The intensive program is designed to launch graduates directly into top doctoral programs or careers in the arts.
The two-year Master’s program at the O’Donnell Institute is a rigorous, immersive experience.
During the program, students take one required art history foundations course in addition to six master’s seminars. Beginning in the third semester, students conduct research for the Master’s thesis in collaboration with a faculty advisor.
Course Requirements
Foundation I: Practices of Art History (3 credit hours)
Graduate Seminars (21 credit hours)
Practicum (12 credit hours)
For course descriptions, see the UT Dallas Graduate Catalog.
Typical Course of Study
Semester 1
Foundation I: Practices of Art History
Master’s Seminar in Art History
Master’s Seminar in Art History
Semester 2
Master’s Seminar in Art History
Master’s Seminar in Art History
Master’s Seminar in Art History
Semester 3
Master’s Seminar in Art History
Master’s Seminar in Art History
Thesis
Semester 4
Thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Thesis
In the thesis project, students design and carry out an original project in the form of a scholarly essay, a small exhibition, a collaboration with a practicing artist, or archival research. The thesis must be completed by the end of the fourth semester of enrollment.
Thesis projects may be carried out in collaboration with the O’Donnell Institute’s partner institutions in Dallas-Fort Worth or at the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples.
