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.