Doctoral programs in sacred art are typically found in art history departments.
The field of sacred art explores the intersection of religion and art, including how religion has been represented in art throughout history, how religion is expressed in architecture and how religion influences artistic expression. Because sacred art can be interpreted in many ways, doctoral programs in sacred art tend to be found within art history departments. In doctoral programs, the relationship between student and adviser takes precedence as the student writes a dissertation. Candidates must find not only a college or university that is appropriate, but also an adviser who is knowledgeable about sacred art.
Cornell University
The Department of History of Art and Visual Studies at Cornell University offers a doctoral program in sacred art. The department provides research support for ancient art and archaeology, Islamic art and medieval art. If Ph.D. students select a concentration in archaeology, they may have opportunities to join excavations related to sacred art.
Dept. of the History of Art
Cornell University
GM08 Goldwin Smith Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Email: art_history-mailbox@cornell.edu
607-255-9861
Fax: 607-255-0566
arts.cornell.edu/histart/contact.html
Duke University
Duke University's Department of Art, Art History and Visual Studies focuses on cross-departmental cooperation, which aids students taking Late Ancient Christian Culture, Medieval/Renaissance Studies and Early Christian Culture. The department also offers support for doctoral students with an interest in women's studies and sacred art.
Duke University
Department of Art and Art History
Campus Box 90764
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708-0764
919-684-2224
duke.edu/web/art/phdprog/
Columbia University
Columbia University's Art History Department offers a competitive Ph.D. program with a strong focus on topics in sacred art. Fields of study include ancient cultures such as Aegean, Greek, Byzantine and Roman. The medieval period and the Italian Renaissance also are emphasized. Most students accepted into the five-year program are offered full scholarships, including a stipend, and are expected to teach courses at Columbia.
Art History and Archaeology
Columbia University
826 Schermerhorn Hall
1190 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10027
columbia.edu/cu/arthistory/graduate/phd.html
Tags: Duke University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Department History, University Department, University Department History, Christian Culture