Art History Programs in Denver, Colorado

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Denver, Colorado

Pursuing an Art History degree in Denver, Colorado offers aspiring art educators and creative professionals a gateway into the study of global art traditions, research methods, and museum studies. An Art History Degree typically encompasses a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, a Master of Arts in Art History, and specialized tracks such as Museum Studies that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experiences. This guide explains various educational paths available and details the process of earning an Art History degree in Denver.

About Denver

Denver, Colorado, known for its rich cultural institutions and dynamic art scene, is an ideal location for those pursuing studies in Art History. The city blends modern urban life with historical landmarks and renowned museums such as the Denver Art Museum. For more official information about the city, please visit the City of Denver’s official website.

Art History Programs in Denver, Colorado

Several institutions offer Art History programs in and near Denver. Below is a list of three schools with comprehensive course offerings:

  1. University of Colorado Denver

    • Location: 1201 W 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80204 (Downtown Denver)
    • Program: BA in Art History with a capstone thesis and an open studio component focusing on global art traditions.
    • Website: University of Colorado Denver Arts & Media

  2. University of Denver

    • Location: 2199 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80208 (University Park Neighborhood)
    • Program: MA in Art History with a concentration in Museum Studies that includes partnerships with local cultural institutions such as the Denver Art Museum and the Vicki Myhren Gallery.
    • Website: University of Denver Bulletin

  3. Colorado College (Located in Colorado Springs, approximately 70 miles from Denver)

    • Location: 1200 E Prospect Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Colorado Springs area)
    • Program: BA in Art History with a Museum Studies concentration that integrates studio work with historical studies.
    • Website: Colorado College

Art History Career Opportunities in Denver

Denver’s thriving art scene is supported by a range of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions that offer career opportunities for Art History graduates. Key institutions include:

  • Denver Art Museum

    • Location: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204 (Downtown Denver)
    • Overview: A cornerstone of Denver’s cultural scene, offering internships and employment opportunities in curation and exhibition design.
    • Website: Denver Art Museum

  • Clyfford Still Museum

    • Location: 2900 Osage St, Denver, CO 80205 (Central Denver)
    • Overview: Dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the work of Clyfford Still, this museum provides roles in conservation and art management.
    • Website: Clyfford Still Museum

  • History Colorado Center

    • Location: 401 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204 (Downtown Denver)
    • Overview: A cultural hub focusing on the state’s history and arts, offering opportunities in education, research, and museum administration.
    • Website: History Colorado Center

For additional career information, including job outlook details for museum curators and related professions, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Typical prerequisites for enrolling in Art History programs include a strong high school academic record and, in some cases, a minimum GPA requirement—ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 depending on the institution. Undergraduate applicants may not be required to submit standardized tests, while graduate programs might demand GRE scores and related materials. Some schools may also require a portfolio submission, especially for studio concentrations.

Art History Degree Requirements in Colorado

Earning an Art History degree in Colorado involves meeting both general academic standards and, in some cases, state-specific requirements. Below are key details and regulatory bodies involved in ensuring quality education in Denver:

  • Official City and County Educational Regulatory Bodies:

    • Denver Department of Education: Oversees K-12 education and establishes curriculum standards. (Denver Department of Education, Phone: (720) 423-3000, Email: [email protected])
    • Denver County School District: Functions as part of Denver Public Schools, managing arts programs within the county.

  • Official State and Federal Oversight:

    • Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE): Accredits postsecondary programs including Art History. (CDHE, Phone: (303) 862-3001, Email: [email protected])
    • U.S. Department of Education: Oversees national education policies and funding. (U.S. Department of Education)

Degree Types and Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor Programs:

    • Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Art History.
    • Admission: Minimum GPA requirements vary (2.5 at CU Denver and 3.0 at Colorado College), with no standardized tests required at CU Denver and a portfolio required for studio tracks at Colorado College.

  • Master Programs:

    • Degree Offered: Master of Arts in Art History with Museum Studies concentration at the University of Denver.
    • Admission: Requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and may require GRE scores alongside internship and thesis components.

Curriculum and Accreditation

Core courses include art history surveys, research methods, and specialized tracks such as global contemporary art and Islamic art. Both CU Denver and the University of Denver are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), while the University of Denver also holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Professional and Educational Resources

  • College Art Association (CAA): Offers professional development and networking opportunities. (CAA)
  • Denver Art Museum: Provides practical learning and internship experiences. (Denver Art Museum)
  • Vicki Myhren Gallery (University of Denver): Hosts exhibitions and hands-on learning experiences. (Vicki Myhren Gallery)

For state-level career resources, visit Colorado Creative Industries and for city-level opportunities, explore Denver Arts & Venues. Information on local cultural policymaking can be found via the Denver County Cultural Council.

Get Started Today

Denver offers a comprehensive range of Art History programs and robust career opportunities in its thriving art scene. Prospective students are encouraged to review program requirements, visit campus websites, and contact admissions offices through the provided forms on each school’s webpage to take the next step towards their future in art history.