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handbook is designed to help orient you to the MA and PhD programs in
Art History and to studies at the University at large. It is intended
to help guide you in every step of your graduate careers and to clarify
issues vital to your success. It must be read in conjunction with the
general requirements of the Graduate
School stated in the Graduate
School Catalog, which you should continue to consult regularly.
Commonly used forms may be found here.
General Information Starting Out Graduate school is hard work, but it should also be a pleasure. We cannot encourage you enough to take full advantage of the opportunities the University has to offer by auditing classes and attending special lectures. We hope this is the beginning of a life-long intellectual adventure as well as career. Set realistic, but ambitious goals and plan ahead to meet them. As you make up your class schedule, think carefully about program requirements. If possible, MA students who plan to go on for a PhD should get an early start on language or minor requirements. The department holds an orientation for all new graduate students prior to the first week of the fall semester and a reception for all graduate students in the first month of classes. These are good opportunities to introduce yourself to members of the faculty and staff or get to know them better. Advising Three people provide the guidance essential to success in your graduate career: the Department Administrator, the Graduate Coordinator, and your major professor. Each one has different responsibilities. The Department Administrator handles all your paperwork, makes sure that all deadlines are met, and serves as liaison with the Graduate School Administration. You should address any questions regarding procedures and deadlines to her. The Graduate Coordinator provides general academic counseling and keeps track of student progress. Students in the process of satisfying departmental course and language requirements should meet with the Graduate Coordinator once a semester to review their records and plan for the next term. Your major professor, generally the specialist in your area of concentration, is your main academic advisor and intellectual mentor. You should determine your field and discuss your plans with the appropriate faculty member by the end of your first year, at the latest. All students should meet regularly with their major professors throughout their graduate careers. In particular, the major professor must approve language training, plans to satisfy the PhD minor, and PhD coursework in art history. Assessments and Grades The requirements for Good Standing below represent no more than minimum standards for continuing, not real success. Every year the faculty reviews your performance and record. This review helps determine recommendations for fellowships, project assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Having more than one professor speak on your behalf can make a significant difference. Get to know your professors and take all your classes seriously. Remember that advancement is not automatic. Not all MA students who wish to will or should be accepted into the PhD program. Even students with good grades may not, in the faculty opinion, have all the skills for PhD work. PhD students who wish to become dissertators must pass rigorous preliminary examinations and present a solid prospectus. You should assess your own standing and progress. Since graduate students tend to get good grades, awards and funding are better indicators of your performance. Basic Expectations Standards for Maintaining Good Standing
Course Loads The ordinary course load for graduate students is three courses for nine credits. You may take up to twelve credits without special permission, but should discuss this with the Graduate Coordinator or major professor. T.A.'s normally take only two courses for six credits. Contact Information
Art History Department Office (Ph. 608-263-2340):
Graduate Admission and Fellowship Committee Chair: Graduate Advisor (Ph. 608-263-9362 and 608-263-2289):
Art History Department Visual Resources Collection (Ph. 608-263-2288):
Kohler Art Library (Ph. 608-263-2258):
Chazen Museum of Art (Ph. 608-263-2246):
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