Stony Brook University United States

Art History and Criticism

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon March 2027

Course Overview

The Art History and Criticism Masters Degree at Stony Brook University is designed for aspiring scholars and critics aiming to engage deeply with modern and contemporary art and visual culture. You will explore critical issues and paradigms that shape global artistic production, focusing on areas such as media aesthetics, art and technology, and critical curatorial studies. This postgraduate program offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum, providing you with the analytical tools and theoretical frameworks necessary to address the complexities of the art world and its historical contexts.

You will study this program full-time on campus over two years, benefiting from individual mentoring by nationally and internationally recognised faculty. The curriculum includes required courses in methodologies and teaching practicum, alongside electives in diverse areas of art history, criticism, and visual culture, allowing you to tailor your studies. You will also undertake a comprehensive examination, fulfil a language requirement, and complete a significant thesis project, potentially including an internship. You will graduate prepared for careers in academia, curatorial practice, criticism, and related fields, with opportunities for professional networking in New York City.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program explores the methodologies of art history and provides practical teaching experience. Students will delve into various periods and themes, including 19th and 20th-century criticism and theory, global contemporary art, and American visual culture. The curriculum also offers opportunities for internships, studio work, and directed readings to further develop critical and practical skills in art history and criticism.

1 Required Courses (6 credits)

Methodologies of art history Compulsory
Teaching practicum Compulsory

2 Art History and Criticism Electives (15-21 credits)

History of 19th Century art criticism and theory
History of 20th Century art criticism and theory
Media aesthetics
Global contemporary art
Topics in ancient art
Topics in medieval art
Topics in renaissance art
Topics in early modern art
Topics in 19th-century art
Topics in 20th-century art
Topics in global, colonial and diasporic art
Museum studies seminar
Topics in American visual culture
Inquiries into art criticism and theory
Topics in performance
Topics in contemporary art
Contemporary art in New York
Topics in visual culture

3 Humanities and Social Sciences Electives (3-9 credits)

4 Other (0-12 credits)

Art criticism or gallery internship
Visual arts seminar or other studio class
Practicum in the writing of art criticism
Directed readings
Thesis

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,746.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,746.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 39,492.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on Stony Brook Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesDigital Media & Online PublishingEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationLive Events & ConcertsMedia Production & EditingMuseums & Cultural HeritagePublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySports & AthleticsTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

NYC Public Schools

Newsday Media Group

Paramount

SAG-AFTRA

Suffolk County Community College

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Walt Disney Company

Why Study Art History and Criticism at Stony Brook University

What makes this program stand out

March 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in March 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Stony Brook University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Stony Brook University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Art History and Criticism at Stony Brook University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit, while off-campus work requires university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

International students must meet specific English proficiency requirements: a TOEFL overall score of 80 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Each test has individual section score requirements, including a minimum of 20 in TOEFL reading and 6.0 in IELTS reading.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as art critic, curator, gallery manager, art educator, and museum director.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Graduate Programs in Art History & Criticism at Stony Brook University focus on modern and contemporary art and visual culture.  We aim to produce scholars, critics, curators and practitioners who can address global artistic production through contemporary issues and paradigms.  Media aesthetics, art and technology, public art and social practice, politics of the avant-garde, photography, film and critical curatorial studies are currently areas of departmental

When can I start — what are the intake months?

Applications to the Graduate Programs in Art History & Criticism are accepted in March and September. Ensure that all required documents are submitted by the deadlines for consideration.
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