Art History Programs in Virginia

Getting an Art History Degree in Virginia

Art History is a field that explores visual culture, artistic expression, and cultural heritage. An Art History Degree opens pathways to careers in museums, galleries, education, and cultural institutions. In Virginia, students can choose from a variety of degree options including Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s programs, and Doctoral studies. This guide covers the educational paths, prerequisites, curriculum highlights, and local opportunities to help you navigate your journey to earning an Art History Degree in Virginia.

Why Study Art History in Virginia

Virginia offers a rich art scene steeped in history and modern innovation. The state is home to numerous historic sites, museums, and galleries that celebrate diverse artistic traditions. For more information about Virginia’s resources and opportunities, visit the official Virginia state website. Art historians in Virginia can expect competitive average salaries and potential job growth. According to employment data available on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website, careers in art history-related fields may offer steady opportunities with projected growth that benefits cultural institutions and academic environments.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective students should be aware of the entry requirements for local Art History programs. Common prerequisites include:

  • Educational Requirements: A high school diploma for undergraduate programs and a recognized bachelor’s degree for graduate studies.
  • Minimum GPA: Generally, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) programs, while the University of Virginia (UVA) expects a minimum of 3.0.
  • Standardized Tests: Graduate programs often require GRE scores.
  • Portfolio Submissions: For studio-based programs such as those offered at Virginia Tech, a portfolio is typically necessary.
  • Transfer Credits: For example, VCU accepts up to 60 transfer credits from other accredited institutions.

These requirements ensure that students are well-prepared for the rigorous study of art history.

Typical Program Curriculum

Art History programs in Virginia cover a wide range of topics, from ancient art to contemporary practices. Undergraduate curricula typically include:

  • Core Courses: Courses such as ARTH 103-104 (Survey of Art I-II) and ARTH 292 (Writing for Art History) at VCU.
  • Museum Studies: Courses like ARTH 302 and ARTH 303 provide foundational knowledge in museum practices.
  • Electives and Specializations: Options include Cluster A (global art history) and Cluster B (modern/contemporary art), as well as foreign language requirements in French, German, Italian, or Spanish.

Graduate programs often require a thesis or capstone project, with advanced specializations available in areas such as Renaissance, Modern, and American art.

Art History Programs in Virginia

Virginia is home to several top institutions offering comprehensive Art History programs. Here are some leading options:

  1. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – Bachelor of Arts in Art History

    • Core Requirements: Courses include ARTH 103-104 (Survey of Art I-II), ARTH 292 (Writing for Art History), and ARTH 490 (Senior Seminar). Students also choose electives from options like Cluster A (global art history) and Cluster B (modern/contemporary art). An intermediate proficiency in a foreign language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish) is required.
    • Unique Features: Partnerships with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts provide internship opportunities. Additionally, museum studies courses such as ARTH 302 and 303 enhance professional readiness.
    • Admission Requirements: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required along with the submission of relevant academic records.
    • Location: Richmond, Virginia. For additional details, visit the official VCU Arts website.

  2. Virginia Tech – Art Major with Art History Option

    • Core Requirements: The program includes courses like ART 2385 (Survey of Western Art) and ART 3774 (Modern Graphic Design History), along with electives such as Topics in Art History (ART 4384) and Museum Studies (ART 4184).
    • Unique Features: The curriculum emphasizes capstone projects in art criticism or studio practices and interdisciplinary courses that explore relationships between art, religion, and culture.
    • Admission Requirements: Portfolio submissions are required for studio-based components of the program.
    • Location: Blacksburg, Virginia. Check Virginia Tech’s official website for more information.

  3. University of Virginia (UVA) – Graduate and Doctoral Programs in Art History

    • Master of Arts in Art History: Involves either a thesis or a capstone project with specializations such as Renaissance, Modern, or American art. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores are required.
    • Ph.D. in Art History: Requires original research culminating in a dissertation; teaching assistantships are also available.
    • Unique Features: UVA provides access to renowned research centers and offers fellowships for graduate teaching.
    • Location: Charlottesville, Virginia. More program specifics can be found on the University of Virginia’s official website.

Art History Career Opportunities in Virginia

Virginia’s cultural institutions offer robust career opportunities for Art History graduates. Notable institutions include:

  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA): Located in Richmond, VMFA offers diverse roles from curatorial positions to educational outreach. Explore employment opportunities through their careers page.
  • Chrysler Museum of Art: Situated in Norfolk, this museum is renowned for its comprehensive art collections and innovative exhibitions. Visit their employment opportunities page for current openings.
  • Taubman Museum of Art: Located in Roanoke, this museum presents contemporary exhibitions and community programs. Check out their careers section for job listings.

For further employment data and job outlook specifics, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Professional Organizations and Resources

Art History professionals in Virginia can benefit from numerous organizations, including:

  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD): Accredits art and design programs to maintain academic rigor. Visit NASAD’s website or contact via [email protected].
  • Virginia Department of Education (VDOE): Oversees educational standards including humanities programs. More info is available on the VDOE website, including Standards of Learning for History and Social Science.
  • State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV): Coordinates higher education policies. Learn more about institutional profiles on the SCHEV website.
  • College Art Association (CAA): Supports art history scholarship and offers conference access and job listings. Visit the CAA website.
  • American Alliance of Museums (AAM): Advocates for museum standards and offers professional certifications. Explore opportunities on the AAM website.
  • Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR): Provides guidelines for historic preservation careers. Their official site is here.
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Offers funding opportunities for art history research and public programs. Visit NEA’s website.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition costs for Art History programs in Virginia vary across institutions. For example, in-state tuition may range from approximately $12,000 to over $20,000 per year depending on the school and program level. Out-of-state tuition rates are typically higher. Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and institutional aid packages. Students are advised to consult the official websites of their chosen institutions and explore resources provided by the Virginia Department of Education and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) for up-to-date financial aid information.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Graduates with an Art History Degree in Virginia can pursue various career paths including:

  • Museum Curators and Educators: Positions at museums and cultural institutions.
  • Gallery Managers and Art Conservators: Roles managing art collections, preservation, and exhibitions.
  • Advanced Academic Careers: Pursuing further certifications or advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) to enhance qualifications.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities through state-specific programs and national organizations like CAA and AAM. Additional resources for professional training can be accessed via local industry workshops and events.

Get Started Today

Virginia offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring art historians. With accredited programs, comprehensive curricula, and a supportive network of cultural institutions and professional organizations, now is the time to begin your educational journey. Explore your options, reach out to the schools, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in art history. Contact a school today to learn more about their admission process and program details.