We welcome your application! Winterthur Program in American Material Culture, Class of 2026 applications are due January 5th, 2024 (11:59 pm).  The GRE is not required. Apply now to the University of Delaware.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

  • University of Delaware Graduate Application and Fee

The current application fee is $75.00. Learn more about fee waiver programs at UD and the Graduate College. The Winterthur Program also offers a limited number of fee waivers directly (please contact us at winterthurprogram@udel.edu), or start your application now.

  • Unofficial Transcript(s)

Please upload transcripts from each college or university attended.

  • Graduate Application Essay

Articulate your educational aspirations, career goals and expectations for how this degree will help you achieve your objectives. Are there areas of special interest to you?

  • Short Essay Supplemental Form

A Winterthur Program specific supplement to the Graduate Application (fillable in browsers other than Firefox), please download, complete, and save—then upload as directed.

  • Academic Writing Sample

Please upload a complete academic paper that demonstrates your ability to use evidence including primary and secondary sources, interpret it, and frame an argument. The writing sample does not have to deal with material culture explicitly and can reflect work done for other academic disciplines, including creative work. The Winterthur Program requests a minimum length of 7 pages to a maximum length of 20 pages. (The twenty-page maximum is not inclusive of references, bibliography, photo permissions, etc.) (For longer papers with images, you may wish to reduce the file size for easier uploading.)

  • Three Letters of Recommendation

When possible, select three professors who know your academic or professional work. Applicants who desire may choose to replace one academic reference with a professional reference. Applicants who are no longer in contact with academic references, or whose recommenders may have retired or passed away, may submit professional references.

  • Curriculum Vitae

Upload a curriculum vitae. Be sure to include internships or volunteer positions that demonstrate your interest and experience related to material culture study.

  • TOEFL Scores *international students

For International Students only:  Please upload your TOEFL score.

  • The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the standard University requirement to show proof of English language proficiency. The University of Delaware sets the following minimum scores:
    • TOEFL IBT:
      • Minimum score 79 (100 for some programs)
      • Minimum Speaking score of 18
    • TOEFL paper-based:
      • Minimum score of 550 (600 for some programs) PBT
      • Minimum score of 61 (82 for some programs) PDT
      • Separate evaluation for Speaking Proficiency required

Selection Process:

All applications are reviewed by the Program’s Admissions’ Committee. The Committee is composed of faculty and affiliated faculty of the Program— five from the University and five from the Winterthur Museum. Each application is given a holistic review, and the writing sample is a particularly important part of the application. The sample helps readers to understand the applicant’s potential and readiness for graduate study.

Because the Program offers eight competitive Fellowships, there are two rounds of selection.

Round 1 selects sixteen semi-finalists (announced by second week of February).

Round 2 is “Interview Weekend” (conducted by Zoom; usually on Friday and Saturday of the second weekend of March). To be considered for the Fellowship, all semi-finalists must attend three short interviews with the members of the Program’s Admission’s Committee.

Results: Of the sixteen semi-finalists, the committee selects eight finalists, plus a number of alternates. Each year we accept a total of eight Fellows who will be offered admission, full tuition scholarship, and a renewable 11-month stipend. Full-time participation over the course of 22 consecutive months, beginning August 1, is expected.

STILL UNDECIDED ABOUT APPLYING—LEARN MORE

(All opportunities to learn more are completely optional and are not part of the applicant record.)

  • The Program arranges phone appointments with Program faculty throughout the year.

  • Program Visit Days are scheduled each fall on four Fridays (October / November) at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Please see below for more information.

  • Prospective applicants are welcome to visit Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library as a museum visitor during normal open hours.

  • Prospective applicants may also attend the annual thesis presentations and graduation celebration, typically held on the last Thursday afternoon of May at Winterthur Museum. For further information please contact us at winterthurprogram@udel.edu

Fall Visit Days

Our Fall 2023 Visit Days are now past. We will be offering four virtual/in-person Visit Days in Fall 2024 for admission in Fall of 2025

Please join us for one—or all four!

To learn more and to register, please check back in Spring of 2024 for Visit Day dates and open registration.

Friday, TBD
Friday, TBD
Friday, TBD
Friday, TBD