Career Services Center

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 Programspdf_icon 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. 

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. 
Architecture Fine Artslink_icon Modern Languageslink_icon
Archival Studieslink_icon Historic Preservationlink_icon    Musiclink_icon
Art & Designlink_icon Historylink_icon Philosophylink_icon
Arts Administrationlink_icon Journalism & Mass Communicationlink_icon    Religious Studies & Theologylink_icon
Communicationlink_icon Landscape Architecturelink_icon Seminaries & Divinity Schoolslink_icon
Conservation Traininglink_icon     Library & Information Studieslink_icon     Theater & Dramalink_icon
Dancelink_icon  Linguisticslink_icon  Writinglink_icon
Film, TV & Videolink_icon    Medical Illustrationlink_icon
  •  
    • Search for International Programs:  Australia/New Zealandlink_icon and UK/Irelandlink_icon                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
    • 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.orglink_icon, the National Research Councillink_icon, or field-specific Rankings

  • GRE – Preparepdf_icon, Studylink_icon and take the Graduate Record Examlink_icon
  • Letters of Recommendation – Get to Know Writerspdf_icon and Collect Letters
  • Application Essay – Write your Statement of Intentpdf_icon and get a Critique
  • Portfolio – Learn how to Create Your Portfoliolink_icon, 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.