University of New Mexico

What you'll study

The MA in Art History combines advanced coursework, research training and a substantial written project. Core study emphasises art‑historical methods and theory, visual analysis, and historiography, while elective seminars allow you to specialise in areas such as Indigenous and Native American art, Latin American and Colonial art, modern and contemporary art, American art, gender and visual culture, and museum and curatorial practice.

• Research methods and theory: historiography, critical theory, and methodological approaches to visual culture.
• Regional specialisms: courses on Southwestern art, Indigenous visual traditions, and Latin American/Colonial arts reflecting UNM’s geographical strengths.
• Periods and movements: modernism, contemporary art, and historical surveys depending on elective choices.
• Practical and professional skills: curatorial practice, exhibition planning, object handling basics, digital humanities approaches to visual materials, and provenance and ethics in collections.
• Capstone project: either a research thesis or an approved non‑thesis project such as a curatorial exhibition, catalogue essay or extended research paper submitted under faculty supervision.

Teaching is delivered through seminars, independent research, and practicum opportunities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of internships, museum partnerships and interdisciplinary electives in related departments such as Museum Studies, Studio Art, Anthropology and Latin American Studies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, typically with a substantial component in art history, visual studies, or a closely related humanities discipline. Strong applicants may be considered from other backgrounds if they can demonstrate relevant experience or preparation.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of an undergraduate degree with good academic standing.
• Writing sample: a research essay or substantial written work in art history or a related field (often 5–15 pages) demonstrating analytical ability and familiarity with scholarly conventions.
• Statement of purpose: outlining research interests, academic and professional goals, and fit with the department’s strengths.
• Letters of recommendation: typically two or three academic or professional references addressing your preparedness for graduate study.
• Portfolio or work samples (where relevant): for applicants with curatorial, museum or studio experience, a portfolio or documentation of relevant projects can be submitted.
• English language proficiency: if your prior degree was not taught in English, you will need to satisfy the university’s English language requirements.

Some applicants pursue the MA as preparation for doctoral study, while others enter with professional museum or curatorial goals. Contact the department for advice about assessing suitability and any preparatory coursework that may be recommended.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Art History go on to a range of careers across the cultural sector, education and research. The programme develops skills in visual and textual analysis, research, writing, and project management that employers value.

• Museum and gallery roles: curatorial assistant, collections management, exhibitions coordinator, education officer, or registrar.
• Heritage and cultural organisations: archivist, cultural resource specialist, or co‑ordinator for Indigenous and community heritage projects.
• Academic and research pathways: progression to PhD study or roles in research centres and libraries.
• Publishing and media: art publishing, criticism, catalogue editing, and content development for cultural media.
• Arts administration and public programming: festival or programme management, outreach and community engagement within arts organisations.

Why study at University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico offers distinct advantages for art historians interested in the art and visual culture of the American Southwest, Indigenous communities and Latin America. The department’s geographic location provides direct access to significant regional collections, public institutions and living artistic traditions that enrich research and practical training.

• Regional resources: proximity to major museums, archives and Indigenous cultural institutions that support internships and object‑based research.
• Interdisciplinary links: opportunities to collaborate with Museum Studies, Latin American Studies, Anthropology and Studio Art for a broadened, interdisciplinary approach.
• Faculty expertise: a range of scholarly interests among faculty, including Indigenous visuality, colonial and post‑colonial art histories, and contemporary practices.
• Hands‑on experience: practicum placements, exhibition projects and partnerships with local museums that provide professional experience alongside academic study.
• Support for research: mentorship for thesis work, guidance for applying to doctoral programmes, and access to special collections and regional archives.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department to discuss research fit, funding and opportunities for assistantships or internships that complement the MA programme.