Considering a PhD in Art and Architectural History?
The PhD Program in Art and Architectural History enrolls approximately five students per year. All students receive a six-year package that includes full-tuition remission, health insurance, and a generous stipend. Students with either a BA or an MA in art history, architectural history, or related fields are encouraged to apply for the PhD program. We are committed to the identification, retention, mentoring, and graduation of a highly talented and diverse graduate student population.
Eight things prospective applicants need to know:
1. Faculty research interests
Given the specialized and personal nature of PhD research, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty members with whom they may wish to study, even before applying. Emails are always welcome, and informal discussions to explore areas of mutual interest are encouraged. Applicants may choose to visit UVA, and may arrange meetings with potential advisors and the Director of Graduate Studies and may sit in on graduate seminars.
2. Application form
December 15 is the deadline to apply for admission and application should be made online through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) webpage. It makes sense to familiarize yourself with all the components well in advance.
3. Letters of recommendation
Students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Ideally, applicants should request letters of recommendation from at least two instructors in the history of art and architecture. Letters from those in other academic fields are also suitable. All letters of recommendation must be received by December 15.
4. Personal Statements
Students should explain their research interests and abilities in the contexts of their personal and academic experiences, and discuss the subjects they plan to study and why.
5. Writing sample
Applicants should submit a sample of their written work. There are no minimums or maximums, although article-length essays (under 10,000 words) are preferable.
6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and GRE
Students who have not completed a prior undergraduate degree in English must take the TOEFL exam and score at least 90. By contrast, the department no longer requires or accepts the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Further information about the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Requirements is found here.
7. Notification of decision
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the spring term, and applicants may be asked for a Zoom interview in late January or early February. The University is required to give students until April 15 to accept or decline offers for the following year. The department will do its best to keep applicants apprised of their standing, and the Director of Graduate Studies is always happy to field questions from applicants.
8. Interested in learning more?
If you have questions, or if you’d just like to hear more, please come to an info session with the Director of Graduate Studies, Amanda Phillips.
Friday September 13 at 2pm (register here)
Friday November 8 at 2pm (register here)