Begun in 1995, Graduate Art Theory and Criticism focused on the interdisciplinary analysis of art and design in the contexts of contemporary culture and media. It was an intensive writing program that formed a critical complement to Art Center’s practice-based graduate programs in Fine Art, Industrial Design, Media Design, and Film.
Students worked with professional critics, scholars, artists, writers and designers, as well as alongside graduate students in the other programs. Graduates of the program were prepared for careers as critics, writers, and for positions in museums and publishing as well as other fields of cultural studies. The Department closed in the summer of 2007.

This program emphasizes a critical relationship to visual culture and an innovative approach to writing and analysis within this realm. We encourage and expect students to think beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries and established career paths in the fields of design and art.

The department name changed over the years:
Art Theory and Criticism (1995-ca. 1998)
Art Theory, Criticism, and Writing (ca. 1998-ca. 2000)
Art Theory and Criticism (ca. 2000 – ca. 2006)
Criticism and Theory (ca. 2006 – 2007)