FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Where is the History of Art & Design Department located?
A: HA&D’s main office is located on the Brooklyn campus in East Hall, Room 250.

Q: Who is my department advisor?
A: Undergraduate students are advised by the Assistant Chair, Gayle Rodda Kurtz, as well as by staff in Academic Advisement (Main Hall, 4th floor). To make an appointment with Prof. Kurtz, please email her at gkurtz@pratt.edu.

Q: How do I find out about Department events?
A: 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 updates on events within the department. We report our latest in our online newsletter, TCHADA. 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 TCHADA.

Q: Do I need to write a thesis to complete my major?
A: No, undergraduate seniors enroll in Senior Seminar, a special topics seminar course for which students write an in-depth research paper.

Q: What study abroad opportunities are available for undergraduates?
A: Pratt has programs in cities such as Venice, Rome, Copenhagen, India, and South Africa. A complete list of Pratt’s study abroad programs with introductory descriptions can be read here.

Q: Are there opportunities for summer study in the Department?
A: Yes, we offer each of the undergraduate survey courses during Pratt’s first summer session (May-June).

Q: What degrees does the History of Art & Design Department offer?
A: We offer five different degrees:

BA in Art History
BFA in Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design and Architecture
MS in Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design and Architecture
MS/MFA in Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design and Architecture/Fine Arts
MS/MS in Theory, Criticism, and History of Art, Design and Architecture/Library & Information Science

Q: Can I minor in Art History?
A: Yes. An 18 credit minor is offered to students majoring in other subjects. No matter which field of study you choose, minoring in the History of Art & Design is a great way to strengthen your degree!

Q: How do I declare a minor in art history?
A: Students wishing to declare a minor in art history should visit the HA office (East 250) to fill out a brief informational form. Appointments are not necessary.

Q: How do I transfer coursework from another school?
A: Please refer to the Registrar’s website for detailed information about transfer credit.

Q: Can I take an art history survey somewhere else and transfer it here?
A: For transfer students, we consider your prior coursework on a case by case basis to determine whether transfer credit for one of the surveys is appropriate. Once you matriculate to Pratt, all survey courses in art history that you have left to complete (HA 115, HA 116, HA 215, HA 216) must be completed at Pratt. 

Q: Can I visit the History of Art & Design Department?
A: Yes, you can set up an appointment to visit by emailing ha@pratt.edu.

Q: Are there any tours of the campus?  May I visit classes in the Department?
A: 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. Please email ha@pratt.edu for details.

Q: How can I obtain an application and catalog (bulletin)?
A: You may request a catalog and additional information from Admissions here. Pratt encourages all applicants to apply online.

Q: What financial aid is available to students in department programs?
A: Applicants should consult the Office of Financial Aid for information about financial assistance including loans and work-study

Q: I have a question about my student visa, whom should I contact?
A: 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.

Q: Are there any special application procedures for international students?
A: Application information for international students can be found on the undergraduate section of Admissions’ website. You can also visit the Office of International Affairs for further information and forms.

 

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Contacts

General Inquiries Jill Song ha@pratt.edu (718) 636-3598

Katarina V. Posch Acting Chair kposch@pratt.edu (718) 636-3532

Gayle Rodda Kurtz, Ph.D. Assistant Chair gkurtz@pratt.edu (718) 636-3598