How Long Is a Doctorate Degree in Art History?

Art|Art History

A Doctorate Degree in Art History is a prestigious and sought-after credential in the field of art. It is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest degree you can earn in this discipline. Earning a doctorate degree in Art History will take most students four to six years of full-time study and research.

The coursework for a Doctorate Degree in Art History will vary depending on the institution and the student’s chosen area of study, but most programs include courses on topics such as philosophy, criticism, aesthetics, history of art movements, methods of visual analysis, and research in art history. Additionally, many doctoral programs require that students complete archival or field research projects related to their area of study. These projects often involve visiting museums or archives to examine works of art first-hand.

In addition to coursework and field research projects, doctoral candidates must also write and defend a dissertation. A dissertation is an original work that makes an original contribution to the field of art history.

The dissertation will usually require several years of intensive research and analysis before it is completed. Once finished, students must defend their dissertation before a panel of experts who critique their work and decide whether they have achieved the necessary level of mastery to be worthy of the doctorate degree.

Conclusion: A Doctorate Degree in Art History typically takes four to six years to complete. This includes coursework on topics such as philosophy, criticism, aesthetics and methods of visual analysis; field work or archival research related to their area of study; and finally writing and defending a dissertation before a panel of experts which requires several years intensive research and analysis.