Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Cornell's Ph.D. program in Art History, Archaeology, and Visual Studies stands out for its worldwide perspective and rigorous methodological approach. Intimate class sizes foster meaningful student-faculty partnerships, with equitable funding ensuring an inclusive academic atmosphere. Beyond pioneering research, students help coordinate the Visual Culture Colloquium and develop teaching skills through assistantships, often instructing writing seminars themselves. Graduates leverage their Cornell education to transform art historical practice across academic, museum, and public spheres. The curriculum requires one primary focus area plus two secondary concentrations (occasionally including an external discipline). Examination structures for each concentration are customized through discussions with the Special Committee, culminating in both written and oral evaluations.
Baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing.
A BA or MA in the History of Art or Visual Studies is desirable but not required.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
IELTS Academic - 7.0; TOEFL - The Graduate School’s official minimum sub-scores for each element of the TOEFL iBT are: Speaking: 22, Reading: 20, Listening: 15, Writing: 20.