University of Missouri, Columbia

PhD in Visual Studies

Columbia, MO, United States 4 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Tuition 20% below the typical PhD
  • Applications currently open

About PhD in Visual Studies

Tuition is 23,140 USD per year, while applications for the Aug 2027 intake are open until Feb 1, 2027.

The PhD in Visual Studies at University of Missouri, Columbia is for students who hold a Master's degree and want to earn a PhD. This 4-year degree helps students develop advanced knowledge in visual studies.

The curriculum includes subjects like art history, visual culture, and critical theory. Students also develop skills in research, writing, and critical thinking through hands-on components like seminars and workshops.

Graduates can pursue careers as Art Historians, Museum Curators, Art Critics, or Professors of Art History. They can work in museums, galleries, universities, or art organizations, applying their knowledge and skills to help others understand and appreciate visual arts.

About University of Missouri, Columbia

The University of Missouri, Columbia, commonly known as Mizzou, is a major public research university with deep roots dating back to 1839. As the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System, Mizzou serves a large and diverse student body of over 31,000 learners, including a substantial international population. The campus combines a rich academic tradition with extensive research activity, modern facilities, and a broad portfolio of programs designed to prepare students for leadership in many fields.

Mizzou offers hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across disciplines such as journalism, agriculture, engineering, health sciences, and business, supported by over 300 distinct academic offerings. The university is known for experiential learning through research projects, internships, clinical placements, and community partnerships. International students benefit from comprehensive orientation services, academic advising, and career resources that link classroom learning to professional pathways.

Columbia provides a welcoming college town atmosphere with affordable living, cultural venues, and strong athletic traditions that foster campus community. State-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and industry collaborations support student innovation and employability. For students seeking a large research-intensive university with extensive program choices, vibrant campus life, and strong career support, Mizzou combines academic excellence with practical opportunities for global and local impact.

This program's tuition is 20% below the typical PhD in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 29,502 USD, across 2,363 programs on Global Admissions.

Compare United States PhD programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

English Test · fastest & cheapest

85–95

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TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
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Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

PhD in Visual Studies: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for PhD in Visual Studies?
Tuition: USD 23,140 per year. Application fee: USD 105. Service fee: USD 100.
What are the entry requirements for PhD in Visual Studies?
Entry requirements include: Education: Master's Degree; Academic performance: Grade B-A (60-70%, GPA 2.5-3); English: IELTS 5.5-6.0; Age: 18-45.
How long is the PhD in Visual Studies program?
The program duration is 4 year.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2027-02-01.
Is PhD in Visual Studies available online?
This is an on-campus program at University of Missouri, Columbia in Columbia, MO.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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