M.A. in Art History

Students can take courses in American, European, and Asian art and architecture across all chronological periods. At least one course must be taken in three or the four core areas: Renaissance, Baroque, and 18th Century Art and Architecture; Modern and Contemporary European Art and Architecture; American Art and Architecture; Asian Art and Architecture.

Upon entering the program, students take a proficiency exam to establish their knowledge of art history. Before completing the program, students complete a foreign language examination and write and defend a master's thesis or project.

Founded in 1801, then-South Carolina College flourished pre-Civil War, overcame post-war struggles, was rechartered in 1906 as a university and transformed itself as a national institution in the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Palmetto State established South Carolina College — the precursor to the University of South Carolina — on Dec. 19, 1801, as part of an effort to unite South Carolinians in the wake of the American Revolution. South Carolina's leaders saw the new college as a way to promote "the good order and harmony" of the state.

The founding of South Carolina College was also a part of the Southern public college movement spurred by Thomas Jefferson. Within 20 years of one another, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia established state-supported colleges.