or better. At the discretion of the Art History Graduate Committee, students failing to achieve the required grade may be asked either to repeat the course or, in exceptional cases, to redo the examination assignment.
Master's Thesis
Students are required to produce a master’s thesis, finished to a professional standard and approximately 30 pages in length. The paper will be supervised by a selected art history faculty member and refereed by a second reader assigned by the departmental graduate committee. The final thesis must be approved by both readers and submitted electronically in accordance with Graduate School regulations (with a hard copy required by the department). Students must be registered for at least one credit of Thesis (ARTH 599) during the semester in which the degree is completed.
Completion
All MA students must submit the Graduate Application for Degree (GAFD) during the semester in which they intend to complete their master's program. Students should review their record of matriculation requirements with their supervisor, who will also notify the director of graduate students of their intention to complete. The departmental file should contain all records indicating that the student has passed all required courses and examinations. A completed signature page is required to show that the thesis has been approved by both readers. The director of graduate students has the responsibility of attesting that all requirements have been met, before a degree can be awarded.
Doctor of Philosophy Program
Admission
The doctoral program admits qualified applicants who wish to continue beyond the master’s level in one or more areas of current faculty strengths. Students coming to Binghamton’s doctoral program from other university degree programs must have either a master’s degree in the history of art, architecture or visual culture or a degree in a cognate discipline with training that links effectively with one of the department’s areas of specialization. Students coming from other fields may have to supplement the minimum course requirements with additional art history courses to carry out their programs of study. The program’s rigorous interdisciplinary nature also requires that students remain in residence in the area until they have finished their coursework.
Course Requirements
A minimum of eight graded graduate-level courses (32 credits) must be completed with regular letter grades and a grade point average of B or better, in addition to required registration for dissertation research and preparation. A student must receive a grade of B- or better for an ARTH course to count toward the degree. The Art History Graduate Committee may require additional coursework as a condition for admission. Students who have not taken the required graduate-level seminar ARTH 500 Theory and Methods as part of their master’s degree must also include this in their doctoral program; others may be required to do so by the graduate committee, through the director of graduate studies. Students must petition the graduate committee for a waiver for this course.
| Required Courses | Credits |
| ARTH 500 Theory and Methods (required in first year) | 0-4 |
| Graduate courses in art history and related subjects (500/600 level; at least four courses [16 credits] must be taken with different faculty members in art history, including associated and visiting faculty) | 32 |
| ARTH 699 Dissertation registration as required to maintain registration after admission to candidacy | 1 or more |
| Total minimum number of credits | 32 |
(For courses outside the department and all independent studies, students submit a petition to the graduate committee.)
Foreign Language
Doctoral students must pass two examinations demonstrating an ability to read research literature in the student's areas of interest in at least two appropriate languages of scholarship in addition to English. Work in certain fields may require additional languages.
NOTE: Students may seek a waiver of one or more of the language requirements by petitioning the graduate committee in writing and providing appropriate documentation of their competency in the language(s) in question.
Dissertation Committee
The student must choose a dissertation supervisor by the beginning of the second year. In conjunction with the student's supervisor, who chairs the committee, the student chooses two additional members from ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ's graduate faculty, at least one of whom must be a member of the art history faculty. In extremely rare cases, off-campus specialists in the subject area may be invited to serve, though no honorarium can be offered for such services. This committee is then appointed by the Art History Graduate Committee, who must also approve any subsequent changes.
Dissertation Proposal
The dissertation proposal is a description of the proposed research project that serves as the basis for the dissertation. The student must submit a formal, written proposal for dissertation research on an approved topic, outlining in detail the problem, method of inquiry and relevant literature on the subject. The three-member dissertation committee must accept this proposal. The committee must include the supervisor as chair, and at least one additional member from the art history faculty.
As directed by the supervisor, the dissertation proposal should contain the following:
- Title Page: Based on the template in the Graduate School Manual. (one page)
Signature Page (one page) - Abstract: A one-page summary of the aims, purpose and content of the proposed dissertation. (one page)
- Proposed Table of Contents: The table of contents of the proposed dissertation itself. (one page)
- Proposal: The dissertation proposal should be between 25 and 30 pages long. It should map out the scope and approach of the dissertation project, address the frameworks and sources to be used, and locate the project within the context of the relevant literature in the field. (25–30 pages)
- Proposed Schedule of Work: A timetable of research, travel, fieldwork and writing, to completion. (Up to one page)
- Proposed Sources of Funding: A list of prospective external funding sources for the project. (Up to one page)
- Bibliography: Not more than 20 to 25 pages, broken down into:
- I. Primary Sources
- II. Secondary Sources (divided into works consulted in writing the proposal and works yet to be consulted)
A signed copy of the proposal must be deposited with the department after successful completion of the examination.
PhD Comprehensive Examination
Students must pass a comprehensive examination before a committee designated by the Art History Graduate Committee. This examination will focus on: i) the circulated dissertation proposal; and ii) professional knowledge and practice, based on a familiarity with broad methodological and historiographical questions in the discipline, as demonstrated by syllabi and/or proposals in the student's chosen professional field, as agreed with the chair of the examining committee.
Doctoral students (who enter the program in or after fall 2010) are required to pass the PhD comprehensive examinations within 18 months of completing coursework. Students who do not meet this deadline will receive a grade of U (unsatisfactory) for ARTH 698 until the examination has been passed. In clear cases of extenuating circumstances, students may file a petition for an extension.
Dissertation and Defense
When the final draft has been accepted by the student's supervisor and committee, the dissertation is defended in an oral examination that is open to the public and is conducted by the student's dissertation committee and an outside examiner, appointed by the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. The final dissertation must be submitted electronically in accordance with Graduate School regulations (with a hard copy required by the department). An acceptable dissertation demonstrates the student's ability to handle significant problems in the history of art, architecture, visual culture or the built environment in a critical and scholarly manner and makes a contribution to the discipline.
MA-PhD Combined Degree in Art History
Admission
The combined MA-PhD program in art history is a two-stage program that provides the opportunity for a graduate student to complete a MA degree while working toward a PhD degree. This combined program allows applicants who have a MA degree in another related field (such as a Master of Education or a Master in Museum Studies) or qualified students with BA degrees to apply directly to the PhD program. This fast-track program does not require a MA thesis and entails fewer credits than the two separate degrees combined.
Course Requirements
A minimum of 12 graduate-level courses (48 credits) must be completed with regular letter grades and a grade point average of B or better, in addition to required registration for dissertation research and preparation. The Art History Graduate Committee may require additional coursework as a condition for admission
| Required Courses | Credits |
| ARTH 500 Theory and Methods of Art History (required in first year) | 4 |
| Graduate courses in art history and related subjects (500/600 level; at least four courses [16 credits] must be taken with different faculty members in art history, which may include associated and visiting faculty) | 44 |
| ARTH 699 Dissertation (as required to maintain registration after admission to candidacy) | 1 or more |
| Total minimum number of credits to be taken | 48 |
A student must receive a grade of B- or better for an ARTH course to count toward the degree.
(For courses outside the department and independent studies, students submit a petition to the graduate committee.)
Foreign Language
MA-PhD students must pass two examinations demonstrating an ability to read research literature in the student's areas of interest in at least two appropriate languages of scholarship in addition to English. Work in certain fields may require additional languages. One language examination must be passed before the MA is awarded and before the student is formally admitted into the PhD program.
NOTE: Students may seek a waiver of one or more of the language requirements by petitioning the Graduate Committee in writing and providing appropriate documentation of their competency in the language(s) in question.
Master's Comprehensive Examination
The master's comprehensive examination has been incorporated into the mandatory seminar on theory and methods. All students are required to pass ARTH 500 Theory and Methods, with a grade of B or better. At the discretion of the Art History Graduate Committee, students failing to achieve the required grade may be asked either to repeat the course or, in exceptional cases, to redo the examination assignment.
Master's Qualifying Paper
The master's qualifying paper is required only of students in the MA-PhD track; this qualifying paper substitutes for a master’s research thesis (as required for the regular MA track). The qualifying paper should be a revised and properly formatted version of a paper written for a graduate art history course at Binghamton. The formally approved dissertation supervisor and one other departmental faculty member, chosen in consultation with the student, read, approve and offer comments on the qualifying paper. The departmental graduate committee reviews the evaluations of the two readers, along with evaluations of coursework solicited from other faculty members who have taught the student at the MA level. The multiple evaluations give the graduate committee an overall picture of the student's progress and enable the committee to decide if the student should continue on to the PhD program or, instead, complete the program at the MA thesis level. The student must submit the qualifying paper for approval by the beginning of the second semester of the second year in order to be eligible to be considered for the PhD program. If the qualifying paper is approved, the student will be awarded a MA degree and will be given PhD status. A copy of the approved qualifying paper should be submitted to the department for the student’s file. If the student is directed out of the MA-PhD track, the student will be advised on how to complete the semester with a master's thesis.
Dissertation Committee
The student must choose a dissertation supervisor by the beginning of the second year. In conjunction with the student's supervisor, who chairs the committee, the student chooses two additional members from ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ's graduate faculty, at least one of whom must be a member of the art history faculty. In extremely rare cases, off-campus specialists in the subject area may be invited to serve, though no honorarium can be offered for such services. This committee is then appointed by the Art History Graduate Committee, who must also approve any subsequent changes.
Dissertation Proposal
The dissertation proposal is a description of the proposed research project that serves as the basis for the dissertation. The student must submit a formal, written proposal for dissertation research on an approved topic, outlining in detail the problem, method of inquiry and relevant literature on the subject. The three-member dissertation committee must accept this proposal. The committee must include the supervisor as chair, and at least one additional member from the art history faculty.
As directed by the supervisor, the dissertation proposal should contain the following:
- Title Page: Based on the template in the Graduate School Manual. (one page)
Signature Page (one page) - Abstract: A one-page summary of the aims, purpose and content of the proposed dissertation. (one page)
- Proposed Table of Contents: The table of contents of the proposed dissertation itself. (one page)
- Proposal: The dissertation proposal should be between 25 and 30 pages long. It should map out the scope and approach of the dissertation project, address the frameworks and sources to be used, and locate the project within the context of the relevant literature in the field. (25–30 pages)
- Proposed Schedule of Work: A timetable of research, travel, fieldwork and writing, to completion. (Up to one page)
- Proposed Sources of Funding: A list of prospective external funding sources for the project. (Up to one page)
- Bibliography: Not more than 20 to 25 pages, broken down into:
- I. Primary Sources
- II. Secondary Sources (divided into works consulted in writing the proposal and works yet to be consulted)
A signed copy of the proposal must be deposited with the department after successful completion of the examination.
PhD Comprehensive Examination
Students must pass a comprehensive examination before a committee designated by the Art History Graduate Committee. This examination will focus on: i) the circulated dissertation proposal; and ii) professional knowledge and practice, based on a familiarity with broad methodological and historiographical questions in the discipline, as demonstrated by syllabi and/or proposals in the student's chosen professional field, as agreed with the chair of the examining committee.
Doctoral students (who entered the program in or after fall 2010) are required to pass the PhD comprehensive examinations within 18 months of completing coursework. Students who do not meet this deadline will receive a grade of U (unsatisfactory) for ARTH 698 until the examination has been passed. In clear cases of extenuating circumstances, students may file a petition for an extension.
Dissertation and Defense
When the final draft has been accepted by the student's supervisor and committee, the dissertation is defended in an oral examination that is open to the public and is conducted by the student's dissertation committee and an outside examiner, appointed by the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. The final dissertation must be submitted electronically in accordance with Graduate School regulations (with a hard copy required by the department). An acceptable dissertation demonstrates the student's ability to handle significant problems in the history of art, architecture, visual culture or the built environment in a critical and scholarly manner and makes a contribution to the discipline.