Art History (PhD & DPhD)

Applicants to the Direct Ph.D. in Art History must hold, or be a candidate for, the bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent from an accredited institution, and must give evidence to the Graduate College of the University and to the Department of having completed that degree prior to enrollment. Applicants to the Ph.D. Program in Art History must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a master's degree, or the equivalent. All applicants will normally have completed an undergraduate major in art history, or at least show extensive preparation across a wide range of areas within the field.

To be considered, an online application must be completed which includes a brief personal essay discussing the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate work in art history at the University of Delaware, plans and special interests within art history; letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the applicant's academic work; official transcripts from all institutions attended; two required supplemental forms; and a writing sample.

The writing sample will typically be an academic essay bearing upon the history of art or a related field. The writing sample should be what the applicant considers their best work in art history, demonstrating their ability to write cogently, to conduct art historical research, and to present a critical reading or interpretation of artwork(s) or art historical text(s). Although it is not a requirement that the writing sample deal with material related to the applicant's proposed area of specialization, it is essential that it demonstrate the candidate's ability to write well and pursue art historical research at a high level. There is no page limit for the writing sample.

Applicants should also have an advanced reading knowledge of at least one language other than English adequate to read art historical scholarship (see Language Requirement in University Catalog).

The application deadline is December 5, 2025. For application materials consult the Graduate College. Admission is for the next academic year, beginning in the fall semester. Students are admitted only to the fall academic term.

The GRE is not a requirement for admission.  

We only accept TOEFL and IELTS scores. Please read the Graduate College’s instructions about Test Scores carefully including information about waiver of proof for English proficiency.

The application fee is $75. View information regarding fees and possible fee waivers.

All or nearly all doctoral students receive a stipend and full tuition scholarship. If you would like to be considered for funding please indicate that on the application. Department funding typically takes the form of a fellowship, teaching assistantship, graduate assistantship, or a combination of two of these, for the academic year (September to May). Funding packages, if offered, will be detailed in your admissions offer letter. Renewal of funding each year is dependent on satisfactory progress toward the degree and availability of resources. Read the University’s funding policies.

Students also have the opportunity to apply for competitive semester and full-year (12-month) fellowship opportunities from the Graduate College and external partners. Students are encouraged to apply for summer research fellowships and internships. Advanced graduate students may also have the opportunity to teach courses in summer and winter terms for additional funding.

Our department offers generous funding for research and conference travel. Students apply for this funding throughout the year.

For a detailed list of funding opportunities available to our graduate students, visit our Financial Support & Resources page.

Ready to apply? Look for the “How to apply?” section on the Art History Graduate Programs page which also has a link to the required supplemental forms or go directly to the Graduate College page.

Have questions? Please reach out to arthistory@udel.edu.