Many wonder whether there are any such things as master’s programs in art history that don’t have a GRE requirement. The good news is that such programs are available, much to the delight of prospective students. One of the best things about such programs is the diversity of coursework, combined with excellent opportunities to expand on knowledge.
About the GRE
The graduate record examination, or GRE, is used for admissions decisions, as well as decisions about fellowships. Verbal and written skills, as well as quantitive reasoning, make up the exam. The GRE is not the only factor that universities use in admissions decisions. Other factors that matter include undergraduate GPA, interviews, research experience, and recommendation letters. Many master’s programs no longer require the GRE.
Art History Programs and the GRE
Many schools that offer Master’s in Art History programs without a GRE requirement prefer previous art history or humanities coursework. Depending on the school where the undergraduate coursework took place, students may have already taken some courses that met these requirements, especially for liberal arts, humanities, or interdisciplinary studies program graduates. In addition to art, other classes that could prove useful include archaeology, western civilization, and research-intensive history courses.
Personal Statements
Personal statements will tell the admissions staff more about a student’s objectives in applying to the program. One of the advantages that these statements provide is a good idea of why the applicant is the right candidate for the program. Studying art history at the graduate level requires a lot of dedication, and is also easier when students have skills that are beneficial for this course of study. One of the most significant advantages of a personal statement is that the report helps provide a snapshot of what the student has to offer the university’s art department.
Research Experience
Research experience helps provide an excellent taste of what students can expect in their fields. According to Science Mag, the importance of research at the undergraduate level has grown over a 15-year period. Even though research has been heavily associated with science majors, this trend has benefited other majors as well, including those pursuing art-related programs. Research projects undertaken at the undergraduate level will help provide solid foundations for the research that graduate students will need to undertake to complete their degree programs.
Personal Recommendations
Personal recommendations can play a vital role in admission to a graduate program when no GRE is required. Direct supervisors, or even other co-workers with whom there has been close contact, are often good choices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, archivists, curators, and museum technician jobs are in high demand. Reliable personal recommendations from the right people who can attest to an applicant’s suitability for an art history program can make all the difference.
Interviews for Applicants
Interviews for graduate programs are more common than many students realize. According to USA Today, interviews are an excellent way to discover information to help make a better decision about enrollment. One of the most important things that students will need to keep in mind during an interview is the importance of demonstrating their need to enroll in this type of program. Master’s programs are in high demand, making it more important for students to stand out.
Master’s in Art History students and prospective students are often pleased to learn of options with no GRE requirements. An understanding of what else may be necessary when applying makes the process that much easier.
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