Art History Programs in Arlington, Virginia

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Arlington, Virginia

An Art History Degree allows you to explore visual culture and the evolution of artistic traditions across the globe. This guide explains the various educational paths available—including Bachelor of Arts, Associate degrees, and advanced graduate programs—while highlighting key components of Art History education such as museum studies, intensive art courses, and practical internships. Whether you are interested in surveying classical periods or modern art movements, this comprehensive overview covers Art History programs, courses, and career opportunities available in and around Arlington, Virginia.

About Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia is a dynamic hub of cultural and educational resources, with a rich history and an active arts community. The city supports numerous initiatives in arts education and cultural engagement through local institutions and government bodies. For more information about the community and local initiatives, visit the official Arlington website. Arlington’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. also provides additional access to nationally recognized museums and cultural landmarks.

Art History Programs in Arlington, Virginia

While Arlington itself may not host many dedicated Art History degree programs, several reputable institutions nearby offer robust courses and degree options:

  1. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)

    • Program: Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts with an Art History specialization
    • Address & Neighborhood: 1717 Leesburg Pike, Annandale, VA 22001 (Annandale neighborhood)
    • Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Arlington
    • Website: NOVA

  2. George Mason University (GMU)

    • Program: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History with global and regional specializations
    • Address & Neighborhood: 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Fairfax neighborhood)
    • Distance: Approximately 12 miles from Arlington
    • Program Details: GMU’s curriculum includes comprehensive art surveys and advanced studies in periods such as Renaissance and Contemporary art, along with a mandatory internship (3-6 credits) that can include placements at institutions like the National Gallery of Art.
    • Website: George Mason University Catalog

  3. University of Virginia (UVA)

    • Program: Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Art History
    • Address & Neighborhood: Charlottesville, VA (central campus area)
    • Distance: Approximately 120 miles from Arlington
    • Website: University of Virginia Official Website

Art History Career Opportunities in Arlington, Virginia

Arlington offers a variety of career opportunities for art history graduates through its local cultural institutions and nearby museums:

  • Arlington Arts Center

    • Description: This institution promotes visual arts through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, offering art enthusiasts opportunities to engage with contemporary art practices.
    • Address & Neighborhood: 3550 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 (situated in a central Arlington district)
    • Website: Arlington Arts Center

  • Arlington Cultural Affairs

    • Description: The city’s Cultural Affairs office supports arts initiatives and grants and is a vital resource for those seeking employment or internships in cultural management and community arts projects.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located within the Arlington County government offices in downtown Arlington
    • Website: Arlington Cultural Affairs

  • Arlington Public Art

    • Description: This program highlights public art installations and offers opportunities to gain hands-on experience through curatorial internships and art project collaborations within the community.
    • Website: Arlington Public Art

For additional career insights, including job outlook data for roles such as museum curators and arts administrators, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective students should be prepared to meet several admission requirements common across Art History programs:

  • Undergraduate Programs:

    • A strong high school academic record with letters of recommendation
    • Some programs (e.g., GMU) require a minimum GPA of 2.00 and approximately 33-34 credits in major courses
    • For specialized courses, a portfolio submission may be requested

  • Graduate Programs:

    • Submission of GRE scores (requirements may vary by institution)
    • Letters of recommendation and writing samples to support academic and professional potential

NOVA’s open enrollment enhances accessibility, while transfer pathways facilitate progression to four-year programs.

Art History Degree Requirements in Virginia

Art History degree requirements in Virginia incorporate both state-level education standards and institution-specific criteria. Key elements include:

  • Types of Degrees Available:

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA): Offered at George Mason University with opportunities to specialize in art history periods and regions
    • Associate of Arts (AA): Offered at NOVA with an Art History specialization, serving as a foundation for advanced studies
    • Master’s and Doctoral Programs: Available at institutions such as George Mason University and the University of Virginia

  • Curriculum Requirements:

    • Core Courses: Often include surveys of Western, Asian, or Latin American art and advanced studies focusing on specific periods, such as Renaissance or Contemporary art
    • Internships: GMU mandates 3-6 credits in practical art history internships with institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, while NOVA offers internships at Washington, D.C. museums and galleries

  • Accreditation:

    • NOVA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
    • GMU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
    • For verification and additional details on accreditation, check resources at CHEA

Additional regulatory and resource information includes:

  • Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies:

    • Arlington County Public Schools: Oversees K-12 education and arts programs in Arlington.
      • Website: APSVA | Contact: (703) 228-6000

  • Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies:

    • Arlington County Board: Governs county-wide policies, including cultural initiatives.

  • Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies:

    • Virginia Department of Education: Sets statewide standards for education, including arts and humanities.
    • State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV): Oversees higher education programs, including Art History degrees.
      • Website: SCHEV | Contact: (804) 225-2600

  • Federal Education Oversight:

    • U.S. Department of Education: Enforces national education policy and provides funding information.

  • Professional Organizations:

    • College Art Association (CAA): Advocates for art history education and provides job listings, conference access, and advocacy resources.
    • At the city level, organizations such as the Arlington Arts Center and Arlington Cultural Affairs offer networking and exhibition opportunities.

Get Started Today

The journey toward an Art History degree is a gateway to a fulfilling career in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. With a range of programs—from NOVA’s accessible AA to GMU’s comprehensive BA and UVA’s advanced degrees—students in Arlington and its surrounding areas have multiple pathways to achieve their academic and professional goals. Take the next step by exploring these options, reaching out to schools via their contact forms, and aligning your passion for art with the abundant opportunities available in this culturally rich region.