Master of Arts in History of Art and Architecture
A close-knit and supportive master’s program in the history of art and architecture.
The master of arts in the history of art and architecture at UMass Amherst is the only graduate program in the field at a public university in New England. The close-knit program enrolls fifteen to twenty students yearly, ensuring close collaboration between students and full-time faculty members. Our students come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds and have a broad range of career goals.
In the program, you’ll explore a diversity of cultures and artistic and architectural traditions in intimate graduate seminars. You’ll also get the hands-on experience you'll need for your career through internships in museums and historical associations, teaching assistantships, and independent study under the guidance of a faculty member.
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. The program financially supports graduate students through teaching assistantships (which provide a stipend, 95 percent of health insurance costs, and full tuition credit) or fellowships to help defray the cost of tuition.
Featured faculty
Monika Schmitter
Monika Schmitter is a specialist in Italian art of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century with an emphasis on material culture and built environment.
Karen Kurczynski
Professor, History of Art and Architecture
Karen Kurczynski is a professor and the graduate program director in the history of art and architecture department.
History of Art and Architecture
Prepare for a variety of careers while honing your critical thinking and communication skills and enriching your understanding of visual culture.