Art History (PhD & DPhD)

Will Coleman and Art History graduate students at the Wyeth Study Center. Photo by Sandy IsenstadtWill Coleman and Art History graduate students at the Wyeth Study Center. Photo by Sandy Isenstadt
Will Coleman and Art History graduate students at the Wyeth Study Center. Photo by Sandy Isenstadt

Art History (PHD & DPHD)


The University of Delaware offers an exceptional Doctorate program in Art History, providing comprehensive studies from ancient to modern times with specialized concentrations in American and European art.

The department offers two routes to degree completion. One is designed for students who hold an M.A. in art history or its equivalent. The other, the Direct Ph.D. Program, is designed for students who hold a Bachelor's Degree in art history, or a related field, and are seeking a Ph.D. in art history. Students admitted to the Direct Ph.D. Program have the option of stepping out of the program at the M.A. level, having fulfilled the requirements for the M.A. degree.

Program Overview

Our PhD program equips students with advanced research skills and in-depth knowledge to become leading scholars and curators in the field of art history. Key features include:

  • Rigorous coursework covering diverse periods and methodologies
  • Close mentorship from distinguished faculty
  • Opportunities to work with original artworks and curate exhibitions
  • Interdisciplinary connections with material culture studies and historic preservation
     

Areas of Specialization

  • Art of the Americas
  • European Art
  • Art of Asia and Its Diasporas
  • Architectural History
  • Material Culture Studies

Research Opportunities

Students benefit from access to:

  • University Museums' collection of 6,000+ objects
  • Center for Material Culture Studies
  • Center for Historic Architecture and Design (CHAD)
  • Winterthur Museum Library
  • Delaware Art Museum
     

Career Preparation

Our program prepares graduates for careers as:

  • University professors
  • Museum curators
  • Arts administrators
  • Cultural heritage specialists

With a PhD from UD's renowned Art History department, you'll be poised to make significant contributions to scholarship and the art world

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.

Supporting tomorrow's leaders, scholars and innovators

The University of Delaware holistically supports its graduate students, beginning with their health and wellbeing. Benefits include a subsidized health plan and physical and behavioral health services. UD fosters a culture of academic excellence, with committed faculty and staff and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technology. UD prioritizes professional development with job training, internships and industry partnerships. Graduates further enhance their professional growth and visibility with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams, present their work at conferences and publish in academic journals. Visit the links below to learn how UD is supporting society’s future leaders, scholars, and innovators.

New graduate students attending a student panel discussion as part of Graduate New Student Orientation for the Spring 2024 semester. The panel featured graduate and Ph.D students (from left): Martin Vivero, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Ph.D.; Priscila Barbosa, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ph.D; Deborah Oyeyemi, Business Analytics & Information Management, M.S.; and Emmanuel Gyimah, Educational Technology, M.Ed. The panel was moderated by LaRuth McAfee, Senior Assistant Dean LaRuth McAfee, Ph.D.