Arts & Humanities
Learn About Graduate Study
Graduate study in the Arts and Humanities includes academic graduate programs like a Master’s or Ph.D. where you’d study a particular subject in depth for the purpose of advancing knowledge, or professional degree programs like architecture, journalism, or dance performance which train you for a specific career path.
- Read our guide to Academic Graduate Programs
summarizing the preparation and application process. - Visit our library:
AWP Official Guide to Writing Programs
Directory of History Departments and Organizations
Directory of Theatre Training Programs
Graduate Programs in Art History
Graduate Programs in the Visual Arts
Guide to Architecture Schools
Get Experience & Prepare
To confirm your interest in a field, to develop the skills and knowledge needed for graduate study, and to prove your abilities to graduate schools, you’ll need to prepare academically and obtain relevant practical experience.
- Explore your field of interest through relevant classes, majors & minors at UCSD
- Talk to faculty and graduate students in your field
- Investigate – Is a Ph.D. Right For You?
- Pursue Research Opportunities on or off campus
- Get a relevant Job or Internship
- Consider doing an Academic Internship
- Join Student Organizations or Professional Associations in your field
Apply to Schools
Most graduate school applications occur in the late fall/early winter of the adcademic year before you want to start. You will need to identify programs that match your interests and complete an application. Some steps take time so plan ahead!
- Schools & Programs – Use the links below to identify programs with a curriculum, faculty and facilities that match your interests. Consider your likelihood of admission and cost.
- Use GradSchools.com and Petersons.com to search by degree level, field and location (US or Int’l)
- Search by specialty:
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- Search for International Programs: Australia/New Zealand and UK/Ireland
- Attend our Graduate School Fair to learn about programs from school representatives
- Talk to faculty and graduate students in your field for program recommendations
- Do a literature review to see who's publishing books or journal articles in your specialty area
- Consult PhDs.org, the National Research Council, or field-specific Rankings
- GRE – Prepare, Study and take the Graduate Record Exam
- Letters of Recommendation – Get to Know Writers and Collect Letters
- Application Essay – Write your Statement of Intent and get a Critique
- Portfolio – Learn how to Create Your Portfolio, required by many visual art, writing & performance programs
- Financial Aid & Fellowships – Know how to Pay For Graduate School
For additional help with your professional & graduate school preparation and application come into the Career Services Center or contact your Professional & Graduate School Advisors.
Field of Study
