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Broaden your intellectual and personal horizons through the study of art, design, and curatorial practice within a global perspective. Through critical, theoretical, and historical analysis, we encourage respectful awareness of––and engagement with–– our pluralistic community and enlightened understanding of your own material, visual, and cultural environments and your place within them.
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.

History of Art and Design at Pratt

Gain necessary skills and knowledge for a career as an art and design historian, a museum, gallery, or library professional, or to 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. Internships at museums, libraries, nonprofit art organizations, and galleries provide professional opportunities in your area of interest.

The Experience

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)

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

Internships

Internships at museums, libraries, nonprofit art organizations, and galleries provide professional opportunities in your area of interest and prepare you for future careers. Recent students have interned at prestigious institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and more.

Study Abroad

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

Immersing yourself in another culture is an unparalleled experience that can extend the boundaries of your intellectual abilities and creativity. Study abroad programs are an integral part of the college and graduate experience, and Pratt has deep connections with university partners around the world. Study in Paris with the Pratt in Paris summer program or in Venice with Pratt in Venice, a 6-week program that recently celebrated its 35th anniversary.

Learning Resources

We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of design critical to address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learn about resources.

Our Faculty

All full-time and part-time 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 and  bring their commitment, and their experience, into the classroom. See all History of Art and Design faculty and administrators.

Our Alumni

Pratt’s distinguished alumni are leading diverse and thriving careers, addressing critical challenges, and creating innovative work that reimagines our world.

Success Stories

Ready for More?

HERE’S HOW TO APPLYOUR 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.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.

From the Catalog