Graduate History of Art & Design FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What degrees does the History of Art & Design Department offer?

We offer five different degrees

• BA in Art History
• BFA in History of Art & Design
• MS in History of Art & Design
• MS/MFA in History of Art & Design/Fine Arts
• MS/MS in History of Art & Design/Library & Information Science

Where is the History of Art & Design Department located?

HA&D’s main office is located on the Brooklyn campus in East Hall, Room 205.

Can I visit the History of Art & Design Department?

Yes, you can set up an appointment to visit by emailing ha@pratt.edu

How do I find out about Department events?

There are a number of ways to keep updated on happenings around the Department. Majors and minors are added to the department email list and will receive invitations to events within the department. We report our latest in our online newsletter, HADPRATT. The History of Art & Design Student Association (HADSA), coordinates events and sends out announcements to their mailing list (join by emailing pratt.hadsa@gmail.com). Notices for events around the city, jobs, internships, conferences, and other opportunities are posted on the Department bulletin board in East Hall and on HADPRATT.

How can I obtain an application and catalog (bulletin)?

You may request a catalog and additional information from Admissions here. Pratt encourages all applicants to apply online.

Are there any tours of the campus? May I visit classes in the Department?

The Admissions department offers tours, information sessions, and other events to give prospective students the chance to explore Pratt. For full details on arranging a campus visit, go to the Visiting Pratt page. Prospective students can often visit an HA&D class during their visit, as well. Please email ha@pratt.edu to set this up.

What is the deadline for submission of applications to the MS programs?

January 5th.

Is admission possible for a spring or summer semester?

Graduate admission to the Department is for the fall term only.

What do I need to submit in my application?

Please review the general application requirements (which cover recommendation letters, a personal statement, transcripts, and TOEFL or IETLS scores, and a BA degree) here. In addition, the department requires the submission of a writing sample (a critical or scholarly work in art history or a closely related field) and GRE scores (Pratt’s GRE code is R2669), which you should submit to Admissions along with the rest of your materials.

Is there anything I need to send directly to the Department?

No, please mail all print documents to: Pratt Institute Office of Graduate Admissions, DeKalb Hall Lower Level, 200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205. Sending materials to the Department can cause delays in processing your application.

I have been admitted for the next fall term but my plans have changed.  Can I defer my admission? Do I need to reapply?

We allow students to defer admission up to one year on a case by case basis. If the deferral is granted, you would not need to reapply.

How many students are enrolled in the HA&D graduate programs?

There are approximately 60 graduate students in all HA&D MS programs at any one time.

How can I get in touch with graduate students in the program to ask them about their experiences?

Please email the department at ha@pratt.edu and we will reach out to current students on your behalf.

Are there any special application procedures for international students?

Application information for international students can be found on the undergraduate and graduate sections of Admissions’ website. You can also visit the Office of International Affairs for further information and forms.

I have a question about my student visa, whom should I contact?

Please email or call the Office of International Affairs (oia@pratt.edu, 718-636-3674) with questions regarding visas and other aspects of studying at Pratt as an international student.

What financial aid is available to students in department programs?

The HA&D department awards merit-based scholarships to students entering the MS programs and makes GA appointments (approximately 60 positions each year) available to all graduate students in the department. Applicants should consult the Office of Financial Aid for information about other forms of financial assistance including loans and work-study.

Are there opportunities for summer study in the Department?

HA&D’s summer offerings are limited, and include primarily undergraduate survey courses and graduate communications design survey courses.

Can graduate students in other programs minor in Art History?

Yes, a 15 credit minor is available to graduate students enrolled in non-HA&D degree programs. A thesis is required of graduate minors as part of the 15 credits.

Who is my department advisor?

Graduate students are advised by the Chair, Dorothea Dietrich. To make an appointment to meet with Dr. Dietrich, please email ha@pratt.edu.

What are the language proficiency requirements for applicants? What is the best preparation for the departmental language exams?

A reading knowledge of French or German must be demonstrated in order to complete the MS degree. Students can pursue language studies after matriculation, as applicants are not tested on language proficiency as part of the admissions process. Once matriculated, students demonstrate their language skills by taking a proficiency exam administered and graded by faculty in the department. The exam, taken in either French or German, is a test of reading/translation skills (with the aid of a dictionary). It does not matter by what method a student develops proficiency: it could be a traditional or rapid reading course, a total immersion course, overseas travel, or regular study on one’s own. The language exams are not oral exams and the student preparing for them should keep this in mind. Language instruction that greatly emphasizes speaking skills may not help you read the critical literature accurately.