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MS/MA Degree Requirements





Requirements

All students enrolled in the conservation program follow the mandatory two-year cycle of core courses specifically designed to establish the fundamentals of materials science, analytical techniques, treatment methodologies across specializations, imaging documentation and preventive care. The first year introduces students to an understanding of materials and technology, with a heavy emphasis on direct observation utilizing the collections of major New York City museums. Art History studies start with an introductory methodologies course (Foundations I) and two open electives.

Students conclude the core cycle and, having decided on their specialization the first year, begin training in their chosen area of conservation study in year two. Formal courses are offered in each specialization, as well as conservation-specific science topics. Objects chosen for treatment come from the Center’s own study collection, private collectors, and institutions around the U.S. who lack conservation facilities. Students work on a significant number of pieces while in the program, the majority of which are full treatments or technical studies. This includes initial condition report writing, art historical research, scientific analysis, treatment proposal writing, full documentation—written and photographic, full treatment completion, final report writing, and packing or rehousing.

Given the wealth of local resources available to them, students can also pursue independent research projects in areas of particular interest to them at museums or private laboratories across the city. Year three continues the coursework in art history and advanced conservation training. The fourth and final year is spent completing a nine-month Capstone Project in a conservation establishment in the United States or abroad, selected to provide the best possible training in the student’s area of concentration.

The emphasis placed on art history within the curriculum is an indication of the importance we attach to providing students with the social, historical, and theoretical contexts for the objects they will treat. Over three years, students devote a significant amount of time to becoming familiar with the literature in several areas of art history, writing clear and scholarly prose, and preparing and delivering seminar presentations. Within their first two years of study, students must also successfully pass a language translation exam in one modern research language, other than English, relevant to their studies.

A total of 22 courses (73 points) are required for the dual-degree program: 15 conservation courses (45 points) and seven art history courses (28 points).

Year One

Fall Semester

  • Technology & Structure of Works of Art I
  • Material Science of Works of Art I
  • Foundations I in Art History
  • Art History Elective

Spring Semester

  • Technology & Structure of Works of Art II
  • Material Science of Works of Art II
  • Imaging for Conservation
  • Art History Elective

Year Two

Fall Semester

  • Instrumental Analysis I
  • Preventive Conservation
  • Advanced Conservation Elective
  • Art History Elective

Spring Semester

  • Instrumental Analysis II
  • Advanced Conservation Elective
  • Advanced Conservation Elective
  • Art History Elective

Year Three

Fall Semester

  • Advanced Conservation Elective
  • Advanced Conservation Elective
  • Art History Elective

Spring Semester

  • Advanced Conservation Elective
  • Advanced Conservation Elective
  • Art History Elective

Year Four

Fall Semester

  • Capstone Placement

Spring Semester

  • Capstone Placement (continued)