Art History Programs in Omaha, Nebraska

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Omaha, Nebraska

An Art History Degree opens doors to academic research, museum curation, and art education careers. In Omaha, Nebraska, prospective students can choose from several higher education pathways including Bachelor of Arts degrees, minors, and specialized study tracks. Art History programs typically cover various periods and cultures—from Ancient to Modern art—and may include museum studies, art administration, and interdisciplinary approaches. For a detailed look at related career prospects, visit the BLS art and design occupations page.

About Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska is a cultural hub with a rich history and a deep commitment to the arts. The city’s official website, City of Omaha, offers additional insights into community events and cultural programs. Omaha is home to prominent institutions such as the Joslyn Art Museum, Sheldon Museum of Art, and the Omaha Community Playhouse, all of which contribute to an energetic arts scene. Local landmarks and cultural institutions provide art enthusiasts with opportunities to engage deeply with regional history and contemporary art practices.

Art History Programs in Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha offers several educational options for Art History aspirants. Below is a list of local institutions along with essential details including addresses, neighborhoods, and program highlights:

  • Creighton University

    • Program: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History
    • Address: 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178
    • Neighborhood: Near North Omaha
    • Description: Creighton University provides an interdisciplinary focus with studio art electives and courses that cover Ancient, Medieval/Early Modern, Modern, and Non-Western art. Admission requirements include a competitive GPA range of 2.5–3.0 and prerequisite courses (e.g., ARH 210/211/319). For more information, visit the official Creighton website.

  • University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)

    • Program: BA in Art History with museum studies and art administration pathways
    • Address: 1 University Drive, Omaha, NE 68182
    • Neighborhood: Central Omaha
    • Description: UNO’s program is NASAD-accredited and benefits from facilities housed in the Weber Fine Arts Building. Internships are encouraged to build practical experience in museum environments. More details are available on the UNO website.

  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)

    • Program: BA in Art History
    • Address: Fallon Building, Lincoln, NE 68588
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Lincoln
    • Distance: Approximately 60 miles from Omaha
    • Description: UNL offers a research-intensive curriculum that includes core courses such as AHIS 101/102 and culminates in a thesis (AHIS 400). Focused on a capstone experience, UNL’s program is ideal for students pursuing further graduate study. For further details, visit the UNL official website.

Art History Career Opportunities in Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha boasts a wealth of career opportunities for Art History graduates. Major museums, galleries, and cultural institutions frequently offer employment in areas such as curation, gallery management, and education. Key institutions include:

  • Joslyn Art Museum

    • Website: https://www.joslyn.org/
    • Address: 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102
    • Neighborhood: Downtown Omaha
    • Description: Known for its comprehensive exhibitions and educational programs, Joslyn Art Museum offers annual lectures, workshops, and other events that encourage professional growth.

  • Sheldon Museum of Art

    • Website: https://sheldonartmuseum.org/
    • Address: 2300 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102
    • Neighborhood: Old Market
    • Description: This museum is a cornerstone of Omaha’s cultural scene, featuring an extensive collection of art with ongoing exhibitions and community programs.

  • Omaha Community Playhouse

    • Website: https://omahaplayhouse.com/
    • Description: Offering art exhibitions and community events, the Playhouse creates additional professional opportunities for individuals with an Art History background.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective students should be aware of typical academic prerequisites when applying for Art History programs:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma with a competitive GPA (typically between 2.5 and 3.0, varying by institution).
  • Course Prerequisites: Specific courses such as ARH 210/211/319 at Creighton or AHIS 101/102 at UNL may be required.
  • Entrance Examinations: Standardized test scores are often considered, although specific entrance exams for Art History are uncommon.
  • Portfolio Submission: Most programs do not require a portfolio, focusing instead on academic records and personal statements.

Art History Degree Requirements in Nebraska

The state of Nebraska features extensive resources and regulatory bodies supporting Art History education. Key regional and governmental organizations include:

State-Specific Degree Information

Nebraska offers multiple degree options for Art History:

  • Degree Types:

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History (available at Creighton, UNO, and UNL)
    • Minor in Art History (offered at UNO and UNL)
    • Specializations in museum studies/art administration and graduate study pathways (notably at UNO and Creighton)

  • Admission Requirements:

    • Minimum GPA: Typically between 2.5 and 3.0
    • Required courses: ARH 210/211/319 at Creighton; AHIS 101/102 at UNL
    • Application deadlines: Fall – August 1, Spring – December 1 (as noted by Creighton)

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core courses: Creighton focuses on a range including Studio Art electives and historical periods; UNL requires AHIS 101 (from Cave Paintings to Cathedrals), AHIS 102 (Renaissance to Modern Art), and AHIS 400 (Capstone and thesis)
    • Internships and practical experiences are encouraged at UNO

  • Accreditation Information:

    • NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) accredits UNO’s program
    • Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the regional accreditor for Nebraska institutions
    • Verify accredited programs via NASAD

Professional Organizations and Resources

  • College Art Association (CAA)

  • City-Specific Organizations:

    • Joslyn Art Museum: Hosts educational programs and annual workshops – Joslyn Art Museum

  • Additional Educational Resources:

    • University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Weber Fine Arts Building: Houses studio spaces and art history facilities – UNO
    • Nebraska Arts Council: Provides grants and arts education support – Nebraska Arts Council
    • Omaha Community Playhouse: Hosts art exhibitions and community events – Omaha Community Playhouse
    • Douglas County Historical Society Museum: Offers local history exhibits and workshops – Douglas County Historical Society

For further details on job prospects in Art History and related fields, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Get Started Today

The path to an Art History Degree in Omaha, Nebraska is supported by excellent academic institutions, extensive state and local resources, and vibrant professional opportunities. With clear academic prerequisites and a robust curriculum, interested individuals are encouraged to take the first step and contact a school directly through the forms available on their respective websites. Embark on your journey into the rich world of art history in Omaha today.