George Mason University’s master’s degree in art history provides thoughtful training in a broad range of art-historical professions, including in museums, arts education, galleries, and auction houses.  Students also prepare for graduate studies at the PhD level. Our students particularly benefit from the programs working relationship with the internationally renowned Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, and through collaboration students gain digital skills that give them an edge in the job market.

Art History emphasizes the analysis of visual data in a historical context Faculty expertise extends to many world regions the United States Latin America Europe the Mediterranean South and Southeast Asia China and the Islamic world and over all historical periods Students apply what they learn through internship opportunities available in the Washington DC area including the world-famous collections of the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institutions Students go on to work in areas including museums arts institutions galleries government and managerial positions They also pursue further studies in fields including art history library science design technology historic preservation and fashion

Our widely-published faculty conducts research in a broad range of periods and regions, which span Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East; and we consider a full spectrum of art, artifacts and material culture.  Students can expect small classes with personal attention to individual interests and career goals, and the opportunity to get to know and study with one another in a small and collegial environment. Our faculty pride themselves on creativity and invention in the classroom, and take advantage of opportunities for experiential learning, such as learning to curate an actual museum exhibit or using 3-D printing as part of arts education.

All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.

You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions FAQs page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement or writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.

• Start Your Graduate Application

Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.

Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.

Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.

The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.

The spring graduate degree seeking application opens April 15.

Program Specific Requirements

College TranscriptsGoals StatementGREPortfolioRecommendation LettersResumeWriting Sample

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Additional Information

Applicants to the MA in art history should hold a BA in art history or a minor in art history that includes two courses at the 400 level or have an equivalent background. Candidates without the requisite background may be admitted provisionally.

Applicants who have been academically terminated or dismissed from any George Mason University graduate program must wait a minimum of two years from the semester of termination/dismissal to apply to the MA in art history program.

Applicants must provide the names and email addresses (via the online application) of the two art history professors or others closely associated with the candidate’s pre-professional activities who will be submitting the required letters of recommendation. Please follow instructions on the online application for submitting this information.

Application Deadlines

Fall Deadline: March 15

Spring Deadline: November 01

All applicants are strongly advised to submit applications and all supporting documents by the program's posted deadline date.

Tuition fee-2 years$58,000

Total fee-2 years$1,04,000