A Ph.D. in Fine Arts is a research-based program that examines the theory, practice, and history of visual arts such as painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media. The program, which typically lasts 3-5 years, permits students to pursue advanced creative work while also studying critical topics in art history, aesthetics, and cultural theory. Students create a dissertation that offers new ideas to the topic, frequently combining artistic expression with scientific study. Admission often needs a Master's degree in Fine Arts or a similar discipline, with graduates going on to work in academia, museums, galleries, or as professional artists, curators, or art critics.