Art History Programs in Los Angeles, California

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Los Angeles, California

An Art History degree offers a comprehensive study of visual culture, critical theory, and cultural contexts. Programs may follow traditional Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. pathways or combine art history with studio practice. Students explore courses, research methodologies, and professional practices in museums, galleries, and higher education settings.

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a dynamic city renowned for its influential cultural institutions and landmarks. The city hosts renowned museums and galleries, and its official website, Los Angeles Official, provides detailed information about local events and opportunities. Local landmarks such as LACMA, MOCA, and the Getty Center offer immersive art experiences that enhance academic study in art history.

Art History Programs in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles offers several reputable programs in art history. Below are three institutions with specialized Art History courses:

  1. University of Southern California (USC)

    • Address & Neighborhood: 3551 Trousdale Parkway, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089.
    • Program Details: USC offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Art History. The curriculum covers North American, European, Latin American, and Asian art with partnerships involving local museums like LACMA and the Getty.
    • Program Link: USC Art History Program

  2. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)

    • Address & Neighborhood: 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032 (located in the University Park area).
    • Program Details: CSULA offers comprehensive programs in Art History that emphasize cultural analysis and critical methodologies. The program connects with local cultural institutions for internships and community projects.
    • Program Link: CSULA Home

  3. Occidental College

    • Address & Neighborhood: 1600 Campus Rd, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CA 90041.
    • Program Details: Occasional College provides a dual emphasis on studio art and art history. The program benefits from strong collaborations with local arts organizations and study-abroad opportunities.
    • Program Link: Occidental Art & Art History Program

Art History Career Opportunities in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to several major museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, offering diverse career paths for art historians:

  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

    • Neighborhood: Miracle Mile, Los Angeles.
    • Overview: LACMA, one of the largest art museums in the western United States, offers internships and employment opportunities in curatorial research and administration.
    • Website: LACMA

  • Getty Center

    • Neighborhood: Brentwood, Los Angeles.
    • Overview: The Getty Center is renowned for its art collections and educational programs, providing opportunities for research, curatorship, and cultural consultancy.
    • Website: The Getty

  • Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

    • Neighborhood: Downtown Los Angeles.
    • Overview: MOCA supports emerging art practitioners and curators through exhibitions, internships, and specialized programs focusing on contemporary art.
    • Website: MOCA

For further details on job outlook and career opportunities in art history-related professions, refer to the BLS Job Outlook page.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Typically, applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate strong academic performance with competitive GPAs, and provide standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT results. Some programs require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and for specialized tracks, portfolio submissions or interviews may be mandated. Institutions like USC and Occidental College maintain rigorous admission standards, reflecting their selective acceptance rates and academic excellence.

Art History Degree Requirements in California

Art History degree requirements in California are shaped by both academic institutions and state educational policies. Undergraduate programs emphasize core courses in art historical methodologies, cultural contexts, and material analysis. Graduate programs require advanced research, internships, and in many cases, a thesis or dissertation for Ph.D. candidates. Specific requirements include:

  • Core Courses: Methods in art history, cultural analysis, visual criticism, and specialized seminars.
  • Internships: Practical engagements with institutions like LACMA, MOCA, and the Getty provide vital experiential learning.
  • Accreditation: Programs adhere to standards set by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • Regulatory Bodies: The California Department of Education oversees postsecondary policies, while the California State University (CSU) system manages multiple campuses including CSU LA and CSU Northridge. Local regulatory bodies include the Los Angeles City Department of Education (LAUSD, Contact: (213) 241-1000) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE, Contact: (562) 922-6111). Additionally, federal oversight is provided by the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. Dept. of Education).

Undergraduate admission requirements vary among institutions. For example, USC’s competitive admission involves SAT scores in the 1500 range or ACT scores around 34, with a low acceptance rate near 12%. Meanwhile, UCLA and other institutions in California maintain stringent academic standards and offer robust financial aid options, sometimes averaging tuition aid around $21,766.

Get Started Today

Prospective students are encouraged to explore the exciting academic and career opportunities that an Art History degree offers in Los Angeles. The blend of rigorous coursework, extensive internship opportunities, and networking with leading cultural institutions lays a strong foundation for a fulfilling career. Contact the schools directly through their inquiry forms to begin your journey in art history and shape a future in this dynamic field.