the program

The PhD in Visual Culture and Education offers two concentrations for advanced students in the field pursuing a doctoral degree. The concerns at the heart of the program are those detailed under the MA in Visual Culture—Theory.

A common core of visual culture and research methodology courses prepares students for their specific concentrations. The first in Visual Culture-Theory is a criticism and theory based approach to the field. The second in Art Education is designed for those students looking to use the visual culture approach in Art Education.

Please note that there is one degree only offered but only students concerned with education are required to take education classes. The research electives allow students to develop their interests in a a wide range of classes in Steinhardt and the other colleges of NYU. Please note that other classes than those listed here may be used as electives with the consent of advisers. This is a small, selective program for self-motivated students with the drive to meet the dynamic requirements of interdisciplinary study: but for the right person, the rewards are great.

enrollment

Admission to the program is selective, and decisions are made by an admissions committee composed of full-time faculty.

the curriculum

All doctoral candidates must complete a doctoral dissertation with a strong research focus. Before forming a doctoral committee, students must qualify for admission to doctoral candidacy. The candidacy examination consists of both written and oral components, taken sequentially.

degree requirements

Foundations of Education (6 points)

Core classes (6 points) – New Requirement
E90.2120 Foundations of Visual Culture
E90.2860 Introduction to Critical Theory

Specialized Research Methodology (3 points)
E90.2121 Visual and Critical Analysis

Other recognized research methodology courses, i.e.:
E10.2135 Historical Research
E10.2139 Surv. Research
E10.2134 Exp. Design/Analysis
E63.2074 Res. Design/Methodology
E10.2141 Qualitative Field Research

Cognates (6 points)
E90.3097 Departmental Seminar I (3 points)
E90.3101 Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3 points) or equivalent

Specializations (12 points in one of following official concentrations)

Concentration in Art Education
E90.2275 Contemporary art and critical pedagogy: Identity, Representation and Multiculturalism
E90.2070 Current issues in art education
E90.2276 Art Education in alternative settings: Museums, community-based organizations and experimental spaces. (3 credits)
E90.2031 Philosophy of Art and Art Education
E90.2510 Aesthetic Inquiry for Children
E90.2277 Media Literacy and Art in the Classroom
E90.2191 Internship in the College Teaching of Art
E90.2451 Art and Ideas
E90.2869 Advanced Critical Theory

Concentration in Visual Culture-Theory (New)
E90.2451 Art and Ideas
E90.2050 Modern Art Seminar
E90.2869 Advanced Critical Theory
E90.2160 Topics in Visual Culture
E90.2140 History of Taste 1
E90.2141 History of Taste 2
E90.2801 Art Theory and Criticism 1
E90.2802 Art Theory and Criticism 2
E90.2852 Dynamics of 20th Century Art
E90.2865 Art History as Critical Theory
E88.2060 Proseminar in the City and Arts
E90.2275 Contemporary art and critical pedagogy: Identity, Representation and Multiculturalism

Research Electives (12 points)
Classes taken for Specialization may not fulfill research elective requirement.
Other courses may be approved for research electives by consent of advisor.

E38.2007 Seminar in Media Criticism 1
E38.2008 Seminar in Media Criticism 2
E38.2088 Languages of Communication: Electronic Media
E38.2180 The Politics of the Gaze: Sensory Formations of Modernity
E87.2016 Problems in Critical Theory
E87.2016 Arts and Culture
E87.2392 Approaches to International Film
E90.2451 Art and Ideas
E90.2050 Modern Art Seminar
E90.2869 Advanced Critical Theory
E90.2160 Topics in Visual Culture
E90.2140 History of Taste 1
E90.2141 History of Taste 2
E90.2801 Art Theory and Criticism 1
E90.2802 Art Theory and Criticism 2
E90.2852 Dynamics of 20th Century Art
E90.2865 Art History as Critical Theory
E88.2060 Proseminar in the City and Arts
E90.2070 Current issues in art education
E90.2276 Art Education in alternative settings: Museums, community-based organizations and experimental spaces (3 credits)
E90.2031 Philosophy of Art and Art Education
E90.2510 Aesthetic Inquiry for Children
E90.2277 Media Literacy and Art in the Classroom
E90.2191 Internship in the CollegeTeaching of Art
E90.2275 Contemporary art and critical pedagogy: Identity, Representation and Multiculturalism

Program Total: 51 points

application procedures

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

1. Transcripts: Must be obtained from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.
2. Three Letters of Recommendation: Should be obtained from academic and professional sources.
3. Current Résumé
4. Statement of Purpose (600-750 words): Must describe your research interests and purpose in pursuing doctoral study.
5. Paper/Artwork: A research paper and slides of work if applicable. Click here for slide instructions.
6. GRE Scores: You should take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as early as possible (preferably in the fall of the year preceding your desired admission date and before January 1) and have your results sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applicants who took the GRE more than five years ago must retake it. All doctoral applicants must submit official GRE scores.
7. TOEFL Score for international Students: Successful candidates typically score 116 Internet-based; 283 Computer-based; 657 Paper-based.

For more information:

Prof. Nicholas Mirzoeff, Director, Visual Culture-Theory, 212.998.5725

Prof. Dipti Desai, Director, Art Education, 212.998.9022