The History of Art + Visual Culture offers the opportunity to augment your MFA Studies with a 36-credit concentration in art history studies. The college offers this opportunity in recognition that MFA recipients often follow teaching careers in which they are expected to teach history and theory as well as studio. The concentration offers a structured curriculum in the history, theory and criticism of western art, as well as that of cultures throughout the world. These studies are enriched by the direct availability of the collections of The RISD Museum and the curatorial experience of the Museum staff. Under the concentration, you may focus the attention of your studies on the history and theory of your particular studio discipline.

Any Liberal Arts requirement for the MFA degree, as well as certain graduate courses offered within the individual programs may be incorporated in the credits necessary to complete the concentration. It is also required that you undertake a six-credit thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member in the History of Art + Visual Culture Department. Completion of the concentration requires an additional Fall semester and a Wintersession of studies beyond your MFA. If you are interested in the History of Art + Visual Culture Concentration, please contact the head of the Art History Department who can be reached through the Liberal Arts Office at 401 454-6570

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