Art History Programs in Alexandria, Virginia

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Alexandria, Virginia

Earning an Art History degree in Alexandria, Virginia opens doors to a dynamic and multifaceted field. An Art History degree involves the study of artistic movements, critical analysis of works, and research into cultural and historical contexts. Individuals may embark on various educational paths including Associate of Arts (AA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Arts (MA), or even dual degree programs that combine disciplines such as Arts Management. This guide provides an overview of the options and requirements available to prospective art historians in Alexandria and surrounding areas.

About Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia is a historic city known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural legacy. Situated along the Potomac River, the city is home to notable cultural institutions such as the Alexandria Museum of Art and the Torpedo Factory Art Center. For additional official city information, visit the City of Alexandria’s official website. The city’s Old Town neighborhood offers a charming blend of history, art, and modern amenities—making it an ideal setting for art enthusiasts and students alike.

Art History Programs in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria and the nearby region offer several excellent options for pursuing Art History programs. Below are three institutions that prospective students may consider:

  1. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) – Alexandria Campus

    • Program: AA in Liberal Arts: Art History
    • Location: Old Town Alexandria; assumed address – 1125 S. Elaine St, Alexandria, VA 22304
    • Overview: NOVA’s open enrollment and placement testing allow students to begin their journey in art history quickly while taking courses that include art surveys and critical thinking.
    • Website: https://www.nvcc.edu/

  2. George Mason University (GMU)

    • Program: BA/MA in Art History, with options for accelerating studies via a dual-degree track
    • Location: Fairfax, VA (approximately 10 miles from Alexandria); Address: 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, located in the Fairfax neighborhood
    • Overview: GMU requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 along with SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate admission. The curriculum emphasizes research methods, historiography, and specialized topics such as museology and digital humanities.
    • Website: https://www.gmu.edu/

  3. Old Dominion University (ODU)

    • Program: BA in Art History
    • Location: Norfolk, VA (approximately 167 miles from Alexandria); Address: 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23529
    • Overview: ODU offers a comprehensive curriculum including tiered courses from ancient to contemporary art. Applicants must present a high school diploma coupled with SAT/ACT scores.
    • Website: https://www.odu.edu/

Art History Career Opportunities in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria is not only a hub for education but also a center for cultural and art-related careers. Prospective art historians will find opportunities in various museums, galleries, and cultural institutions:

  • Alexandria Museum of Art

    • Description: Located in the Old Town neighborhood, the museum serves as a focal point for contemporary art exhibitions and arts education programs.
    • Website: https://themuseum.org/

  • Torpedo Factory Art Center

    • Description: Situated in Old Town Alexandria, this converted industrial space now houses numerous working artists and offers programs that support emerging art professionals.
    • Website: https://www.torpedofactory.org/

  • Alexandria Commission for the Arts

Additionally, explore the job outlook page for historians on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for detailed career information, including common roles, salary ranges, and employment trends in art history-related fields.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective students should be aware of common prerequisites required by many Art History programs:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Official transcripts and a minimum GPA requirement (for GMU, at least 2.75).
  • Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.
  • For specialized programs, additional materials such as personal statements or portfolio submissions may be required.
  • NOVA’s open enrollment policy includes placement testing to assess foundational skills.

These components help ensure that students are academically prepared for the rigorous analysis and research involved in art history studies.

Art History Degree Requirements in Virginia

In Alexandria and throughout Virginia, several state-specific organizations and resources assist with educational oversight and degree accreditation:

Official Regulatory Bodies and Resources

  • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)

    • Purpose: Oversees K-12 education and collaborates with higher education institutions.
    • Website: https://www.acps.k12.va.us/
    • Contact: (703) 824-6610

  • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)

    • Purpose: Manages educational partnerships in Fairfax County.
    • Website: https://www.fcps.edu/
    • Contact: (571) 423-3000

  • State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

  • U.S. Department of Education

Types of Degrees and Admission Requirements

  • Associate of Arts (AA)

    • Example: NOVA’s Liberal Arts: Art History on the Alexandria campus.
    • Admission: Open enrollment with placement testing.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    • Examples:
      • Old Dominion University requires a high school diploma and SAT/ACT scores.
      • George Mason University requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 plus SAT/ACT scores.

  • Master of Arts (MA) and Dual Degree Options

    • Example: GMU’s accelerated MA in Art History and dual degree with Arts Management.
    • Admission: Requires a bachelor’s degree; GRE scores may be optional.

Curriculum and Accreditation

Core courses typically cover art history surveys, critical theory, research methods, and internships. Specializations available include:

  • Ancient, Early Modern, and Modern/Contemporary art at ODU.
  • Museology and digital humanities at GMU.
    Programs are accredited by bodies such as SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design). Verification and additional information can be found on respective program websites.

Professional Organizations and Career Information

  • Organizations: College Art Association (CAA), American Alliance of Museums (AAM), Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC), and Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA).
  • Career Outlook: Common roles include Museum Curator, Art Historian, and Gallery Manager. Entry-level roles typically offer salaries between $35,000 and $50,000, while experienced professionals may earn between $60,000 and $90,000. See the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook for historians for more information.

Get Started Today

Embarking on an Art History degree in Alexandria, Virginia provides a pathway to a fulfilling career rooted in cultural insight and academic rigor. With diverse educational options, comprehensive curricula, and abundant local cultural resources, the opportunity to advance in the art history field is within reach. Prospective students are encouraged to contact schools directly through the provided forms and begin their journey toward an exciting career in the arts.