The master of arts (MA) in art is offered with areas of emphasis in art history and criticism, and studio art (ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture). The MA in art history and criticism typically prepares students to enter PhD programs in the field, and also provides a background in art historical research and contemporary criticism for those interested in art museum and gallery professions.
The MA in studio art degree is an initial professional degree, comprised of a series of class/studio and independent experiences to enhance and develop individual studio practices. This is an ideal degree option for students intending to seek admission to competitive MFA programs, as an advanced degree for secondary art teachers, and as a culminating educational pursuit in its own right.
By design the MA in art program admits only a limited number of students. Typically there will never be more than a few graduate students admitted in any given area and much of the instruction by its nature is individualized. The program is therefore considered very selective.
Applicants should demonstrate advanced preparation through portfolio review, previous coursework, and résumé. In addition to the Webster University graduate admission requirements, applicants must satisfy the admission requirements listed below and petition to study within one of the areas of emphasis. A student admitted into the program will be assigned an advisor from the art faculty.
Within the first 18 credit hours of graduate work, the MA in art history candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to read art historical writings in either French or German. This requirement may be filled by successful examination of reading knowledge administered by the Department of International Languages and Cultures, or completion of the fourth semester (with at least a 3.0 grade average) of a college or university language course.
An MA student in art history must pass a comprehensive written examination (approximately 4 hours) broadly covering the field of art history. Students must take this examination during the semester in which they complete 20 credit hours of graduate work. The comprehensive exam may be retaken only once.
