Overview

About the program

Western Metaphysics has long been recognized as the dominant mode of modern human consciousness. More recently, a growing number of artist-philosophers from around the world have come to realize that the age-old issues concerning hierarchy and inequality will continue to persist as long as Western Metaphysics dominates human consciousness.

This is why the Visual Arts curriculum at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts (IDSVA) focuses on Western Metaphysics. If we are going to overcome Western Metaphysics, we must know it for what it is.

As for exploring “other thinking” as it exists in Western and non-Western art practices, histories, and philosophies, IDSVA independent studies and dissertations remain a continually expanding source of the possibilities for a new mode of thought, a New Philosophy or New Philosophies.

These explorations are brought before the IDSVA community by way of independent study and dissertation presentations, special symposia, visiting faculty lectures, and worldwide residencies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Topological Studies
The Twentieth Century: Art in Theory
Kant & Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Freud
Art in Theory Revisited
Hegemonic Fantasms: A History of Philosophy
The Subject and Object of Art
Continental Glissement
Toward an Ethico-Aesthetics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

Blended

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 16 other PhDs in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must hold a master’s level degree. The minimum GPA is 3.0. A working knowledge of art history, critical theory, and philosophy should be demonstrated in the graduate transcripts.

An essay of purpose that describes their interest in pursuing doctoral studies in the visual arts, indicates related elements of their personal/artistic journey, and offers a preliminary sense of what themes and questions they hope to explore through a course of study in philosophy, aesthetics, and art theory.

A writing sample of academic quality and style, such as a paper written for coursework, publication, or a portion of an MFA thesis.

Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which should come from faculty who can support the applicant’s ability to perform PhD level scholarship.

Candidates who have a studio practice may also submit a portfolio and artist statement.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

54000 USD / year

≈ 54000 USD / year
Out-of-State

54000 USD / year

≈ 54000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

54000 USD / year

≈ 54000 USD / year

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Visual Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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