Art History Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

An Art History Degree offers a comprehensive study of art, culture, and historical movements, preparing graduates for diverse careers in museums, galleries, academia, and beyond. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, individuals can explore a variety of educational paths including Bachelor of Arts through hands-on, interdisciplinary coursework and Master of Arts programs with tracks for curatorial studies or museum work. Whether you are drawn to analyzing global art trends or specializing in digital humanities, Philadelphia provides plentiful options for tailoring your academic journey in Art History.

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city steeped in culture and history, renowned for its dynamic arts scene and iconic landmarks. Home to celebrated institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the city offers a rich environment for prospective art historians. For further city information, visit the official Philadelphia website.

Art History Programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia hosts several respected schools offering Art History programs. Here are three noteworthy institutions:

1. Temple University

   • Degree Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Art History
   • Program Highlights: Emphasizes global art history, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program features specialized courses on African diasporic, Islamic, Asian, and contemporary art.
   • Address: 1805 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (North Philadelphia)
   • Program Page: Temple University Art History

2. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

   • Degree Offered: Master of Arts in History of Art
   • Program Highlights: A terminal degree that prepares students for curatorial practice, museum work, and PhD preparation. The curriculum includes courses in curatorial practice, digital humanities, and material studies. Admission requires letters of recommendation, writing samples, and optionally GRE scores.
   • Address: Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood (Exact campus location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104)
   • Program Page: UPenn History of Art MA

3. University of the Arts

   • Degree Offered: Art History courses integrated with interdisciplinary art programs
   • Program Highlights: Offers innovative courses combining art history with contemporary practices and studio art.
   • Address: 3200 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Center City)
   • Program Page: University of the Arts

Art History Career Opportunities in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s cultural landscape is enriched by esteemed museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, offering exciting career pathways for art history graduates:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA)

  • Description: A leading art museum located in the Fairmount neighborhood, PMA hosts extensive collections and rotating exhibitions.
  • Employment Opportunities: Explore career opportunities on their official website.
  • Website: Philadelphia Museum of Art

• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)

  • Description: Recognized as the oldest art museum and school in the United States, PAFA offers internships, exhibitions, and workshops.
  • Address: 1317 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Logan Square)
  • Website: PAFA

• Barnes Foundation

  • Description: Noted for its significant collection of impressionist and modern art, the Barnes Foundation provides unique learning and employment experiences in the Logan Square area.
  • Address: 2020 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
  • Website: Barnes Foundation

For insights into job prospects and salary ranges for roles related to art history (such as museum curators, gallery managers, and cultural heritage specialists), refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Art-Related Occupations page.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Typical prerequisites for Art History programs include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent (for undergraduate programs).
• A competitive GPA, with Temple University specifying a minimum GPA of 2.5 for transfer students.
• Entrance exam scores are generally not required for some undergraduate programs (e.g., Temple University’s BA in Art History for 2024 applicants).
• For graduate programs such as UPenn’s MA in History of Art, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and optionally GRE scores are required.

Art History Degree Requirements in Pennsylvania

Art History degree requirements in Pennsylvania combine both general academic standards and specialized courses:

• Core Courses: Programs incorporate art historical methodologies, global art surveys, and critical theory to build foundational knowledge.
• Specializations:
  • Temple University: Offers courses with a focus on African diasporic, Islamic, Asian, and contemporary art.
  • University of Pennsylvania: Provides specialization in curatorial practice, digital humanities, and material studies, with an emphasis on career preparation.
• Accreditation:
  • Institutions like Temple University and UPenn undergo accreditation by bodies such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and, for relevant studio programs, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• Regulatory Oversight:
  • At the city level, the Philadelphia Board of Education ensures educational standards.
  • Statewide, the Pennsylvania Department of Education regulates higher education programs.
  • On the federal level, the U.S. Department of Education oversees funding and institutional accreditation.

These requirements, along with the rigorous curriculum and specialized courses, prepare Art History graduates for positions such as museum curators, gallery managers, and cultural heritage specialists. Professional organizations like the College Art Association also offer networking and professional development opportunities.

Get Started Today

The journey to an Art History Degree in Philadelphia begins with exploring these diverse educational programs and career opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to review program details, prepare necessary application materials, and reach out via the contact forms on the schools’ websites. Taking the first step by contacting a school can open doors to a fulfilling career immersed in art, culture, and history.