Graduate Handbook

Handbook to the Masters of Arts Program

This Handbook is broken down into sections on the right-hand side of this webpage. Click the sidebar to explore the various sections.

The purpose of the Master of Arts Program is to provide a course of study for advanced students that will allow them to develop a high degree of professional competence and a broad foundation for further work in the discipline.

Founded in 1969, the M.A. Program is the only graduate degree program in the field at a public university in New England. Enrollment in the two-year Program does not exceed 20 students.  With nine full-time faculty members, the Program supports an advantageous student/faculty ratio. We prepare students for doctoral study and provide professional training for many careers, including museum and historical society work, government programs in the arts, the art market, journalism, and teaching at all levels.

This Handbook supplements the general UMASS Graduate Student Handbook, which includes basic information on enrollment, registration, education records, and degree requirements.

Updated April 2024.