How to Apply

Domestic and International Applicants: 

The UWM Graduate School Application is entirely online. 

Your online application must include: 

  1. Transcripts from all colleges, universities, and technical schools attended. A bachelor’s degree must be completed by the time the student plans to enroll in the MA program. In order to apply, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 is required by the UWM Graduate School.  A minimum of 12 credits (i.e., 4 courses) in art history is recommended; students admitted without significant coursework in art history may be required to take additional credits in order to complete the MA.
  2. Reasons for Graduate Study Statement (Personal Statement)
    Approximately 250-500 words. Indicate your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study in art history. 
  3. Writing Sample
    Preferably an art-historical research paper. 
  4. Two  Letters of Reference
    Please have your recommenders upload their letters directly to the Graduate School Online Portal.  
  5. Application Fee
    Information on the current graduate application fee is available on the Graduate School Application Form. 

International Applicants Only: 

Please visit the International Admissions page at the UWM Center for International Education (CIE) to begin your application. 

Dual Admission: If you have submitted a TOEFL score between 520 and 549 (paper-based) or 68-78 (Internet-based) or an IELTS score between 6 and 6.5, you will be eligible to enroll in six credits of academic coursework and you will also be required to enroll in an ESL course (credit or non-credit). You must demonstrate your English language proficiency by submitting a TOEFL score of 550 or 79, or an IELTS score of 6.5, within three semesters of initial enrollment at UWM. 

Deadlines: 

Recommended Deadlines for Fall Semester Enrollment 

December 15 – please apply by December 15 if you wish to be considered for Graduate School fellowships and departmental awards and teaching assistantships

Recommended Deadline for Spring Semester Enrollment 

October 15 – please apply by December 15 if you wish to be considered for Graduate School fellowships and departmental awards and teaching assistantships to begin the following Fall.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no mandatory deadline for students who wish to apply without any consideration for financial awards; we accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, time should be allowed for your application to be processed. 

Financial Aid Information
For information on support from the Department of Art History and the university (including FAFSA) please see financial aid.

For questions regarding the Art History Graduate Program, please contact Derek Counts at dbc@uwm.edu.