Art History Programs in Jacksonville, Florida

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Jacksonville, Florida

An Art History Degree offers an in-depth exploration of artistic traditions, cultural contexts, and critical art analysis. This guide explains the various education paths available—from traditional Bachelor of Arts programs to specialized courses and internships—that provide the foundation for careers in museums, galleries, and academia. Prospective students will gain insight into local Art History programs, admission prerequisites, and degree requirements, ensuring a comprehensive overview of what it takes to succeed in the field.

About Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida, is a major cultural hub characterized by its rich artistic legacy and diverse community. The city’s official website, City of Jacksonville, serves as a resource for community news and cultural initiatives. Jacksonville is home to numerous museums and cultural institutions that host dynamic exhibitions and events, making it an ideal setting for students seeking hands-on exposure to art history, art programs, and museum practices.

Art History Programs in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville offers several options for those pursuing Art History programs. Below are three schools that provide courses and specialized degrees in Art History:

• Jacksonville University

  • Program: BA in Art with an Art History concentration
  • Address: 110 University Circle South, Jacksonville, FL 32211
  • Neighborhood: University Circle
  • Website: Jacksonville University Art History
  • Description: Known for its interdisciplinary approach integrating visual and media arts, Jacksonville University provides a robust curriculum that includes core art history courses and experiential learning opportunities.

• University of North Florida (UNF)

  • Program: BA in Art History
  • Address: 5520 University Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32224
  • Neighborhood: University Area
  • Website: UNF Art History Program
  • Description: UNF focuses on rigorous scholarship with offerings such as junior and senior research seminars, preparing graduates for advanced studies and diverse careers in the arts.

• Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)

  • Program: Offers complementary art courses that support a broader understanding of art history
  • Address: 1199 Waters Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Website: FSCJ Academics
  • Description: While FSCJ may not offer a standalone Art History degree, its art and design courses provide valuable foundational knowledge and support for students interested in the intersections of art history and contemporary cultural studies.

Art History Career Opportunities in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is home to several prestigious cultural institutions that open doors to career opportunities in Art History:

• Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

  • Address: 1125 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
  • Neighborhood: Riverside
  • Website: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  • Description: This renowned museum offers exhibitions that span centuries and cultures. It regularly updates its employment opportunities for curators and conservation staff.

• MOSH (Museum of Science & History)

  • Address: 1020 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207
  • Neighborhood: Riverside
  • Website: MOSH
  • Description: Focusing on the intersection of history, science, and art, MOSH serves as an excellent venue for internships and jobs in museum education and curation.

• Jacksonville Arts & Culture

  • Website: Jacksonville Arts & Culture
  • Description: This city department supports local arts initiatives, offering resources and potential career connections for art history graduates.

• Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville

  • Website: Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville
  • Description: Active in arts funding and community engagement, this organization provides networking opportunities for professionals in the field.

For additional career insights and future job prospects, see the BLS Job Outlook for Curators.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective students should plan to meet the following general prerequisites before enrolling in an Art History program:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Standardized Testing: SAT or ACT scores, as required by the institution
• Portfolio: Submission of a portfolio may be required for studio-based courses or art-related programs
• Transfer Students: Minimum GPA of 2.0 (specific to institutions like UNF)

Art History Degree Requirements in Florida

Earning an Art History Degree in Florida involves meeting both general and institution-specific requirements. Key components include:

• State and Local Educational Oversight

  • Jacksonville City Education Office and Duval County Public Schools oversee educational standards in Jacksonville. Visit Duval Schools or call (904) 390-2000 for more information.
  • Florida Department of Education (fldoe.org, (850) 245-0505) and Florida Board of Governors (flbog.edu, (850) 245-0465) provide state-level guidance.
  • Federal Oversight is managed by the U.S. Department of Education (ed.gov) with program comparisons available at College Scorecard.

• Degree Types and Specializations

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs are available at Jacksonville University and UNF.
  • Specializations often include Ancient Art, Renaissance Art, Modern Art, and Non-Western Art.

• Curriculum Requirements

  • Core Courses: Typically include ARH 250/251 (Survey of Art History I/II), ARH 300 (Visual Literacy & Methods), and ARH 480WR (Capstone Research).
  • Electives: At least three upper-level ARH courses (300/400 level) plus options for internships or study abroad experiences.

• Accreditation Information

  • Jacksonville University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

• Admission Requirements

  • Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED, and some programs may require SAT/ACT scores as well as a portfolio for studio-based disciplines. For example, UNF requires transfer students to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

• Professional and Educational Organizations

  • College Art Association (CAA) (collegeart.org) promotes professional development and art history scholarship.
  • Jacksonville Arts & Culture (coj.net/departments/arts-and-culture) and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (culturalcouncil.org) are key city-level organizations.
  • Local resources such as the Riverside Arts Market (riversideartsmarket.com) further enrich the educational landscape.

• Career Information and Professional Development

  • Job prospects in Florida often include roles like Museum Curator, Art Historian, and Gallery Manager. Salaries typically range from $35,000–$50,000 for entry-level positions and $60,000–$90,000 for experienced professionals.
  • Certifications such as the Museum Studies Certificate (available at UNF) and workshops provided by the Florida Art Education Association support continuous professional growth.

• Additional Resources

  • Florida Division of Cultural Affairs: dos.myflorida.com/cultural
  • Florida Humanities: floridahumanities.org
  • City-specific institutions like the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (cummermuseum.org) and MOSH (themosh.org) offer further engagement and career networking opportunities.
  • County-specific resources include the Duval County Historical Society (jaxhistory.com).

Get Started Today

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Jacksonville, Florida, opens a wealth of academic, cultural, and career opportunities. With diverse program options, supportive educational resources, and a vibrant network of museums and cultural institutions, prospective students are well-positioned to embark on a fulfilling career. Contact a school today using the inquiry forms on their websites to take the next step toward your future in art history.