Art History Programs in Tacoma, Washington

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Tacoma, Washington

Art History is a field that explores the evolution of visual culture across time and societies. Pursuing an Art History Degree in Tacoma, Washington offers a comprehensive education through various academic pathways—whether through a Bachelor of Arts program focusing on global art surveys and interdisciplinary electives, a Master of Arts concentrating on specialized research, or an Associate of Arts that provides a strong foundation for future academic pursuits. Students can choose from an array of courses and programs designed to develop critical analysis, historical context, and curatorial skills that are essential for careers in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.

About Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma is a culturally rich city known for its diverse arts scene and historic landmarks. Home to notable institutions such as the Tacoma Art Museum and local community initiatives, the city provides a dynamic backdrop for students pursuing an Art History Degree. The official website of Tacoma offers additional insights into city events and public art projects: City of Tacoma. You will find that local museums, courses, and community events create an ideal environment for learning about art history in context.

Art History Programs in Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma and its surrounding areas offer several robust options for Art History education:

  1. University of Puget Sound

    • Program: BA in Studio Art/Art History
    • Address: 1110 N. W. 4th St, Tacoma, WA 98405 (located in central Tacoma)
    • Description: Known for its liberal arts integration, the University of Puget Sound offers a curriculum that combines studio practices with rigorous academic study in art history. Students benefit from exhibitions at the Kittredge Gallery and modern teaching methods.
    • Program Page: University of Puget Sound – Art & Art History

  2. UW Tacoma

    • Program: MA with a focus on History and Art History disciplines
    • Address: 401 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402 (located in Downtown Tacoma)
    • Description: UW Tacoma provides a specialized Master of Arts program that emphasizes research methodologies and capstone projects, with a focus on Pacific Northwest art history and cultural studies.
    • Program Details: UW Tacoma – History Programs

  3. Tacoma Community College

    • Program: Associate of Arts (AA) with transferable credits for four-year Art History degree programs
    • Address: 401 Frederick Road, Tacoma, WA 98444 (situated in the South Tacoma area)
    • Description: Tacoma Community College offers accessible courses in art history that prepare students for further academic work. The college also features an art gallery showcasing student and regional artists.
    • General Information: Tacoma Community College

In cases where programs are not available directly in Tacoma, nearby schools provide excellent alternatives. For instance, institutions in the greater Pierce County region offer additional Art History courses within a 20-mile radius. This close proximity ensures that you can benefit from a broad network of educational resources.

Art History Career Opportunities in Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma’s diverse cultural landscape offers multiple career opportunities for Art History graduates:

  • Tacoma Art Museum (TAM)

    • Address: 401 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 (located in the Downtown district)
    • Description: The Tacoma Art Museum is a cornerstone of the local art scene, hosting exhibitions, internships, and professional development programs for art history students. Visit their official website for updates and potential employment opportunities: Tacoma Art Museum.

  • Local Cultural Institutions

    • Tacoma Arts Commission: Oversees public art installations and cultural programs. More details are available on the Tacoma Arts Commission page.
    • Pierce County Arts Commission: Supports local galleries and artist residencies with comprehensive community outreach. Learn more on the Pierce County website.

In addition, current job outlook data for Art Historians and related professions can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, providing insights into career prospects and salary ranges.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Enrollment in Art History programs typically requires:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent, with completion of general education requirements.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA (e.g., University of Washington requires a minimum 2.75 GPA for undergraduates).
  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT may be optional for some programs in 2024) and/or a portfolio submission for certain application tracks.
  • For graduate programs such as at UW Tacoma, applicants must have completed at least 45 transferable credits or equivalent undergraduate coursework, with a recommended minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits. Note that GRE scores have been waived for some programs in 2024.

Art History Degree Requirements in Washington

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Washington involves meeting both academic and administrative standards:

  • Types of Degrees Available

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA): Offered by institutions like the University of Washington and University of Puget Sound, focusing on global art surveys and interdisciplinary art history courses.
    • Master of Arts (MA): Available at UW Tacoma with an emphasis on research methodologies, capstone projects, and regional art studies.
    • Associate of Arts (AA): Offered at Tacoma Community College for students planning to transfer to four-year programs.

  • Admission Requirements

    • Undergraduate Programs: Require a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.75 at UW), with flexible SAT/ACT testing policies for the 2024 admissions cycle.
    • Graduate Programs: Institutions like UW Tacoma require successful completion of 45 transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 credits. GRE scores have been waived for some programs in 2024.

  • Curriculum Requirements

    • Core Courses: Include methodologies in art history, global art surveys, and interdisciplinary electives.
    • Specializations: Programs may offer focuses such as Modern/Contemporary Art, Asian Art, Art of the Americas, and Pacific Northwest art history.

  • Accreditation Information

    • Accrediting Bodies: Programs are accredited by bodies such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and, for studio-oriented tracks, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Additionally, students should be aware of the local regulatory bodies relevant to education in Tacoma:

  • Tacoma Public Schools: Oversees K-12 education and partners with higher education institutions like Tacoma Community College (Tacoma Public Schools, Phone: (253) 571-1000).
  • Pierce County Education District: Coordinates educational services throughout the county (Pierce County Education District, Phone: (253) 798-7440).
  • Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC): Manages higher education policies and degree authorization in the state (WSAC, Phone: (360) 753-7800).
  • U.S. Department of Education: Provides national accreditation oversight and Title IV funding, searchable via their Accreditation Database.

Get Started Today

Embarking on an Art History Degree in Tacoma, Washington is a gateway to an enriching career in museum curation, art research, and gallery management. The diverse range of programs, coupled with strong local cultural institutions and regulatory support, ensures a robust education that meets state and industry standards. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and reach out through the contact forms on your chosen school’s website to take the first step towards a fulfilling artistic career.