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Study at the nexus of New York City’s art, design, and cultural communities. Gain a global perspective through rigorous inquiry, collaborative study, and direct engagement with museum collections, preparing you for influential roles within the art world. 

A metallic, curved sculpture rises from the ground at 40 degree angle. It is located in a lawn with a red brick building and walking students in the background
Type
Graduate, MA
Start Term
Fall Only
Credits
36
Duration
2 years
Courses
Plan of Study
Student reading in the book stacks of the history Pratt Library on the Brooklyn campus.

Connect to New York’s Art, Design, and Cultural Worlds

Learning at the nexus of NYC arts and cultural communities, our students consider their discipline within larger social, cultural, and political contexts. With class sizes of just 8–12, you’ll collaborate closely with your classmates and faculty and work directly with museum collections and archives.  

An Interdisciplinary, Versatile Degree

IXD students Wuke Zhou, Yuki Shimano, and Olivia Turpin at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (photo by Shih Wen Huang)
IXD students Wuke Zhou, Yuki Shimano, and Olivia Turpin at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (photo by Shih Wen Huang)

Gain necessary skills and knowledge for a career as an art and design historian or a museum, gallery, auction house, library, or archive professional, or prepare for doctoral studies. By studying global art and design through multidisciplinary and cultural contexts and intensive specialized research, you’ll become an independent and critical thinker and writer, with an understanding of the historical role of art and design.

Open to Students of Different Backgrounds

We welcome students with a range of backgrounds, including those who are pivoting in their careers. This variety of experience adds richness to our program, and our students share a passion for art and design.  

Internships at Renowned Organizations

Internships at museums, libraries, nonprofit art organizations, and galleries prepare you for future careers. Our recent students have interned at prestigious institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, World Monuments Fund, and others. 

Bernini's fountain in the Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy.

Explore Art Abroad While Earning Credits

Nothing compares to studying art in situ. Pratt has deep connections with university partners around the world. You will have the opportunity to gain credits during these programs—as much as a semester’s worth during two- to six-week summer programs like Pratt in London, Pratt in Paris, and Pratt in Venice, which recently celebrated its 35th year.

From the Academic Catalog

Our Faculty: Experts and Mentors

Our faculty are leading scholars and practitioners who are experts in their fields. They are deeply engaged in expanding their disciplines and building equity through their own work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. See all History of Art and Design faculty and administrators.

  1. Peter De Staebler

    Associate Professor

  2. Agnes Berecz

    Associate Professor

  3. Xinyue Lulu Yuan

    Assistant Professor

Career Paths After Graduation

Our graduates are leading thriving careers at notable organizations, including the New York Public Library Archives and Manuscripts Division, Princeton University Library Rare Books and Special Collections, and the Whitney Museum. They are also uniquely prepared for advanced research and study, earning placements in prestigious graduate programs such as Harvard University, the University of Southern California, the University of Edinburgh, Oxford University, and the Victoria and Albert/Royal College of Art master’s programs. 

Career Support for Life

Students and alumni can schedule one-on-one appointments with career strategists in Pratt’s Center for Career and Professional Development. A career strategist can work with you to develop your job/internship search strategies and life and business plans, as well as review résumés, cover letters, websites, and other marketing materials.

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Ready for More?

HERE’S HOW TO APPLYGraduate Studies at PrattOUR CAMPUS & BEYOND
Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step.Whether your goal is to advance your career, pivot to a new field, or explore your craft or groundbreaking research, our 33 graduate programs provide the rigor and support to achieve your vision. Explore our graduate programs in architecture, fine arts, design, information studies, and the liberal arts and sciences.
Learn More.
You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out.