The Master of Arts in Art

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 30 units

Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework.  This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through the Center for Regional and Continuing Education.

Graduate Time Limit:

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within seven years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements in the University Catalog.

2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

3. An acceptable baccalaureate (equivalent to CSU, Chico's bachelor's in Art History or related field) from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate Studies.

4. Submission of two (2) upper-division art history papers and two (2) letters of recommendation from art history instructors, museum professionals, or others familiar with your ability and prospects in art history.

5. Submission of a written statement (minimum of 200 words) concerning personal and professional interests in art history.

Complete information on submission dates and procedures is available from the Art Department's Graduate Coordinator.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

Students must have positive recommendations from the faculty in their area of emphasis and approval of a majority of the art faculty at the time of the classification review.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Classified graduate standing and completion at the University of at least 9 units of the proposed program.

2. Formation of the student's graduate advisory committee in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

3. Development of the approved program in consultation with the graduate advisory committee and the Graduate Coordinator.

Requirements for the MA in Art:

Completion of all requirements as established by the department, the graduate advisory committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:

Laptop Requirement

To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.

1. Completion of an approved program of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:

Art History Emphasis: 30 units

6 units required:

Six units must be selected from each of the three groups.

Group I:

2 courses selected from:

Group II:

2 courses selected from:

Group III:

2 courses selected from:

Elective Requirement: 6 units

1. 6 units selected from 400/500/600-level art history or upper-division studio courses.

2. At least 18 of the units required for the degree in 600-level courses.

3. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through the Center for Regional and Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer).

4. Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and thesis (699); not more than a total of 6 units of thesis (699).

5. At the time of application, applicants must successfully complete a written comprehensive qualifying examination which will be evaluated for content and form.

6. At the end of the graduate student's program, candidates must demonstrate the ability to write and communicate clearly through completion and final approval of a written thesis. An appropriate thesis topic shall be agreed upon by the student and the members of the student's graduate committee. The form of the thesis is determined by regulations described in A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, and Format (current edition). The thesis, evaluated for both form and content, must be approved prior to the oral examination.

7. In addition to the thesis, all candidates for the MA degree in Art must also satisfactorily complete an oral examination.

8. Approval by the department and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the University.

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

Art majors will normally demonstrate their writing competence through their completion of ARTH 600, Art History: Theory and Research Methods.

Graduate Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory each semester for all Art majors. Consult the Graduate Coordinator for specifics.