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The art history PhD program generally consists of two years of academic coursework, crafting a qualifying paper, taking preliminary examinations across three specialized areas, developing a dissertation proposal, and ultimately completing the dissertation. During their coursework phase, students gain teaching experience by assisting professors with undergraduate classes and participating in the department's teaching seminar. Upon reaching ABD (All But Dissertation) status, candidates focus on researching and composing their dissertation, often splitting their time between Chicago and international research locations. Typically, the program mandates two years of intensive full-time study, with students taking three courses per quarter during their initial two years, chosen in collaboration with their faculty advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.
Applicants to our graduate and professional programs are expected to be enrolled in or to have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants from a three-year bachelor’s program will be given due consideration. Because all of our programs feature competitive admission, no particular academic degree or background will guarantee admission to one of our graduate divisions.
English language requirements:
The minimum required score for the TOEFL is 104 overall, with 4 sub scores of 26 each. Minimum required scores in the IELTS are an overall score of 7, with sub scores of 7 each.