Top Universities in Art History

Columbia University’s Department of Art History and Archaeology is widely regarded as one of the best in the United States. According to the National Research Council (NRC) Study of Research-Doctorate Programs, the department has consistently ranked at the top for its research and doctoral programs.

Columbia's commitment to the study of visual culture is evident in its diverse and comprehensive doctoral program, which spans a vast array of historical periods, geographic regions, and methodological approaches. The department offers doctoral degrees in a wide range of specialized fields, including Ancient Near Eastern art and archaeology, Aegean and Greek art, Roman art, western Medieval and Byzantine art, and Italian, French, and British Renaissance and Baroque art. Additionally, the department provides extensive coverage of modern European art, nineteenth- and twentieth-century European art, and the history of photography.

This breadth of offerings is one of Columbia's key strengths, attracting students interested in pursuing focused research within a wide variety of historical periods and geographical contexts. The department encourages a highly interdisciplinary approach to art history and archaeology, allowing students to explore their chosen topics through connections with other fields such as history, literature, philosophy, and anthropology. Such interdisciplinary engagement fosters a deeper and more nuanced understanding of art and material culture in its historical and cultural contexts.

For students intending to pursue advanced studies, the doctoral program at Columbia is the focal point. Applicants to the Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply directly to the program, as the department does not offer separate terminal master’s degrees. The Ph.D. program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both the history of art and archaeological methods. Students begin with intensive coursework in the chosen area of study, which is complemented by opportunities for hands-on experience in archaeological fieldwork, museum studies, and archival research. The department's commitment to rigorous training in research methodologies equips students with the tools they need to conduct original research that contributes meaningfully to the field.

Columbia also offers several independent Master of Arts (M.A.) programs, which are typically designed for students who wish to engage with art history and archaeology for a shorter duration. These programs, which last approximately one to one and a half years, provide students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge in specific areas of art history and archaeology. The M.A. programs offer a solid foundation for students who may wish to pursue further graduate study or enter the workforce in fields such as museums, galleries, cultural heritage management, and publishing.

One of the defining features of Columbia’s program is its world-class faculty. The Department of Art History and Archaeology boasts a distinguished group of scholars whose research spans an impressive array of topics, from classical antiquity to contemporary art. These scholars are not only accomplished researchers but also dedicated mentors who provide invaluable guidance to graduate students. The faculty’s expertise in specialized fields of art history and archaeology ensures that students receive training that is both broad and deeply focused. The department's faculty members are often at the forefront of critical debates in the field, and their research has had a significant impact on shaping the study of art and material culture.

In addition to the faculty, Columbia’s location in New York City offers students access to a wealth of cultural resources, including world-renowned museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Frick Collection. The proximity to these institutions enables students to engage with original artworks, attend exhibitions, and collaborate with professionals in the art world. Furthermore, the university's own resources, including its Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, provide students with an extensive collection of books, journals, and archival materials essential for research.

The Department of Art History at New York University

New York University’s Department of Art History is another top-tier program that offers a distinguished education in the history and criticism of the visual arts. Rated among the top two art history departments in the country, NYU's graduate program has earned a reputation for its strong academic rigor, intellectual diversity, and emphasis on the global study of art. The department offers a unique curriculum that combines the study of historical periods with critical and theoretical approaches to visual culture. Its strength lies in the wide range of courses offered, which span a variety of historical periods, geographical areas, and artistic movements.

The graduate program at NYU provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for careers as scholars, curators, and museum professionals. It covers everything from ancient art to contemporary practices, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of the visual arts. NYU's curriculum incorporates both traditional historical methods and contemporary approaches, such as postmodernist and feminist art history, critical theory, and cultural studies. This combination of historical scholarship with theoretical inquiry allows students to develop the critical skills necessary to engage with art on multiple levels.

One of the strengths of NYU’s program is its emphasis on the history and criticism of visual arts in major world cultures. Students have the opportunity to explore the art traditions of Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. This global perspective is essential for understanding the interconnectedness of artistic practices and the ways in which cultural exchanges have shaped the visual arts. In particular, NYU’s focus on modern and contemporary art offers students the chance to engage with the latest developments in the field, including the history of photography, digital art, and the relationship between art and technology.

Like Columbia, NYU is located in New York City, which provides graduate students with unparalleled access to art collections, galleries, and exhibitions. The department has strong ties to major institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. These institutions, alongside NYU’s own research facilities, offer students the chance to interact with works of art, participate in internships, and build professional networks that will serve them throughout their careers.

The faculty at NYU is similarly distinguished, with scholars whose research interests span a wide range of periods and regions. Faculty members are often recognized as leaders in their fields, publishing influential books and articles and contributing to the development of new methodologies in art history and visual culture studies. Like Columbia, NYU places a strong emphasis on mentorship, providing graduate students with opportunities for personalized academic guidance. Faculty members are deeply invested in the intellectual growth of their students, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Comparative Strengths of Columbia and NYU

Both Columbia University and New York University offer exceptional graduate programs in art history and archaeology, each with its own set of strengths. Columbia is particularly noted for its emphasis on historical breadth, with strong programs in ancient, medieval, and Renaissance art, as well as its deep commitment to archaeology. The interdisciplinary nature of its curriculum allows students to explore connections between art and other fields, making it ideal for students who wish to engage with art history from multiple perspectives.

NYU, on the other hand, stands out for its global and contemporary focus. The department’s emphasis on critical theory, visual culture, and modern art makes it an excellent choice for students interested in contemporary art practices, as well as the application of theory to art historical study. NYU's integration of global art histories also provides students with a wider lens through which to study the visual arts across cultures.

Ranking of top universities in Art History Doctoral Programs:

1. Columbia

2. NYU

3. Berkeley

4. Harvard

5. Yale

6. Princeton

7. Johns Hopkins

8. Northwestern

9. Penn

10. Chicago

Source: National Research Council 1995