Art History Programs in St. Petersburg, Florida

Pursuing an Art History Degree in St. Petersburg, Florida

An Art History Degree equips graduates with a deep understanding of visual culture, critical analysis skills, and historical perspectives essential for various creative careers. In St. Petersburg, Florida, prospective students can choose from several educational paths including Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Associate of Arts (AA) programs that emphasize both global art history and local cultural heritage. These programs not only focus on art history surveys but also include studio art courses, non-Western art studies, and opportunities for experiential learning through museum visits and study abroad experiences. For more information on job prospects and career trends in art history-related fields, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.

About St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Petersburg, Florida, is a city known for its rich cultural scene, outstanding coastal views, and historical landmarks. The city’s official website, available at stpete.org, offers a gateway to local news, events, and community resources. Home to notable cultural institutions such as The Dali Museum and the Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg is an ideal setting for those interested in pursuing an Art History Degree while enjoying access to world-class museums and public art installations.

Art History Programs in St. Petersburg, Florida

Below is a list of institutions that offer Art History programs and courses, including both local options and nearby alternatives:

  • St. Petersburg College (SPC) – St. Petersburg, FL
    Address: 4201 66th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (Located in the Northside area)
    SPC offers an AA Transfer Plan in Art History, which is designed to guide students into the University of South Florida’s BA program. This plan requires completion of 60 credits, including art history and general education courses. More details are available on the SPC Art History AA Transfer Plan page.

  • University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa, FL
    Address: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 (Situated in the University Area neighborhood)
    USF offers a BA in Art History with a comprehensive curriculum that includes core courses such as ART 1300 (Art History Survey I) and ART 1301 (Art History Survey II), as well as specialized surveys covering American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian art. Transfer students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5, along with studio art prerequisites. Visit the USF Art History BA page for further information. (Approximately 25 miles from St. Petersburg.)

  • Ringling College of Art and Design – Sarasota, FL
    Address: One Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Located in downtown Sarasota)
    Ringling College provides art-focused courses and design programs that, while not exclusively an Art History Degree, offer courses complementing historical art studies. This institution is an alternative for students seeking a creative and practical approach to art education. Ringling is about 45 miles from St. Petersburg. More information can be found on the Ringling College official website.

Art History Career Opportunities in St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Petersburg offers a variety of career opportunities for Art History graduates through its numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions:

  • The Dali Museum
    Address: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (Located in downtown St. Petersburg)
    The Dali Museum is an internationally recognized museum hosting extensive collections and exhibitions of Salvador Dali’s work. It regularly offers internships and career opportunities in museum curation and research. Visit The Dali Museum for more details.

  • Morean Arts Center
    Address: 401 1/2 3rd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (Situated in the downtown neighborhood)
    The Morean Arts Center provides exhibition spaces, art classes, and cultural programs. It serves as a hub for artists and art historians with opportunities for involvement in event planning and educational outreach. Learn more at the Morean Arts Center.

  • Florida Holocaust Museum
    Address: 294 2nd Ave N #101, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (Also located in downtown St. Petersburg)
    The museum focuses on Holocaust education and preservation, offering roles in curation, education, and archival management. For employment prospects, check the official website at Florida Holocaust Museum.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective students should be aware that most Art History programs require a foundation in both liberal arts and studio art. Typical prerequisites include:

  • Completion of general education courses.
  • Specific courses such as ART 1300 (Art History Survey I) and ART 1301 (Art History Survey II) for the USF BA program.
  • For transfer programs such as the SPC AA Transfer Plan, students must complete 60 credits covering art history and general education.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.5 for transfer students in the USF program.
  • Some programs may also recommend portfolio submissions, particularly for components involving studio art coursework.

Art History Degree Requirements in Florida

Art History degree requirements in Florida incorporate both state-wide educational guidelines and institution-specific criteria:

  • State-Level Oversight
    The Florida Department of Education regulates higher education policies, while local bodies like the St. Petersburg City Government and Pinellas County Schools support education initiatives despite not directly regulating college programs. Federal oversight is provided by the U.S. Department of Education and data insights from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

  • Degree Information and Specializations

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) – University of South Florida (USF):
      • Core courses include ART 1300 and ART 1301 along with a non-Western Art History course.
      • Studio art courses are required to complement academic studies.
      • Specializations span American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian art.
      • Accreditation is confirmed through bodies like NASAD and SACS.
    • Associate of Arts (AA) – St. Petersburg College (SPC):
      • The AA Transfer Plan includes art history courses and general education credits, preparing students for a smooth transition into USF’s BA program.

  • Professional and Academic Resources
    Prospective students are encouraged to connect with professional organizations such as the College Art Association (CAA). In addition, local experts such as Dr. Barbara Hubbard, Dean of Humanities & Fine Arts at SPC ([email protected]), and Jessica Curran, Program Director for Art History at SPC ([email protected]), can provide invaluable guidance.

Get Started Today

St. Petersburg, Florida offers a dynamic environment for pursuing an Art History Degree, combining comprehensive academic programs with rich cultural and professional opportunities. Aspiring art historians are encouraged to explore the programs, review application prerequisites, and contact the respective schools through the forms on their pages to begin their educational journey. Taking the first step today can open doors to a fulfilling career in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions across the region.