Art History Programs in Amarillo, Texas

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Amarillo, Texas

An Art History Degree offers a deep exploration of art, culture, and the historical context of creative movements. Students can choose from various educational paths, including Bachelor of Arts programs, specialized undergraduate certificates, and curated internship opportunities. This guide outlines the process of earning an Art History degree, the necessary prerequisites, and the range of courses available in Amarillo, Texas and its surrounding areas.

About Amarillo

Amarillo is a dynamic city in the Texas Panhandle, known for its rich cultural landscape and diverse arts community. Local landmarks and cultural institutions create an environment where art meets history. Residents are encouraged to explore the city’s official website Amarillo.gov for further details on community events and local resources.

Art History Programs in Amarillo, Texas

While Amarillo itself may have limited dedicated Art History degree programs, several local and nearby schools offer courses or complete programs for aspiring art historians. Here are three options:

  1. Amarillo College

    • Address: 4400 Ontario St, Amarillo, TX 79106
    • Neighborhood: Located in central Amarillo, this college offers a range of art courses that lay the foundation for further study. Although not a dedicated Art History degree, the courses in art appreciation and art fundamentals provide a stepping stone toward developing critical analytical skills in art.

  2. Texas Tech University

    • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Art History; Undergraduate Certificate in Animation Studies
    • Address: 1700 19th St, Lubbock, TX 79409 (West Lubbock)
    • Distance: Approximately 120 miles from Amarillo
    • Description: Texas Tech University serves the Amarillo region with a robust Art History program. The curriculum includes core courses such as ARTH 1301 (Survey I), ARTH 2302 (Survey II), and ARTH 3303 (Survey III), alongside specializations in Medieval/Renaissance, Indigenous, and Modern/Contemporary Art. For further details, visit the Texas Tech University Art Program page.

  3. West Texas A&M University

    • Address: One University Dr, Canyon, TX 79015
    • Neighborhood: Located in Canyon, TX, just about 20 miles southeast of Amarillo
    • Description: Serving students in the Panhandle region, West Texas A&M University offers courses in art that contribute to an appreciation of art history. Although its primary focus is broader, the program allows students to explore art historical subjects and build portfolios necessary for advanced study.

Art History Career Opportunities in Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo and its surrounding communities are home to several significant museums, galleries, and cultural institutions that can serve as career launchpads for Art History graduates:

  • Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA)

    • Address: 300 N Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79101 (Downtown Amarillo)
    • Description: AMoA hosts educational lectures, exhibitions, and offers internships. This institution is a key destination for art educators, curators, and cultural program coordinators. Visit the AMoA official website for more information on current events and employment opportunities.

  • Panhandle Plains Historical Museum

    • Address: 400 Museum Dr, Canyon, TX 79015
    • Distance: Approximately 20 miles from Amarillo
    • Description: With a focus on regional history and art exhibitions, this museum is an excellent venue for internships and careers in art curation and education. For further details, visit the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum website.

  • Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA)

    • Address: Located within Amarillo (check the official website for current address details)
    • Description: LHUCA offers internship opportunities and exhibitions tailored for students and professionals in the arts. It plays a significant role in nurturing emerging art historians and educators. More information is available on the LHUCA website.

For job outlook information related to art history and associated careers, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Enrolling in an Art History program typically requires:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • A competitive minimum GPA, which may vary by institution
  • For specialized programs (such as Texas Tech University’s BA in Art History), prerequisites include successful completion of ARTH 1301 (Survey I) and ARTH 2302 (Survey II)
  • Although entrance exams like the SAT/ACT are not required for Texas Tech’s Art History Program, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills

Some programs may also request a portfolio or letters of recommendation based on specific course requirements.

Art History Degree Requirements in Texas

In Texas, Art History degree requirements generally encompass a careful balance of core courses, specializations, and experiential learning opportunities:

  • Core Coursework:
    • ARTH 1301 – Survey I
    • ARTH 2302 – Survey II
    • ARTH 3303 – Survey III
  • Specializations:
    • Options include Medieval/Renaissance Art, Indigenous Arts, and Modern/Contemporary Art
  • Internships:
    • Practical experience is available at institutions such as the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA), facilitating real-world exposure
  • Regulatory and Accreditation Bodies:
    • At the city level, the Amarillo Independent School District oversees K-12 education and arts programs. Contact them at (806) 326-1300 or visit their official website.
    • At the state level, the Texas Education Agency (TEA, phone: (512) 463-9734) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB, phone: (512) 427-6100) regulate higher education programs.
    • For federal accreditation information, the U.S. Department of Education (ed.gov) provides guidelines, and accreditation verifications are available through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design via NASAD.
  • State-Specific Opportunities:
    • Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art History along with an Undergraduate Certificate in Animation Studies, providing specialized coursework without requiring SAT/ACT scores.

Additional professional resources include:

  • College Art Association (CAA): Offers job listings and conference opportunities via their official website.
  • Texas Commission on the Arts: Provides funding and support for arts initiatives at arts.texas.gov.

Get Started Today

The journey toward an Art History degree in Amarillo, Texas, begins with a clear understanding of your academic and career goals. With local courses, nearby comprehensive programs, and a wealth of cultural institutions, aspiring art historians have multiple pathways to success. Prospective students are encouraged to explore program details, review course requirements, and contact schools through the forms on each institution’s website to take the first step toward a rewarding career in art history.