Program Overview
The History of Decorative Arts at George Mason University is a MA programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the History of Decorative Arts programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- Tuition: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Fairfax, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the History of Decorative Arts programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Proseminar in History of Decorative Arts
- Survey of Decorative Arts
- Material Culture Studies
- European Decorative Arts
- Global Decorative Arts
- Museum Studies
- Design and Design History
- Internship in Art History and the Decorative Arts
- The Museum
- Independent Study
- Special Topics in Art History and the Decorative Arts
- Theory of Decorative Arts
- Topics in Individual Decorative Arts
- Material Culture Studies
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to the MA in the history of decorative arts must submit- Completed Application for Graduate Study (online).
- Nonrefundable application fee.
- Virginia In-State Tuition Rates Application. (Please note: Tuition charges are the same for both in-state and out-of-state residents.)
- Unofficial copies of transcript(s) from previous institution(s) attended (uploaded via online application).
- Goals statement (uploaded via online application): The statement of interest and intentions should be 300-500 words (typically one or two pages). It is an opportunity for the applicant to describe the reasons for pursuing graduate studies and why this program has been selected.
- Current resume or CV (uploaded via online application).
- The names and email addresses (via the online application) of the three individuals who will be submitting the required letters of recommendation.
- GRE scores (Applicants who earned their bachelor\'s degree ten or more years before applying to the History of Decorative Arts program are not required to submit GRE scores.)
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact George Mason University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About George Mason University
George Mason University
Fairfax County, United States
public liberal arts and research university in Fairfax County, Virginia
University Profile- Application Deadline Nov, 2026
- Start Date Jan, 2027
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
