MA in Modern Art - Critical and Curatorial Studies in New York United States | Columbia University

Launched in 1997, the MODA program is built on the principle that art historians and critics working with modern and contemporary art must grasp curatorial approaches that mirror the connection between emerging mediums and artistic methods, alongside evolving institutional and exhibition practices. Likewise, curators should approach exhibition research, planning, and execution with deep expertise in critical theory and art history. MODA thus provides an intensive, academic, and comprehensive curriculum that merges theoretical grounding in modern and contemporary art with real-world exposure to the professional art scene. Students leverage the vast knowledge of Columbia's renowned Art History and Archaeology faculty, along with university-wide resources, while enjoying specialized programming designed exclusively for MODA. The program allows each student to create a personalized, interdisciplinary study plan tailored to their interests and aspirations. Central to the curriculum are the first-year MA Critical and Curatorial Colloquia. The Critical Colloquium, taken in the first semester, focuses on analyzing works by leading theorists and critics, exploring various art historical interpretation techniques, and studying different approaches to critical writing. The Curatorial Colloquium, taken in the second semester, familiarizes students with exhibition history, theory, and practice, covering curatorial traditions, contemporary models, and in-depth analyses of landmark exhibitions.