the program

The M.A. program in Visual Culture/Theory is distinguished by its commitment to a critical interpretation of visual culture as a key part of the processes of globalization. The study of visual culture is motivated by the remarkable expansion in the quantity, quality and significance of visual images in all areas of modern life. While the field originally emerged out of art history, it is defined today by its interdisciplinary study of images across diverse media (such as photography, television, and film), new media (such as the web and digital imaging), architecture, design, and art (including traditional media such as painting and sculpture as well as new multimedia art forms) across a range of social arenas, including news, art, science, advertising, and popular culture. The study of visual culture emphasizes the role of visual media in everyday life and the importance of visual media in the dissemination of ideas in the public sphere.

The program is based in the Department of Art and Art Professions in collaboration with the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication. The Steinhardt School is the ideal place for the study of visual culture at NYU because it not only takes advantage of the synergies that exist between these two interdisciplinary departments, but also mines the depth of faculty expertise and resources from related departments and schools within the greater university.

The M.A. curriculum is designed to move students from an understanding of the parameters of the field to a specific research topic of their own. Core courses provide foundational knowledge of visual culture methodologies and its specific “ways of seeing” and offer opportunities for students to explore cutting-edge topics with leading figures in the New York art and media worlds. Specialization, elective and internship courses allow students to develop interdisciplinary research interests in the theory and practice of visual culture.

enrollment

Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and work experience, including art history, cultural studies, art education, studio art, anthropology, cinema studies, media studies, creative writing, art criticism, and English. Graduates of the program may continue on for doctoral study in cultural studies, art history, media studies, and related fields, or seek employment both here and abroad as curators, writers, editors, producers, or administrators in the art and media worlds in such settings as museums, galleries, auction houses, film companies, television studios, and multimedia corporations.

admission prerequisites

Applicants to the program should have a minimum GPA of 3.0. For international applicants, a minimum TOEFL score of 650 (paper-based) is required. In addition to materials required for general admission to the Steinhardt School, applicants must submit to the Graduate Admissions Office three recent letters of recommendation from teachers and/or employers as well as a written sample of work reflective of their interests in this field.

the curriculum

The program requires 42 points for completion and courses are offered in a two-year sequence. Students may take courses on a full- or part-time basis and must complete a substantial, well-researched master’s thesis. Research focuses on a particular interest or issue in the field of visual culture. Students work with their program adviser to develop a research topic and complete the thesis in sequential fall and spring semesters.

degree requirements

Core Courses (9 points)
E90.2120 Foundations of Visual Culture
E90.2121 Visual and Critical Analysis
E90.2160 Topics in Visual Culture

Specialization Courses (15 points)
E90.2050 Modern Art Seminar
E90.2451 Art and Ideas
E90.2860 Introduction to Critical Theory
E90.2869 Advanced Critical Theory
E38.2070 Media, Memory, and History
E38.2075 Interpreting Popular Culture
E38.2180 The Politics of the Gaze

Electives (12-15 points)
E90.1051 Art History since 1945
E90.2141 History of Taste 1850-Present
E90.2802 Art Theory & Criticism II
E38.2007/8 Seminar in Media Criticism
E38.2033 Internet 2
E38.2040 Topics in Digital Media
E38.2076 Origins of Modern Media
E38.2115 Imaging Palestine & Israel
E38.2143 War and Media Theory
E87.2016 Problems in Critical Theory
E87.2144 Arts and Culture
E87.2392 Approaches to International Film
and other courses by advisement

Internships (3-6 points)
E90.2302

Research in Visual Culture and Final Project (3 points)
E90.2022 Research in Visual Culture
E90.2301.05 Final Project

Program Total: 42 points

application procedures

Follow the instructions outlined by The NYU Steinhardt Office of Graduate Admissions for filing your application form. The following is a list of all items that must accompany the completed application form.

1. Transcripts: Must be obtained from undergraduate and graduate institutions, if applicable.
2. Three Letters of Recommendation: Should be obtained from academic and professional sources.
3. Current Resume
4. Writing sample: Work reflective of interest in the field.
5. Personal Interview: A personal interview is advised for qualifying students living close to New York City; for qualifying students living outside the metropolitan area, a telephone interview is advised. The program office will notify you if an interview is necessary.
6. Statement of Purpose (600 words): A typewritten, double-spaced statement describing your interest in the field and explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in visual culture. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the Admissions Committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
7. TOEFL Score for international Students: Successful candidates typically score 116 Internet-based; 283 Computer-based; 657 Paper-based.

For further information:

Prof. Nicholas Mirzoeff, Co-Director (Art and Art Professions)
nicholas.mirzoeff@nyu.edu
Prof. Marita Sturken, Co-Director (Culture and Communication)
marita.sturken@nyu.edu
Prof. Carlo Lamagna, Coordinating Director (Art and Art Professions)
carlo.lamagna@nyu.edu

Send application materials to The NYU Steinhardt Graduate Admissions Office. For general information pertaining to admission and financial aid, and/or to download an application (PDF file), visit the graduate admission's Web site.