Winterthur Program in American Material Culture

The Winterthur Program in American Material Culture is a two-year program leading to a master of arts. A cooperative effort of the University and the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the program provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of American decorative arts and material culture, defined as the history and philosophy of people and their things. Related areas are American fine and decorative arts, social and cultural history, literature, and museum studies. Students are taught research strategies for analyzing materials, processes and design and for interpreting cultural meanings and contexts. Resources include the extraordinary object and library collections at the Winterthur Museum, special collections and digital media at the University of Delaware, and field-based learning in the U.S. and Great Britain.

Requirements for admission

Required supplemental documents: Academic writing sample (minimum seven pages, maximum 20 pages)

Supplemental application (includes required supplemental short essay prompt)

Following holistic review of all applications, 16 selected applicants will be invited to participate in a three-day weekend of required in-person interviews at the Winterthur Museum (generally scheduled for the second or third Thursday through Saturday each March). Reasonable costs for attending interview weekend are covered by the museum.

Winterthur fellowships

All admitted students receive a fellowship that provides full tuition and an annual stipend. Application for the program/fellowship is through the University of Delaware's Graduate College. Consult the program's website for current information. In order to be considered, all application materials must be received no later than January 3, 2023. Admission is by fellowship only.

1. Choose your graduate program
2. Start your online application
3. Gather the following documents:
   • Transcripts
   • Test scores
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Write your graduate Application essay
   • Check if supplemental documents are needed
   • Check if writing samples are needed
   • Resume
   • TOEFL or IELTS Score
4. Upload documents to your application
5. Complete the OISS Pre-Arrival Task List
   • Request an I-20 or DS-2019
   • Finalize conditions for graduate admission
   • Set up your UD accounts
   • Prepare your finances
   • Complete your family medical history form
   • Confirm your medical insurance
   • Get immunized
   • Obtain a visa
   • Communicate with your academic advisor or department
   • Pack your bags
   • Make your travel plans to the U.S.
   • Learn about Delaware and the U.S.
6. If you decide NOT to attend

The University of Delaware’s graduate application system is designed to put the applicant in control of not only the application but all documents associated with that application. You should have no need to send a single item by mail during the applicant stage. Self-managing your own application in this way is possible because we have designated areas within the application where each required document should be uploaded.