U.C. Berkeley History of Art

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Must I have majored in art history in order to apply for graduate studies in history of art at Berkeley? Can someone look over my transcripts to see whether I am competitive for admission?

Most students admitted to the graduate program already have a B.A. or an M.A. in the history of art, but we welcome applications from students who have majored in other disciplines. We have admitted students over the years from majors such as American Studies, Sociology, Comparative Literature, Medieval Studies, East Asian Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Studio Art and other majors. The most qualified non-Art History majors are those who have taken upper division art history courses in their area of declared interest, and who have conducted research and writing in that field of interest.

We regret that we do not have the resources to individually advise prospective applicants about what courses they need to take to be a competitive candidate for graduate admission to History of Art. However, interested individuals can consult our undergraduate curriculum to get a better sense of the kinds of courses taken by a typical History of Art major.

What graduate degrees do you offer in the History of Art?

We offer the MA/PhD program for individuals who do not yet hold a master's degree in the history of art. We offer the PhD program for those who already hold an MA in the history of art. Individuals who are admitted Post-MA are still required to complete breadth and language requirements as stated in Stage I of the Program description. We do not offer a terminal masters degree.

How can I get the application materials needed to apply to the graduate program?

Necessary information and application materials can be found on our graduate applications page.

How can I find out about the program of study, coursework available in specific fields, and faculty research interests and contact information?

Other pages on the website contain further information on both the graduate program and the faculty.

Can I meet with the faculty, arrange an interview, or visit the campus?

Our faculty keep their own calendars and have varying policies for meeting with prospective students prior to the admissions stage. You should email the individuals with whom you would like to meet regarding their availability. We do not conduct formal interviews, although a member of the Admissions Committee will often phone those being considered for admission to conduct informal interviews. You may visit the campus any time although if you are interested in attending a class, you should contact the instructor in advance.

Do I have to know a foreign language prior to entering the program?

The foreign language requirement for graduate students in History of Art varies from two to four or more languages, depending on field. Foreign language training is not a general prerequisite for admission; however, it is certainly looked upon favorably, and in fields that require more than two languages for graduation it is strongly recommended that applicants come to the program with significant language preparation. Most successful applicants have a strong reading fluency in at least one of the required languages for their field of interest and a strong start in the second required language.

How much does a graduate education cost?

California residents' fees in 2007-08 are $4789/semester. Non-Resident Tuition and Fees (this applies as well to international students) is $12,283/semester.

Does Berkeley offer financial aid for graduate studies?

The History of Art department does offer funding in the form of fellowships and teaching positions. All applicants will be considered for University and Department Fellowships at the time of admission. Because these resources are limited we encourage applicants also to explore extramural avenues of funding, such as the Mellon and Javits fellowships. More information can be obtained from the Graduate Fellowship Office. International students: Please see the International Student Information.

What must I submit to apply to the Department of History of Art?

By December 15, 2007 (postmark deadline), submit the 2007-08 Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships as well as the three-page History of Art Supplemental Application. The Department prefers that applicants use the online application, but please note that the remaining application materials must be submitted by mail. Also, submit three sealed letters of recommendation, one official (sealed by the Registrar) transcript from each college attended, official scores from the GRE general test, and if applicable, the TOEFL test (see below, and also www.grad.berkeley.edu for standardized test requirements), as well as one writing sample of approximately 20 pages (or, for post-MA students, a Master's thesis). Writing samples submitted in electronic form will not be accepted.

Do you require the GRE, who must take it, and by when?

We require only the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination. We prefer current scores, but accept GRE scores up to FIVE years old (back to October 2001 for Fall 2007 admission). In order for scores to reach us in time, applicants should take the GRE at the latest in October or November of the application year. We require GRE scores from 1) all applicants from the US and abroad whose native language is English; and 2) all applicants who have studied full-time for one year or more in colleges or universities where English is the language of instruction. Make sure your scores are sent to the UC Berkeley History of Art Department. Use Institution Code 4833 and GRE Department Code 2301. Correct GRE codes are important!

Who must take the TOEFL English Proficiency Exam?

All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English must submit current TOEFL scores. Exception: If you have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a U.S. university, you do not need to take the TOEFL. Instead, submit an official transcript from the U.S. University, and TAKE THE GRE. Scores from tests taken before June 2004 will not be accepted, even if your scores were reported to Berkeley. Have TOEFL scores sent to UC Berkeley, History of Art department. Use Institution Code 4833 and TOEFL Department Code 26. Correct TOEFL codes are important!

What are the criteria for being admitted to graduate study? What does the review committee look for?

We look for the following criteria in applications to the graduate program:

A clear, well-written statement of purpose that demonstrates a sophisticated sense of the field of art history and indicates an intellectual direction the applicant wishes to follow. This is the single most important thing. We look for applicants whose statements give signs of a creative intellect.
Research interests that are compatible with those of our faculty.
A strong undergraduate academic record: most admitted students have GPAs of at least 3.5.
Good language preparation.
GRE scores: Less important than other factors but most successful applicants have high verbal and analytical scores.
Honest, detailed letters of recommendation from scholars (not employers) who are familiar with the student and his or her academic work and interests.
A writing sample of approximately 20 pages demonstrating original thinking, intelligent critical analysis, good research and the ability to write well.
Post-MA applicants should submit their Master's thesis

Can I pursue a Berkeley History of Art graduate degree part-time, though evening courses, or through distance learning?: No. Our program is a full-time endeavor that requires the full-time commitment of students.

How long does it take to complete the M.A./Ph.D. or the Ph.D. program?: It normally takes seven years to complete the M.A./Ph.D. in Western fields other than Ancient. Students of Asian and Ancient art have greater language demands and usually take about one year longer, for a total of eight.

I would like to take courses in the History of Art department at Berkeley for enrichment, to improve my application for graduate study, or toward a degree elsewhere. Is this possible?: During the academic year, Berkeley courses are open only to individuals formally admitted to Berkeley as a four-year undergraduate or a graduate student. Individuals not affiliated with Berkeley are permitted to enroll in undergraduate Art History courses during the Berkeley Summer Session. No graduate courses are offered during Summer Session. In limited cases it may be possible for an individual not affiliated with Berkeley to obtain the permission of a Berkeley faculty member, the Chair, and the Dean to take a regular Berkeley course during the academic year through University Extension's Concurrent Enrollment Program. Be aware, however, that you are considered an Extension student, not a Berkeley student, when enrolled through Concurrent Enrollment; and that Concurrent Enrollment is not intended as a means of accumulating credit toward a Berkeley degree by a student who has not been formally admitted to Berkeley.

If I have a question that is not answered here, who can I contact?: You may send inquiries via email to arthist_grad@berkeley.edu or by calling (510) 642-5510. Please note that it may not be possible to return phone calls.
In addition, you may wish to try one of the following websites:
UC BerkeleyThe University of California at Berkeley's website.
UC Berkeley Graduate Division Provides essential information on admissions, fellowships, international degree equivalencies, academic requirements and much more, in addition to the On-Line Application for Graduate Admission.
  UC Berkeley General Catalog
  Berkeley University Extension
  Information on housing in Berkeley

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