How to Apply

Graduate applicants

Application is directly to the PhD program. Therefore, we encourage all prospective students to contact a faculty member in their area of interest before applying. Students with an MA in art history from another institution must first contact the appropriate faculty member who could sponsor their dissertation work.

Applicants are evaluated on their promise as a scholar and on the fit between their scholarly interests and the faculty’s expertise.

Applicants are generally expected to have completed four courses of art history at the undergraduate level for admission to the program. Exceptions can be made, however, for courses and competencies gained otherwise that provide students with a grounding in the visual/spatial arts.

Applicants at the entry level are also expected to have reading proficiency in one foreign language and be prepared to pass a translation exam. Specifically, prior to admission, students in the East Asian program must have at least three years/six semesters of college-level Japanese or Chinese, with a grade of B+ or better, or equivalent knowledge. Prior to admission, students in the Europe before 1750 or Modern/Contemporary program must have at least two years/four semesters of college-level instruction, with a grade of B+ or better, in a major research language, or equivalent knowledge. If an applicant has specific questions about the language requirement, he/she should consult his/her prospective advisor.

Please note: Since ours is a doctoral program, we do not offer a terminal MA degree in Museum Studies or the like. In addition, the department does not offer a professional degree in architecture. The department grants the PhD in art and architectural history.

All application documents must be received by the January 15th deadline. Apply for graduate study in the University of Pittsburgh Department of History of Art and Architecture using our online application. Students will not be able to access the online application program after January 15th.

When preparing your application online, please note that, in addition to transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores (the University of Pittsburgh GRE code is R2927), and TOEFL scores (where necessary), you are also required to submit two further documents:

  1. A foreign language questionnaire (Word) may be downloaded, filled out, and must be submitted in digital form, either as an attachment (follow the instructions for submitting additional documents) or on a CD. If you wish to send an additional paper copy, please mail it to the department (104 Frick Fine Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260).
  2. A writing sample. Choose a paper that best demonstrates your potential as a scholar of art history. Your sample must be received in digital form, either as an attachment to your online application (follow the instructions for submitting additional documents), or on a CD. If you wish to send an additional paper copy, please mail it to the department (104 Frick Fine Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260). 

The online application form limits personal statements to 500 characters. If you wish to submit a longer statement, as most applicants do, you may simply attach it as an additional document to the online application.

If you have questions about the application process, please e-mail Graduate Secretary Emily Schantz. All transcripts and other application documents should be mailed to Emily Schantz, University of Pittsburgh, 104 Frick Fine Arts, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

Non-U.S. citizens

Non-U.S. citizens recommended for admission will need to submit the International Graduate Student Supplemental Application Packet (PDF).

General Information for International Students (PDF)

Undergraduate applicants

Undergraduate applicants are encouraged to apply online through the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

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