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Graduate Program in Visual and Cultural Studies

The Graduate Program in Visual and Cultural Studies provides students with an opportunity to study critically and analyze visual culture from a social-historical perspective. The Program stresses the close interpretation of artistic production within historical and cultural frameworks. Housed in the Department of Art and Art History, the Program offers an interdisciplinary doctoral degree drawing on coursework and faculty expertise in several University of Rochester humanities departments. Because the primary faculty work in Art and Art History, Film Studies, Modern Languages and Cultures, and Anthropology, students are able to relate literary and cultural theory to visual culture, and to investigate the connections between cultural productions, critical theory, and society. Students may also take courses in such departments as History, English, Music, and Philosophy.

Admissions

The Program accepts five to seven graduate students each year, and all successful applicants receive full tuition remission, and a stipend for four years. About twenty faculty members participate in the program each year, including the Visual and Cultural Studies Steering Committee, which guides the Program.

The deadline for applications is January 15th for the following September. Offers of admission are sent to applicants by mid-March. Along with the application, students are requested to submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a writing sample, and GRE scores. International students must also supply TOEFL scores. There is a $60 application fee.

Academic questions:

Rachel Haidu (585) 275-4112

Administrative questions:

Martin Collier (585) 275-7451

Mailing address:

University of Rochester
Art & Art History Department
503 Morey Hall, Box 270456
Rochester, NY 14627