Art History Programs in Hawaii

Getting an Art History Degree in Hawaii

An Art History Degree provides an in-depth exploration of artistic movements, media, and cultural contexts. This guide outlines the pathways available to students in Hawaii, covering options from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Whether you are interested in a Bachelor’s degree with a Visual Arts BFA focus or advanced research through a Master’s or PhD program, Hawaii offers comprehensive Art History education paths.

Why Study Art History in Hawaii

Hawaii is not only celebrated for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage and thriving art scene. The official state website offers updates on state initiatives including cultural events and public art programs. Local statistics reveal an engaged community with regular exhibitions, study abroad opportunities, and partnerships between art schools and museums. Art historians in the region can expect an average salary in the mid-$60,000 range, with a positive outlook for job growth in both traditional and emerging roles – details available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective Art History students should be prepared with:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate programs.
  • A mandatory portfolio review for BFA programs, such as the submission via Behance required by BYU–Hawaii.
  • GRE scores for certain graduate programs (optional for UHM MA programs in 2024 but required for PhD applicants).
  • For international students, TOEFL/IELTS scores with minimum required scores of 80 and 6.5 respectively.

These prerequisites ensure candidates are well-equipped for the academic rigor of Hawaiian Art History programs.

Typical Program Curriculum

Art History curricula cover a blend of theoretical studies and practical analysis. Common courses include:

  • Global Art History I & II
  • Graphic Design History
  • Readings in Aesthetics

Undergraduate programs, such as BYU–Hawaii’s Visual Arts BFA, integrate an Art History/Theory core (12 credits) with extensive portfolio preparation. Graduate programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa emphasize advanced seminars, research methodologies, and the option to focus on Pacific or Asian art through a thesis or capstone project. Programs typically span three to four years for a bachelor’s degree, with master’s and doctoral studies extending the duration based on specialization.

Art History Programs in Hawaii

Hawaii offers several excellent institutions with robust Art History programs:

  • Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU–Hawaii)

    • Program: BFA in Visual Arts with an Art History/Theory core (12 credits).
    • Core Requirements: Courses include Global Art History I & II, Graphic Design History, and Readings in Aesthetics, along with a mandatory portfolio review via Behance.
    • Location: Laie, HI. Learn more about the program on the BYU–Hawaii website.
    • City Benefits: Laie offers a welcoming community with unique cultural institutions such as the Polynesian Cultural Center.

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM)

    • Programs: Art History MA and Art History PhD.
    • Core Requirements: Advanced seminars covering art history methodologies, a thesis or capstone project focused on Pacific or Asian art, and for PhD applicants, GRE scores and foreign language proficiency (Japanese, Chinese, or Pacific Island languages).
    • Location: Honolulu, HI. Visit the University of Hawaii at Manoa website for more information.
    • City Benefits: Located in the state’s capital, Honolulu provides abundant cultural and professional networking opportunities, including proximity to major museums.

Additional accreditation information includes oversight by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Their site, https://www.nwccu.org/, provides further details and contact information at [email protected].

Art History Career Opportunities in Hawaii

Hawaii’s unique blend of local culture and tourism fosters diverse career opportunities. Major institutions include:

  • Honolulu Museum of Art

    • Overview: A central hub for art exhibitions and cultural education with extensive collections.
    • Employment Opportunities: Visit the employment page for current job openings.
    • Locations: Based in Honolulu, offering rich professional development in the visual arts.

  • Bishop Museum

    • Overview: Famed for its indigenous cultural and historical collections, the Bishop Museum is a prime destination for art historians.
    • Employment Opportunities: Check the Bishop Museum careers page for openings.
    • Locations: Situated in Honolulu, it is a significant institution for both local and international art research.

  • Polynesian Cultural Center

    • Overview: An immersive cultural attraction known for its collaborative educational programs.
    • Employment Opportunities: For career opportunities, explore the official Polynesian Cultural Center website.
    • Locations: Located in Laie, it offers a unique environment where art meets cultural heritage.

Professional Organizations and Resources

Students and professionals can benefit from joining organizations that support art historians:

  • College Art Association (CAA) – Provides professional development, conference access, and job listings. Visit here.
  • Hawaii Arts Alliance – Offers statewide advocacy, grants, and networking opportunities. Learn more at https://www.hawaiiartsalliance.org/.
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) – A crucial resource for funding and career enhancement; check out https://www.arts.gov/.
  • Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts – Offers grants, exhibitions, and career development support. Access details at https://sfca.hawaii.gov/.
  • National Art Education Association (NAEA) – Supports art educators and art historians through advocacy and professional development. Visit https://www.arteducators.org/.

Additionally, state agencies such as the Hawaii Department of Education (https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/) and the University of Hawaii System (https://www.hawaii.edu/) provide educational resources, academic policies, and ongoing program updates.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition and associated fees for Art History programs in Hawaii vary by institution. Undergraduate costs differ from graduate tuition, with financial details available directly from each school’s admissions office. Students should explore available scholarships, grants, and financial aid options provided by institutions and statewide organizations. Resources like the Hawaii Department of Education and the University of Hawaii System can offer guidance on financial planning and aid applications.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Graduates with an Art History degree in Hawaii have diverse career paths. Potential roles include museum curator, gallery manager, art educator, and cultural program director. Additional certifications and advanced degrees from programs like UHM’s MA or PhD can enhance prospects. Organizations such as the College Art Association and Hawaii Arts Alliance offer continuing education opportunities and professional networking to support career advancement. Further career information can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Get Started Today

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Hawaii is a rewarding journey that blends academic rigor with the cultural richness of the islands. With diverse program options, supportive faculty, and dynamic local institutions, now is the time to explore your future in art history. Contact a school today using the forms available on their websites and take the next step toward a fulfilling career in art and culture.