nyu history phd interview

Application Requirements

There are a number of things to accomplish—and deadlines to be aware of—when applying to graduate or professional school. Understanding sooner rather than later what to do and when to do it can help make the application process less daunting. Below you’ll find some general information and insights to help make your first steps toward applying to an NYU graduate program a bit easier.

First Things First

Common application requirements, additional application requirements, deadlines and decisions.

Virtual Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern In-Person Drop-in Hour s:  Monday, Wednesday - Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email: [email protected] Phone: 212-992-GRAD (4723)

The first thing to understand when applying to an NYU graduate or professional program is that each graduate school, center, or institute—and their individual departments and programs in many cases—determines its own application requirements. While this page provides a general introduction to applying to NYU, the information here may or may not apply to your specific program. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to speak directly with the admissions counselors at your school and program of interest. When you determine the NYU program that’s right for you, don’t wait to reach out.

There are a handful of items that, in many cases, are common across graduate school applications. It’s worth repeating, however, that you should get in touch with your school and program directly to learn exactly what your application requires. Some more common application items include:

• Letter(s) of Recommendation: Some programs ask for one. Others may ask for up to four. There may also be specific expectations about who should write these letters, but in general they should come from individuals who know you well and are able to speak directly to your abilities, accomplishments, and potential.
• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement/Personal Essay: This is your chance to tell admissions who you are, explain your goals (both academic and professional), and share the ways in which the program will benefit by bringing you in. It’s possible that the program may have a more specific prompt or ask you to address a specific question or series of questions.
• Transcripts and Degrees: Since you’re taking your academics to the next level, you need to prove that you’ve successfully completed the previous level(s). The graduate or professional program to which you’re applying will usually determine the transcripts and degree(s) you’re expected to provide. Applying to a master’s program commonly requires a bachelor’s degree and transcripts from all undergraduate institutions. Similarly, applying to a PhD or other doctoral program may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions.
• English Language Proficiency Exam: If you’re an international applicant, or you completed your previous degree outside the United States at an institution where English is not the language of instruction, you may be required to submit scores from an English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE). There are a number of ELPEs out there. Make sure you’re taking the right one by contacting your program’s graduate admissions office.
• Application Fee: Application fees vary by school and program. Get in touch with your program’s graduate admissions office if you have questions.

Depending on the program you’re interested in, there may be some requirements in addition to—or in place of—the more common ones listed above. You’ll often encounter these additional requirements when applying to programs in the medical, legal, or artistic fields, but they’re not limited to those areas. While your program’s graduate admissions office will be able to tell you exactly what you need to submit with your application, you can learn about a few of them here:

• Entrance Exam(s): While graduate school entrance exams might be considered common by some, exactly which exam you might be required to take can vary across programs. The most common exam is the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), but the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), LSAT (Law School Admission Test), and MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) are also quite well known.  
• Creative Submission(s): Even though portfolio submissions and auditions are common when applying to an arts program, others may also ask you to provide writing samples, musical scores, or video submissions. These requirements give you the chance to display your abilities and show programs firsthand why they should admit you.
• Interviews: You may be asked to sit for an in-person interview with one or more individuals from your program. Like a job interview, these conversations give you the chance to introduce yourself to the people you’ll be working with and answer questions about your academic, professional, and personal goals. 
• Résumé or CV: You may be expected to submit a résumé or CV that showcases your academic and/or professional experiences, particularly those that are most relevant to your field of study. A résumé or CV is also an opportunity to share your research experience and academic publications, which may be required for certain research-based programs.

Application deadlines and admissions decision dates are quite varied across NYU’s graduate and professional schools, centers, and institutes. Application deadlines depend on a number of factors, including the program you’re applying to, when you’re planning to start, and whether you plan to be a full- or part-time student. Additionally, early decision applications have a different deadline than regular decision applications. Talk to your admissions counselor and make sure you understand your program’s application deadlines.

Like application deadlines, admissions decision dates vary across NYU. Admissions decisions also depend on the program and starting term as well as the schedules of individual schools, centers, or institutes. Some programs have set admissions decision dates, while others provide time frames or utilize rolling decisions. Your admissions counselor will be able to give you an idea of when you can expect to receive your admissions decision.

Prospective Students

Frequently Asked Questions Q: What programs of study are offered by the Institute? A:  We offer the following programs: - Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in the History of Art and Archaeology; - Dual Master of Arts in the History of Art and Archaeology and MS in the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works; - Curatorial studies . Q: Does the Institute offer a studio arts program? A:  We do not, but NYU offers several graduate studio arts degree programs through the Steinhardt School of Education:  [email protected] . Q: Does the Institute offer a museum studies program? A:  We offer curatorial studies . NYU also offers a museum studies degree program through the Graduate School of Arts and Science: [email protected] . Q: May I take courses for credit at the Institute without being enrolled in a degree program? A:  We do not have non-matriculated student status. To take courses at the Institute, you must be pursuing a graduate degree at NYU or be a Visiting Student from another university's graduate art history program as part of the inter-university doctoral consortium.  Q: May I audit courses at the Institute? A:  Auditing opportunities are available via the  Connoisseurs Circle .   [email protected] .--> Q: How long does it take to complete the programs offered by the Institute? A:  That depends upon which program: - The MA program takes two years for full-time students or three years for part time; - The Conservation program, which combines the MA in art history with specific conservation courses and a year-long Internship, takes a total of four years of fully-funded, full-time study; - The PhD program is designed for six years of full-time, fully-funded study. Q: How many students are enrolled in the programs at the Institute? A:  There are about 300 students actively pursuing the various degrees at the Institute. Q: What academic preparation is required for admission to the Institute? A:  The Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited American university or an equivalent degree from a foreign university is required of all applicants. Please refer to the Admission Requirements for each program’s specific prerequisites. Q: What languages are required to study at the Institute? A:  PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in reading two modern research languages other than English that are relevant to their studies. Proficiency is demonstrated by passing an examination administered by the Institute of Fine Arts. International students focusing on a field of study in which their native language is relevant may be granted an exemption from the language requirement pending submission of an exemption form signed by their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

MA students must demonstrate proficiency in reading one modern research language other than English that is relevant to their studies. Proficiency is demonstrated by passing an examination administered by the Institute of Fine Arts. International students focusing on a field of study in which their native language is relevant may be granted an exemption from the language requirement pending submission of an exemption form signed by their advisor and the Director of Masters Studies. Q: If I already have an MA in art history, does the admissions process differ? A:  Applicants with an MA in art history must include their thesis or another substantial writing sample with their PhD application and should make contact with an Institute faculty member appropriate to their intended area of doctoral study. Those interested in the conservation program and have obtained an MA elsewhere should contact [email protected]  for specific instructions about applying. Q: May I tour the Institute, visit classes, and meet faculty and students? A:  Yes, we welcome visitors to the Institute.  Contact the Academic Office at 212-992-5868 or [email protected] , we can help arrange tours, meetings with faculty and students, as well as visits to classes.  For visits to the conservation program, call 212-992-5848 or email [email protected] . We would also be pleased to meet with you to answer questions you may have about your own background, goals or other special concerns. Q: Is part-time study permitted at the Institute? A:  The Institute currently allows part-time study for MA students employed in a related profession. Part-time students are expected to pursue two courses each semester. There is no part-time study in the conservation program. Q: How can I obtain an application? A:  You apply directly online at  //gsas.nyu.edu/page/grad.admissions . Q: Does the Institute have "rolling" admissions? A:  No, applications for the next academic year are taken in mid-December and are not reviewed prior to that date.  Q: What is the application submission deadline? A:  See the Submitting an Application page for this year’s deadline.  Q: Should I indicate a field of specialization in my application? A: Applicants to the PhD program must declare a field of specialization and a potential faculty advisor.  If you are an applicant to the MA program and you have an area of special interest, you should mention it, so that faculty appropriate to that area may read your application. Students interested in the conservation program should mention their proposed area of specialtization, e.g. paper, books, paintings, objects, TBM, undecided, etc. Q: Should I include a writing sample with my application? A:  Yes, a writing sample that demonstrates research and writing skills appropriate to graduate study in art history is required of all applicants. There is no page limit for the writing sample.  Q: How many letters of recommendation are required? Must they all be academic? A:  Three letters are required, but applicants may provide others. Appropriate non-academic recommenders may certainly write on your behalf, but an application without two or three very strong letters from academic art historians is at a distinct disadvantage. Q: Are GREs required? A:  Starting with the Fall 2022 admissions cycle, the Institute of Fine Arts will no longer accept GRE scores as part of the application. Candidates should not send their GREs scores as they cannot be recorded or included as part of the application. Q: Is the TOEFL required of all international students? A:  The TOEFL/IELTS exam is required of all students whose Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) or Master's degree was taught in a language other than English. International students who received a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English do not need to take the TOEFL/IELTS.  Q: Should I send any part of the application directly to the Institute? A:  Support materials that become available after the application deadline may be sent directly to the Academic Office, Institute of Fine Arts, 1 East 78th Street, New York, NY 10075.  Q: Are interviews required for admission? A:  Interviews are not required prior to submitting an application, however,  meetings or other contact with Institute faculty members are encouraged for PhD applicants. The Academic Office can provide information about how best to contact individual faculty.  Successful applicants to the PhD and conservation programs will be invited to interview with the admissions committees. Q: What is the timetable for admissions decisions? A:  Applications are read throughout January and February and we invite the entering class in early March. For the conservation program, applications are read throughout December and January with interview decisions being made in mid February. Virtual interviews are held during the month of March with an invitation to join the entering class sent by mid April. Decisions by students are expected one week later.

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• Art History

Art History Interview Prep

By Modconart January 9, 2020 in Art History

Recommended Posts

Hi everyone! Thought I might start this thread as some schools may begin to send out interviews (seems like NYU, Northwestern, Yale, UCB, Michigan and Stanford do, among others). How do you prepare for PhD interviews? If you are already in a doctoral program, do you have any advice? What kinds of questions should one expect? What kinds of questions should you ask?

I've gathered a few I've seen in the past but would love to hear your suggestions and thoughts!

Potential interview Qs:

• Tell us about yourself/ your research interests
• Expand on writing sample/ SoP
• What are you currently reading?
• Who is your favourite theorist/ historian?
• If you had to plan a seminar, what would it be on?
• Why do you feel ____ is a good fit for you?
• What resources of this program will be the biggest benefit to your work?
• What/who are your influences?
• Why do you want to do a PhD? Why now?
• Can you explain the continuities (or shifts) between your past/ current research interests?
• Your work reminded me of X scholar. How does your work relate to them?
• How does your work contribute to the field of art history?
• Does X event happening in you region of interest change your project? 
• What kinds of archives will you explore?
• Why Art History? It seems like your work could do well in different fields (esp. if your focus is interdisciplinary)
• What art historian has greatly influenced your work?
• Tell me about your methodology
• What is your vision of your professional identity as an art historian?

Questions to ask:

• What direction is your research headed in?
• I would like to know more about X book project?
• Can you have a professor from another institution sit on your committees? 
• What is your placement record/ where do your students often end up?
• How would you describe your teaching/ mentorship style?

Please feel free to add some more Qs! 

• tunic_youth and killerbunny

Link to comment

Share on other sites, venusofwillendork.

Hi!   I’m also going through the PhD process so I’m so glad to see this thread.   Thank you for making it @Modconart   ?

These questions are awesome!   I’ll add a few --

Some questions I have been asking during meetings with POIs:

• How interdisciplinary is the program, and in what ways? (This one because this is an aspect I am specifically looking for, and want to know if the dept. is using it as a buzzword or as a practice)
• What courses do Art History students typically TA/precept for? (Again, because my long-term goal is professorship, I want teaching experience both in surveys and in more specific courses with my POI)
• Are there opportunities to design a course or to be the instructor of record?
• What does the timeline to degree look like in practice? I.e., do most students complete their dissertation within the 5-year funding package, or do they tend to need extra time?   (This question also points at where students are going afterwards – if they already have positions when they graduate or if they’re dragging their feet)
• Is there a strong lean in the department or in the cohort towards academia or towards curatorial practice?
• Where do your graduates work now?   How quickly did they find jobs?
• What kind of professional development opportunities are available on campus and in the department?

And a few questions to prepare for (but your list is already fantastic):

• Is there a specific lens or framework that you use in your work? (i.e. feminist, critical race theory, etc.)
• If you were designing your dissertation today, what is the topic?  
• Why do you want to work in this specific geographic location? (implied: are you prepared to move here/live here)
• What research experience do you have that will prepare you well to take on doctoral work?
• How does your work experience fit with your scholarly goals? (if relevant)

Did you do interviews when you applied for your MA?  What were those questions like?  Thanks and good luck!!

• Modconart and tunic_youth

Hey @venusofwillendork , thanks so much for adding these! They are all incredibly helpful.

I did not have any formal interviews when I was applying to my MA but I did reach out to profs whose work interested me. I don't think it mattered too much for MAs but it certainly makes a difference for PhDs!  I visited some departments in November and met with my PoIs from each dept. These meetings were more casual interviews. Not stressful at all. They just asked broadly what my research interests are, what I thought about X and Y scholar in my field, what other places I am applying to etc.. I imagine the interviews that happen once they begin reviewing your application materials are a little more formal and motivated on their end.

• venusofwillendork and tunic_youth

@Modconart  this makes a ton of sense!  And yes, it does make sense that post-application interviews would be more formal than pre-application.  Some of the departments I visited did a mini-interview as I visited -- but those were ones that typically do not interview after applications. 

19 hours ago, Modconart said: If you get an interview, then your application clearly stands out and they mostly want to know more about your character, intellect, and fit. Are you intellectually compatible with your PoI? They want to know how your mind works and if the ideas in your SoP are truly yours. They want to know what your perspectives on the current debates in the field are/ how familiar you are with them. What is your motivation for a PhD? What is your work ethic? Will you follow through with this 5-7 year commitment, etc.! Show them how your mind works in real time    

Thank you for these insights!  This is great to think about.  In interviews, I find it helpful to remember that they want me to succeed as much as I want to succeed.  If I'm a good match, then their work is done -- and if I'm not, then it's probably not the right place for me anyway.  Thank you for sharing & good luck!!!

theoryschmeary

Thank you for this thread! I just received some interview requests today and this is extraordinarily helpful! 

4 minutes ago, theoryschmeary said: Thank you for this thread! I just received some interview requests today and this is extraordinarily helpful! 

Congrats! That’s great news!! Glad this thread helped. What school, if you don’t mind me asking? 

13 hours ago, Modconart said: Congrats! That’s great news!! Glad this thread helped. What school, if you don’t mind me asking? 

I am also curious! Seems Yale, Stanford, and Northwestern have sent out interview requests so far. Not sure if they've all gone out yet? Any idea if they all come out at once or in batches, depending on specialty, POI, etc? 

Yale was me. Was just a poi reaching out to me (should have mentioned, sorry!) they are still in the early stages of their process. If you are shortlisted they will contact you for an official interview late Jan. And Northwestern did officially send interviews to those shortlisted. Best of luck to everyone! 

1 minute ago, Modconart said: Yale was me. Was just a poi reaching out to me (should have mentioned, sorry!) they are still in the early stages of their process. If you are shortlisted they will contact you for an official interview late Jan. And Northwestern did officially send interviews to those shortlisted. Best of luck to everyone! 

Good luck to you too! 

Yes, happy to have reassured! & thanks ?  

40 minutes ago, Modconart said: Yale was me. Was just a poi reaching out to me (should have mentioned, sorry!) they are still in the early stages of their process. If you are shortlisted they will contact you for an official interview late Jan. And Northwestern did officially send interviews to those shortlisted. Best of luck to everyone! 

Does Yale interview all shortlisted candidates? I had no idea they did interviews.

3 minutes ago, Lllok said: Does Yale interview all shortlisted candidates? I had no idea they did interviews.

I’m not 100% sure but that was the impression I got when talking to my poi. Maybe they are changing things this year? 

Some other questions that I've been asked recently:

• Tell me about the time you were in a position of leadership and what you gained from it.
• What is an example of an academic hardship that you've had to overcome and how did you deal with it?
• Why does your particular interpretation of the field relate to your chosen subfield as opposed to another historical moment that raises similar questions?

After doing some interviews, I can't understate how important preparation for these things is. I would also say be prepared to back up your general concepts with some concrete examples—relate it to an artist, artwork, or paper that you've looked at recently.

tunic_youth

Just now, renforall said: Some other questions that I've been asked recently: Tell me about the time you were in a position of leadership and what you gained from it. What is an example of an academic hardship that you've had to overcome and how did you deal with it? Why does your particular interpretation of the field relate to your chosen subfield as opposed to another historical moment that raises similar questions? After doing some interviews, I can't understate how important preparation for these things is. I would also say be prepared to back up your general concepts with some concrete examples—relate it to an artist, artwork, or paper that you've looked at recently.

Thanks for adding these! Were they based on your Northwestern interview? I got asked the same questions! I agree with stressing preparation. I also got asked how my thoughts have changed from when I submitted my applications especially with certain ideas in the SoP or the writing sample. Self-reflexivity is key here so make sure you elaborate on how some of your ideas changed or how you may think different about certain terms/ concepts/ methods now after having some time to reflect.  

36 minutes ago, Modconart said: Thanks for adding these! Were they based on your Northwestern interview? I got asked the same questions! I agree with stressing preparation. I also got asked how my thoughts have changed from when I submitted my applications especially with certain ideas in the SoP or the writing sample. Self-reflexivity is key here so make sure you elaborate on how some of your ideas changed or how you may think different about certain terms/ concepts/ methods now after having some time to reflect.  

Yes, for Northwestern! Good point about being self-reflective. I also tried to highlight a certain openness about myself. They also asked some things that were tied to my area of interest in particular—did you experience the same? I may have missed if you stated your research area/interests in another thread, @Modconart .

13 minutes ago, renforall said: Yes, for Northwestern! Good point about being self-reflective. I also tried to highlight a certain openness about myself. They also asked some things that were tied to my area of interest in particular—did you experience the same? I may have missed if you stated your research area/interests in another thread, @Modconart .

On 1/13/2020 at 10:33 PM, Modconart said: Congrats! That’s great news!! Glad this thread helped. What school, if you don’t mind me asking? 

They were for Northwestern and Stanford! 

• 2 weeks later...

These all seem very useful to me when I'm thinking of the MA as well! Thanks. Still didn't had an interview, but will post questions if it comes to that.

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A doctorate is the pinnacle of an arts and science education. Founded in 1886, the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU is among the oldest schools offering doctoral programs in the United States. Today NYU’s doctoral programs span the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, and students pursue cutting-edge research with the close supervision of NYU’s internationally recognized research faculty. New York City resources complement and enhance our vibrant intellectual communities. Use the links below to explore Doctor of Philosophy and dual advanced degrees at New York University.

Ph.D. Programs Dual Degree Programs

History of Art and Archaeology (PhD)

Program description, archaeological excavations.

The Institute of Fine Arts is dedicated to graduate teaching and advanced research in the history of art and archeology and in the conservation and technology of works of art. The Institute strives to give its students not only a sound knowledge in the history of art, but also a foundation in research, connoisseurship, and theory as a basis for independent critical judgment and research. The student following the PhD course of study gains a deeper understanding of a subject area, beyond what is normally acquired at the master’s level and develops a capacity for independent scholarship.

The PhD Program at the Institute of Fine Arts is a course of study designed for the person who wants to investigate the role of the visual arts in culture through detailed, object-based examination as well as historical and theoretical interpretation. The degree program provides a focused and rigorous experience supported by interaction with the leading scholars of the Institute, and access to New York area museums, curators, conservators, archaeological sites and NYU’s global network.

At present the Institute conducts five active excavations in cooperation with the Faculty of Arts and Science: at Abydos, Egypt; at Aphrodisias, Turkey; at Sanam, Sudan; at Selinunte, Sicily; and at Samothrace, Greece. Advanced students are invited to participate in these excavations and may be supported financially by the Institute.

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the  general application requirements , which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores  (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation , and
• A non-refundable  application fee .

See Fine Arts for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements 

Language requirement, qualifying paper, dissertation proposal, dissertation defense, departmental approval.

The program is designed for five to six years of full-time study. A total of 18 courses (72 credits) are required for the PhD degree. A minimum of six of these courses must be in seminars, at least four of which lie outside the student’s major field. Distribution requirements are met by choosing courses in the following fields:

• Pre-modern Asia;
• Pre-modern Africa and the Middle East;
• The Ancient Mediterranean and Middle East, including Egypt;
• Pre-modern Europe and the Americas;
• Post-1750 Global;
• Museum and Curatorial Studies;
• Technical Studies of Works of Art;
• Architectural History.

The technical studies of works of art course is chosen from the courses offered through the Conservation Center.

Course Definitions and Requirements

Proseminar:.

The purpose of the Proseminar is to introduce students in the doctoral program to advanced research methods in the history of art. Because it is a dedicated course for the entering PhD student, it will serve to consolidate the cohort. It is taken during the first semester and is taught by a rotation of the Institute faculty, with a different faculty member chosen each year. Emphasis is placed on the specific practices of art-historical analysis in relation to visual and textual interpretation. The contents of the seminar vary each year according to the research interests of the chosen instructor. The class is structured around specific problems in the history of art rather than broad conceptual paradigms, with an emphasis on historical interpretation.

Colloquium:

A colloquium provides an analysis or overview of the state of the literature on a given art historical topic or problem, with extensive reading, discussion, and presentations. There may be a final paper. 

A seminar is a focused advanced course that explores a topic in depth. Seminars are often based on an exhibition in the New York area. Students are expected to produce a substantive paper that demonstrates original research.

Lecture courses explore topics or historical periods, giving overviews of major issues as well as detailed analysis of specific problems and works of art. Students are responsible for assigned and recommended reading, and may produce short papers and/or take an exam.

Additional Program Requirements

PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in reading two modern research languages other than English that are relevant to their studies. Proficiency is demonstrated by passing an examination administered by the Institute of Fine Arts. International students focusing on a field of study in which their native language is relevant may be granted an exemption from the language requirement pending submission of an exemption form signed by their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. Students may be expected to learn other languages that will equip them for advanced research in their chosen fields. Students whose Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is from a non-English speaking institution may be exempt from one language.

The qualifying paper may be developed from seminar work or might be on a topic devised in consultation with the student’s advisor. Normally, the student will be advised to produce a detailed study on a subject that leads towards the dissertation. It should be no longer than 10,000 words (excluding bibliography and footnotes). Students may submit their M.A. thesis in lieu of the Qualifying Paper.

Following the completion of their coursework, Ph.D. students are examined on a major field consisting of two contiguous areas and on a third minor area, which can be in a related field or provide skills necessary for their dissertation. Students should consult their advisor in selecting the two additional examiners and the fields for examination. It is the responsibility of the advisor to invite examiners and to inform any outside examiners about Institute procedures. Students should work closely with each of their examiners to determine appropriate bibliographies.

The purposes of the major examination are to ensure that students develop a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field of study in both breadth and depth, that they can draw independent conclusions based on the study of objects and on written scholarship, and that they are able to effectively communicate these conclusions to an academic audience. The major examination is separate and distinct from the presentation of the dissertation prospectus. Students should allow at least one semester (15 weeks) of preparation for the oral examination. The committee will submit three essay questions to the Academic Office immediately following the oral examination. Within 30 days of the oral examination, the student must pick up the written component, the "Two Week paper." For the "Two Week Paper," the student chooses one topic out of the three given by the examiners. The paper must be submitted two weeks after picking up the prompts from the Academic Office.

In order for the candidate to continue to the dissertation, the advisor and the two other examiners must pass both the oral and written components of the examination. If the candidate does not pass either part of the exam, the candidate is allowed one more attempt. Failure to pass both parts of the second major examination will result in termination from the program.

The proposal must be presented to a dissertation committee no later than six months after passing the major examinations. Students will discuss potential dissertation topics with their supervisor, who will form a dissertation committee of three faculty members (the supervisor and two others). The proposal will be distributed to the committee members in advance of a proposal presentation.

The proposal presentation provides a forum for the committee and the student to discuss intellectual and methodological aspects of the dissertation and to formulate research plans. Immediately following the presentation, the committee will determine if the proposal has passed or if it is in need of revision. The final, approved proposal will be distributed at the next full faculty meeting for further comment. The written proposal consists of:

 A narrative exposition of the dissertation subject detailing the state of current scholarship as well as the student’s own research aims. The proposal should demonstrate the viability of the project and should clearly set forth the research questions to be addressed with direct reference to sources and contexts. The narrative should not exceed 2500 words (approximately 8-10 pages). Arguments should be properly footnoted;

A chapter outline that is no more than one page;

 A bibliography of principle references, divided as appropriate into separate archival and primary source sections;

Up to five images

The dissertation may contain no more than 250 pages of text. Permission to exceed this limit can be granted only through petition to the faculty by way of the Director of Graduate Studies. Each doctoral candidate submits to a final oral defense of the dissertation before a committee of five scholars.

All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation ( MAINT-GA 4747 ) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have the skills and abilities to:

• Critically investigate the role of the visual arts in culture through object-based examination as well as historical and theoretical interpretation.
• Effectively communicate original, independent research and interpretations of secondary material through written and oral presentation.  
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of critical issues in the field of art history or archaeology through written and oral examinations in a defined field. 
• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and interpretation of one topic in art history through substantial original research presented in the form of a dissertation.

NYU Policies

Graduate school of arts and science policies.

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page . 

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FAQ for Prospective Doctoral Students

Phd in international education.

For general questions about your application, please read the  Graduate Admissions Application Guide .

Where can I find application information?

The application is available on the  Graduate Admissions website . It is due each year on December 1. All materials are submitted through the online application system. For questions about the application itself, including fee waiver requests, please connect with the Steinhardt Graduate Admissions office. 

Is the GRE required? What is the average GRE score?

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2023 admissions cycle GRE scores will not be required. For more information see  testing requirements . The Admissions Committee will not be considering GRE scores at all even if they are submitted as part of the application.

Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?

Yes, three letters of recommendation are required for the PhD program. Please note that these should be academic references.

What are the English proficiency exam requirements?

All applicants whose native language is not English are required to take one of the following English proficiency exams and submit the score: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. See  more information on English proficiency testing .

What is the GPA requirement?

There is no fixed GPA requirement; evaluations of undergraduate and MA GPA scores depend on the quality of the institution as well as other factors. However, successful candidates typically have high prior GPAs.

Is funding available?

Yes, all full-time admitted PhD students are  fully funded . More information about the funding package is provided at the time of admission. 

Is an interview required for admissions?

The International Education faculty typically conduct brief Zoom interviews with semi-finalists.

Can I defer my admission?

NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals and the Office of Graduate Admissions is no longer permitting applicants to update their application and application materials for future consideration. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application including all of the supporting materials by the application deadline.

What are the qualifications for admissions?

Applicants will be evaluated holistically based on the application components. We are looking for applicants who are a good fit with our department and whose research interests align with those of our faculty members. For advice on writing the statement of purpose, please also see the Application Guide .

What should I include in my statement of purpose?

You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to explain your research interests and how they connect to our program. Your research interests should be significant for scholarship and for the practice of international education and you should identify a primary mentor from among our core faculty.  

Do I need to have a fully developed dissertation topic when I apply?

Your dissertation topic does not have to be fully developed at the time of application. However, you should have a clear idea about your research interest.  

Is there a language requirement for admissions into the program?

Can i transfer credits i earned from a master's degree to the doctoral requirements.

No. Credits previously earned for a different degree cannot be applied toward the doctoral program.

What events can help me learn more about the program?

We host an Open House each fall for prospective students and online Information Sessions in both fall and spring. Check the Graduate Admissions Events website for more information; we typically post the dates and RSVP information for events in late August.

I cannot attend the open house or visit campus. Can I still meet with an adviser or faculty member to discuss the program?

Yes, you may email us to request a phone appointment with an advisor or ask questions. Please be sure to carefully review our website and FAQ first as you are likely to find many answers to your questions there. 

How can I learn more about the research interests of faculty or connect with them about my research interests and how they might align?

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the on-campus or online events to get to know program faculty, their research, and to look for alignment in research interests. Due to an overwhelming number of requests, and to keep our responses equitable, we do not schedule individual meetings with faculty and prospective students. If you have questions about the program and cannot attend an event, you may also email our staff to ask questions or set up a phone appointment. These meetings do not influence admission decisions.

When will I receive a decision from NYU?

Decisions are typically emailed in late-March.

Florida State University

FSU | Department of History

Department of History

Life after grad school: reflections on transitions, working in higher education, and history.

The morning of the day I am writing this, I walked up College Ave and approached the Westcott gate and fountain. There is something satisfying about this daily trek—taking in the beautiful sight. Life after graduation has been a hard adjustment. I began my bachelor’s degree in 2011 and graduated with my PhD in History in Spring 2023. Since graduating with my PhD, I have been working for The Graduate School at FSU. There are times it feels like a fundamental piece of me is missing. It is a big transition in several ways, one I was simultaneously prepared and unprepared for. After spending a year on campus as a full-time employee, I am finally beginning to feel like I belong at FSU in a non-student capacity. And it is rewarding to be able to help current graduate students as someone who understands the experience.

I am currently a Manuscript Clearance Advisor. I assist and advise graduate students from across the university with formatting of their theses, treatises, and dissertations. My role is to work with the students to polish their manuscripts to meet The Graduate School’s Guidelines and Requirements. The team I am on is also responsible for several forms required for graduation, mostly related to the Defense. Throughout my time in this position, I have learned a lot about how other fields and programs work, university procedures, and about myself. Though I don’t work exclusively with History students, nor even just the Humanities in general, I have found that my time in the History graduate program at FSU prepared me for this role. When we talk about the relevance of a history degree, we always talk about transferrable skills. This isn’t just a catch phrase to help alleviate understandable anxiety related to the job market. We, as historians, have a lot to offer beyond our discipline. Throughout my coursework, teaching, and researching, I learned to refine my organizational skills and eye for detail. Both are critical for the role I am in today. Assisting with the FSU History Department’s social media team afforded me an entirely different skillset that has allowed me to work on projects that I hope will have an impact on future students going through the Manuscript Clearance Process. Though it isn’t history-specific, a love for research has kept me energized as I assist graduate students with their own scholarship.

Working in Higher Education at the administrative level requires a careful balance of upholding expectations and policy while still approaching students with compassion. I’m not so far removed from the process that I don’t remember the emotional turmoil that was the last few months of my PhD program! It is a stressful time, and in this way, I am qualified to help put students at ease by explaining expectations to them clearly and providing empathetic advising. Observing the struggles and roadblocks students encounter has made me profoundly grateful for the rigorous nature of the History program as well as the unparalleled support from the department’s staff, especially Anne Kozar. In a stressful time, it is relieving to have that support system to keep you on track and motivated. I hope that in my small way, I am able to do that for the students I assist as well.

My tenure as a doctoral student is called upon with relative frequency at The Graduate School. Since I work with formatting, I’m able to reference the physical copies of my dissertation as an example of what a published and printed version looks like, which stresses the importance of dimensions and margins. Because I went through this myself, my colleagues didn’t have to “translate” all the moving parts of the job to me. I’m able to reference my experience when advising students, which seems to make them feel understood and encouraged. And currently, I am spearheading a new Canvas course for Manuscript Clearance, hopefully building something that will help future students through the process. It is set to launch this summer, and it’s something I would have wanted as a doctoral student.

In my post-grad school life, I have found myself missing history. It took me a while after defending to even want to look at anything French Revolution-related again. Now I think about it fondly, but with a feeling of disconnectedness. Colleagues will ask me random questions, and I find myself blossoming when I get to talk about it. So, I’ve found ways to interact with history-related content, even though I’m more distanced from it now. Whether it is watching the newer Napoleon film or reading historical fiction like Mademoiselle Revolution, I’m able to bridge the gap between my two selves—the historian and the Manuscript Clearance Advisor. I’ve even dabbled in writing historical fiction, which has let me flex my creative muscles while dipping back in to the primary sources I poured through during my dissertation research. This has been essential for me, because history is such a large part of my identity in a way I wasn’t quite aware of before graduating. I’ve had moments of identity crisis where I worry that I’m somehow “lesser-than” because I didn’t end up in my field right out of grad school. I’ve worried that it is something people may judge me for. But getting my PhD equipped me with the tools and background to approach my work confidently and competently. My training as a historian bleeds into my day-to-day tasks. Even if I am not digging through dusty archival records or translating French-language sources, I am using my research skills often. The analytical skills I gained have helped with problem solving. It’s who I am, no matter what my job title.

On May 3rd of this year, I was able to assist with the doctoral hooding ceremony. It was surreal being back in the Civic Center, a sea of garnet, gold, and black regalia surrounding me. Being on the other side of the event made me experience many emotions—nostalgia, pride for the students, happiness, and even a bit of melancholy. But overall, I felt honored to be able to watch the students I worked with all semester walk across the stage and be hooded. I also was able to see some close friends from the History department walk. It was a full-circle occasion. In the end, my job is to help graduate students make it to that moment. Manuscript Clearance is one of the last hurdles before graduation, and it can be tedious and stressful. I’ve been in their shoes, and I can’t help but be proud of them as they get to experience the moment they’ve been working towards for years.

401 Bellamy Building 113 Collegiate Loop Tallahassee, FL 32306-2200 (850) 644-5888 | Fax: (850) 644-6402

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