MA

The Masters in Curatorial Practices and the Public Sphere is an intensive master's-level program in the practice and history of curating studied through the lenses of critical theory, art history and visual culture. During two years of full-time academic study, students explore different modes of curatorial practice combining seminars and professional training.

The Critical Studies curriculum provides in-depth background in histories and theories of contemporary curatorial practices, including exhibitions, performance, film and media arts. 

In three consecutive Practicum courses, students conceptualize and curate a project during the first two semesters, then produce a publication or another kind of public interface in the final semester.

Courses are led by USC Roski's internationally acclaimed artists, scholars, critics and curators. The program director is Jenny Lin and current faculty include Andrew Campbell, Amelia Jones, Suzanne Lacy, and Karen Moss. USC Roski graduate students take full advantage of courses in a leading research university and the huge range of art events across Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Alumni of the Roski Curatorial Practices program work in galleries and museums including Aspen Art Museum; California African American Museum; Getty Research Institute; Hauser & Wirth, LA; Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE); Palm Springs Museum of Art, Prospect, New Orleans; Rhizome, NY; The Underground Museum and the Whitney Museum.

MA Program Objectives can be found here.

View Critical Studies/MA faculty here.

View the MA Handbook, which includes a sample course of study here.

Application instructions here.

For the Online Course Catalogue, click here.

For details on the USC Roski facilities, click here.

MA Info Sessions Details, dates and reservations here. 

We encourage potential applicants to attend one of our regularly scheduled Info Sessions in the fall. These informative events are either online via Zoom or "open house" events that include a tour of the new MA facilities at the USC Roski Graduate Building in the Los Angeles Arts District (open house events are suspended during the COVID 19 pandemic). Info Sessions feature an overview of USC application requirements, funding information, and a breakout session on the MA program lead by MA faculty. Info Sessions are generally held in afternoon or early evening Pacific Standard Time.  Info Sessions are held at the USC Roski Graduate Building in the Los Angeles' Art District located at 1262 Palmetto Street, LA, 90013.  Prospective students are also encouraged to attend Roski Talks during the fall and spring semesters, most of which are currently held onsite at the USC Roski Graduate Building. Selected Roski Talks may also be held virtually to welcome guests from beyond Los Angeles.**Note that prospective students are also always welcome to email MA faculty directly with more specific questions about the curriculum or program.