Admission to the program is on a highly selective basis. Candidates must present work that suggests the capacity for sustained inquiry and growth; through their transcripts and essay they are also expected to demonstrate a well-developed ability to deal with ideas in the visual arts. A broad preparation in the history of art is valued as well as a clear indication of the candidate's capacity to profit from being at a major research institution.

The application process for admission and financial aid for all graduate programs in the Humanities is administered through the divisional Office of the Dean of Students. The Application for Admission and Financial Aid, with instructions, deadlines and department-specific information is available online here.

Questions pertaining to admissions, and materials sent in support of applications, should be directed to the Humanities Divison. Please refer to the contact information on the Humanities Division Admissions and Financial Aid page.

Supplemental materials
EXAMPLES OF WORK: Please submit twenty digital images (JPEGs) on CD or DVD. Alternatively, students who work in time-based media may send a selection of work on DVD.

All CDs and DVDs must be labeled with the candidate's name and should be accompanied by an image identification sheet that includes the applicant name, the medium, the size or running time, and the date the piece was completed.

The examples of work described above replace the 15-20 page writing sample requirement on application for admission.

To have examples of work returned, applicant must provide a self-addressed, postage pre-paid envelope. Materials will only be returned after decisions have been mailed out.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT: The application should also include a one or two-page artist's statement illuminating the artistic practice by discussion of such questions as sources of influence, character of the inquiry, and some suggestion of future directions the candidate wishes to explore.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Also required are three to four letters of recommendation.

TEST REQUIREMENTS: GRE tests are not required for admission to Visual Arts. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the test administered by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all foreign students. Domestic applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools where instruction is in English may also be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Please see Test Requirements on the Humanities Division website for more information.

Questions pertaining to admissions and aid should be directed to humanitiesadmissions@uchicago.edu or (773) 702-1552. All correspondence and materials sent in support of applications should be mailed to:

The University of Chicago
Division of the Humanities
Walker, Suite 111
1115 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637