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Program Description
The Institute of Fine Arts is dedicated to graduate teaching and advanced research in the history of art and archeology and in the conservation and technology of works of art. The Institute strives to give its students not only a sound knowledge in the history of art, but also a foundation in research, connoisseurship, and theory as a basis for independent critical judgment and research. The student following the PhD course of study gains a deeper understanding of a subject area, beyond what is normally acquired at the master’s level and develops a capacity for independent scholarship.
The PhD Program at the Institute of Fine Arts is a course of study designed for the person who wants to investigate the role of the visual arts in culture through detailed, object-based examination as well as historical and theoretical interpretation. The degree program provides a focused and rigorous experience supported by interaction with the leading scholars of the Institute, and access to New York area museums, curators, conservators, archaeological sites and NYU’s global network.
Archaeological Excavations
At present the Institute conducts five active excavations in cooperation with the Faculty of Arts and Science: at Abydos, Egypt; at Aphrodisias, Turkey; at Sanam, Sudan; at Selinunte, Sicily; and at Samothrace, Greece. Advanced students are invited to participate in these excavations and may be supported financially by the Institute.
Admissions
All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:
See Fine Arts for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.
Program Requirements
The program is designed for five to six years of full-time study. A total of 18 courses (72 credits) are required for the PhD degree. A minimum of six of these courses must be in seminars, at least four of which lie outside the student’s major field. Distribution requirements are met by choosing courses in the following fields:
- Pre-modern Asia;
- Pre-modern Africa and the Middle East;
- The Ancient Mediterranean and Middle East, including Egypt;
- Pre-modern Europe and the Americas;
- Post-1750 Global;
- Museum and Curatorial Studies;
- Technical Studies of Works of Art;
- Architectural History.
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| FINH-GA 3032 | Seminar: | 4 |
| | 68 |
| Total Credits | 72 |
Additional Program Requirements
Language Requirement
PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in reading two modern research languages other than English that are relevant to their studies. Proficiency is demonstrated by passing an examination administered by the Institute of Fine Arts. International students focusing on a field of study in which their native language is relevant may be granted an exemption from the language requirement pending submission of an exemption form signed by their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. Students may be expected to learn other languages that will equip them for advanced research in their chosen fields. Students whose Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is from a non-English speaking institution may be exempt from one language.
Qualifying Paper
The qualifying paper may be developed from seminar work or might be on a topic devised in consultation with the student’s advisor. Normally, the student will be advised to produce a detailed study on a subject that leads towards the dissertation. It should be no longer than 10,000 words (excluding bibliography and footnotes). Students may submit their M.A. thesis in lieu of the Qualifying Paper.
Field Examination
Students are examined on a major field consisting of two contiguous areas and a third component that can be in a related field providing skills for their dissertation. The major exam is divided into two parts, written and oral. Both parts must be deemed passing by the student’s committee for the exam as a whole to be considered passing.
Dissertation Proposal
Students are required to complete a dissertation proposal prior to advancing to candidacy. The proposal should be presented to the committee within six months of completing the major examination, unless otherwise approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, and the topic should be discussed and overseen by the supervisor and two additional committee members. The proposal should contain a narrative of no more than 2,500 words, a chapter outline, a bibliography of principal references, and up to five images.
Dissertation Defense
After a successful oral defense of the dissertation proposal, students may advance to doctoral candidacy and begin writing the dissertation. Each doctoral candidate submits to a final oral defense of the dissertation before a committee of five scholars. Defenses are scheduled through the Academic Office.
Departmental Approval
All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.
Sample Plan of Study
Plan of Study Grid
| 1st Semester/Term |
|---|
| FINH-GA 3032 |
Seminar: |
4 |
| |
4 |
| |
4 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 2nd Semester/Term |
|---|
| |
4 |
| FINH-GA 3003 |
|
4 |
| |
4 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 3rd Semester/Term |
|---|
| FINH-GA 2023 |
Lecture: |
4 |
| |
4 |
| |
4 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 4th Semester/Term |
|---|
| FINH-GA 3044 |
Seminar: |
4 |
| |
4 |
| |
4 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 5th Semester/Term |
|---|
| |
4 |
| |
4 |
| |
4 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| 6th Semester/Term |
|---|
| FINH-GA 3548 |
Directed Research for the PhD |
4 |
| |
4 |
| | Credits | 8 |
| 7th Semester/Term |
|---|
| FINH-GA 3549 |
Directed Research towards the PhD Dissertation |
4 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| | Total Credits | 72 |
Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GA 4747) course. All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have the skills and abilities to:
- Critically investigate the role of the visual arts in culture through object-based examination as well as historical and theoretical interpretation.
- Effectively communicate original, independent research and interpretations of secondary material through written and oral presentation.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of critical issues in the field of art history or archaeology through written and oral examinations in a defined field.
- Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and interpretation of one topic in art history through substantial original research presented in the form of a dissertation.
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies
Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.