At the University of Pennsylvania, post-baccalaureate study in the liberal arts is directed by "graduate groups," under the supervision of the Associate Dean of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS).  The Graduate Group in the History of Art includes all the members of the Department of the History of Art, plus art historians from other departments in the University and from other Philadelphia institutions.

The Graduate Group is headed by a Chair, nominated by its members and appointed by the Deputy Provost upon the recommendation of the SAS Associate Dean for Graduate Education.  In matters of curriculum and student policy, the Chair reports directly to the SAS Associate Dean.  In other areas, notably faculty staffing, the Chair of the Department represents the interests of the Graduate Group in dealings with the School of Arts and Sciences.  University-wide regulations governing the Ph.D. and A.M. degrees are set by the Graduate Council of the Faculties, chaired by the Deputy Provost.

The Department of the History of Art also provides administrative support for the Graduate Group in Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean World.