Art History Programs in Mesa, Arizona

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Mesa, Arizona

An Art History Degree offers opportunities to explore, analyze, and interpret art and cultural heritage. Prospective students can pursue various education paths, including Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Art History programs cover core subjects such as art theory, historical periods, and interdisciplinary studies, sometimes enhanced by practical experiences like museum internships. This guide explains the process of earning an Art History Degree in Mesa, Arizona, detailing local options, prerequisites, and career opportunities.

About Mesa, Arizona

Mesa, Arizona is a thriving city known for its rich cultural history and dynamic arts scene. Local institutions, landmarks, and museums contribute to a robust educational environment. For additional details about Mesa’s services and community updates, visit the official Mesa website. The city is also home to several cultural institutions and local landmarks that serve as excellent resources for art history students.

Art History Programs in Mesa, Arizona

Mesa offers several programs for those interested in pursuing an Art History Degree. Below are key institutions to consider:

  • Mesa Community College

    • Program & Degrees: Offers an Associate in Arts (AA) with an emphasis in History, designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year program.
    • Address: 300 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201 (Downtown Mesa)
    • Website: Mesa Community College
    • Overview: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), this program provides a solid foundation in historical studies and prepares students for advanced learning.

  • Arizona State University (ASU)

    • Program & Degrees: ASU provides a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History and Museum Studies, a Master’s (MA) in Art History, and a PhD in Art History, Theory, and Criticism.
    • Address: Located in Tempe, AZ (approximately 8 miles from Mesa; near the Mill Avenue district)
    • Website: ASU’s Art Department
    • Overview: ASU emphasizes an interdisciplinary study approach with practical museum partnerships and internship opportunities, such as with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

  • Phoenix College

    • Program & Courses: Although not based in Mesa, Phoenix College offers art courses with exposure to art history concepts that can complement your education.
    • Address: 3400 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 (approximately 25 miles from Mesa)
    • Website: Phoenix College
    • Overview: An option for students seeking additional coursework in art history, Phoenix College serves as a nearby alternative if local options are limited.

Art History Career Opportunities in Mesa, Arizona

Mesa’s cultural landscape offers diverse career opportunities in art and museum fields. Key institutions include:

  • Mesa Arts Center

    • Overview: A hub for performing and visual arts, the Mesa Arts Center hosts exhibitions, performances, and educational events.
    • Neighborhood: Located in Downtown Mesa
    • Website: Mesa Arts Center
    • Careers: Prospective art historians may find opportunities in planning and curating exhibits.

  • Mesa Historical Museum

    • Overview: This museum offers insights into local history and provides internships and community engagement opportunities, enriching academic study.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Mesa
    • Website: Mesa Historical Museum

For additional details on job prospects and salary ranges for art-related careers, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Admission prerequisites for Art History programs typically include the following:

  • Educational Requirements: Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is necessary.
  • Minimum GPA: ASU requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for transfer students, while Mesa Community College requires a grade of C or better in core courses.
  • Entrance Exams and Portfolio: Some programs may require standardized test scores (e.g., GRE for graduate programs) and letters of recommendation. Portfolio submissions may be needed for certain specialized tracks.

Art History Degree Requirements in Arizona

Earning an Art History degree in Arizona involves meeting statewide educational standards along with institution-specific requirements:

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • Associate in Arts (AA): Offered at Mesa Community College with an emphasis in History, ideal for transfer to four-year programs.
    • Bachelor’s (BA): ASU provides a BA in Art History and Museum Studies, incorporating interdisciplinary studies and museum partnerships.
    • Master’s (MA): ASU’s program focuses on critical theory, cultural analysis, and includes internship opportunities.
    • Doctoral (PhD): ASU’s PhD program emphasizes advanced research in Art History, Theory, and Criticism.

  • Admission Requirements:

    • Undergraduate: Mesa Community College requires satisfactory academic performance (grade C or better), and ASU insists on a minimum GPA of 3.0 for transfer students.
    • Graduate: ASU’s MA and PhD programs request GRE scores (optional for some tracks) and letters of recommendation.

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core courses include art theory, examinations of historical periods (e.g., Renaissance and Modern periods), and interdisciplinary electives such as media studies.
    • Practical experience is emphasized through internships—for example, ASU students have the opportunity to intern at museums, enhancing practical knowledge.
    • A thesis or dissertation is required for completion of MA and PhD programs.

  • Accreditation: Both ASU and Mesa Community College are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). For current accreditation status, visit the HLC website.

  • Educational Regulatory Bodies:

    • City Level: Mesa Public Schools (https://www.mpsaz.org, Phone: (480) 472-0000) oversee K-12 education including arts programs.
    • County Level: Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) governs community colleges, including Mesa Community College (https://www.maricopa.edu, Phone: (480) 731-8000).
    • State Level: Arizona State Board of Regents (ABOR) oversees public universities (https://www.azregents.edu, Phone: (602) 229-2500).
    • Federal Level: The U.S. Department of Education provides funding and policy guidance (https://www.ed.gov).

  • Professional Organizations:

  • Educational Resources:

Get Started Today

With a comprehensive selection of local and regional options, Mesa, Arizona offers a supportive environment for those pursuing an Art History Degree. Whether you are interested in an AA for transfer or advanced degrees in art history, the region provides numerous resources—including prestigious institutions, regulatory bodies, and professional organizations—to help you succeed. Prospective students are encouraged to contact schools directly through their inquiry forms to learn more about admission requirements and program details.