Art History Programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pursuing an Art History Degree in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

An Art History Degree offers a comprehensive study of visual culture, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and more. Prospective students can choose from traditional on-campus programs or online options. Art History education paths range from Bachelor’s degrees with a focus on museum internships and research capstones to specialized programs that include studio-based coursework.

This guide explains the process, prerequisites, and career prospects for earning an Art History Degree in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It also details local educational regulatory bodies and resources that support both K–12 and higher education in the arts.

About Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a culturally rich city known for its diverse art scene, historic architecture, and celebrated museums. With landmarks such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Historic Third Ward, the city provides an inspiring backdrop for those studying art history. For more information about the city, visit the official Milwaukee government website.

Art History Programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is home to several institutions offering Art History programs. Below is a list of three schools that provide courses or full degree options in Art History:

  1. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM)

    • Program: Online BA in Art History with core courses in research methods, art history surveys, and museum internships.
    • Address: Often associated with its downtown campus; approximate location near downtown Milwaukee.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown
    • Details: UWM integrates experiential learning, including ARTHIST 691 for museum experience and a capstone research course (ARTHIST 501). For more information, visit the UWM Online Art History page.

  2. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD)

    • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art History.
    • Address: 701 E. Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
    • Neighborhood: Historic Third Ward
    • Details: MIAD offers a studio-based education with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Applicants must submit a portfolio and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Additional information can be found on the MIAD website.

  3. Alverno College

    • Program: Alverno offers liberal arts courses with strong art history components available as a major or minor.
    • Address: 1825 W. Pennsylvania Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
    • Neighborhood: Near the East Side
    • Details: Although not exclusively an art history institution, Alverno College provides a robust curriculum that incorporates art historical studies. This program is ideal for students seeking an interdisciplinary approach to art education.

Art History Career Opportunities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee’s cultural landscape offers numerous career opportunities for Art History graduates. The following cultural institutions provide both educational experiences and employment prospects:

  • Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM)

    • Website: https://mam.org
    • Contact: (414) 224-3200
    • Neighborhood: Lakefront
    • Details: Recognized for its collections and innovative architecture, MAM frequently offers internships and employment opportunities. Check their website’s career section for current openings.

  • Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University

    • Website: https://www.marquette.edu/haggerty/
    • Neighborhood: Near Marquette University in the downtown area
    • Details: This museum provides opportunities for hands-on learning and research and may have openings for curatorial and education assistant positions.

For additional career information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for museum curators and related professions.

Prerequisites for Art History Programs

Prospective Art History students should be prepared to meet various admission prerequisites:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • A minimum GPA requirement; for example, MIAD requires a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Standardized test scores such as the SAT/ACT may be waived for online programs, as seen with UWM.
  • A portfolio submission is essential for programs with a studio or design component, such as MIAD.

Art History Degree Requirements in Wisconsin

Students pursuing an Art History Degree in Wisconsin will typically encounter a broad-based curriculum that includes:

  • Core Courses: Art history surveys, methodological studies, and cultural analysis.
  • Internships: UWM’s ARTHIST 691 provides hands-on museum experience.
  • Capstone Projects: At UWM, ARTHIST 501 requires cohort-based research culminating in a capstone project.

State-Specific and Regulatory Information

Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)

Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
    • Purpose: Governs county-level education initiatives, including cultural programs.
    • Website: https://county.milwaukee.gov
    • Contact: (414) 278-4222

Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies

  • Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
    • Purpose: Regulates K–12 and higher education statewide.
    • Website: https://dpi.wi.gov
    • Contact: (608) 266-3390

Federal Education Oversight Agencies

State-Specific Degree Information

Types of Degrees Available

  • Bachelor’s in Art History: Offered by institutions such as UWM and MIAD.
  • Online Bachelor’s in Art History: UWM’s online program includes over 25 courses and internship opportunities.

Admission Requirements

  • UWM: SAT/ACT is not required for the online program.
  • MIAD: A portfolio is required, along with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Curriculum Requirements

  • Core Courses: Include art history surveys, methodologies, cultural analysis, and more.
  • Internships & Capstone: Programs like UWM offer internships (ARTHIST 691) and a required capstone project (ARTHIST 501).

Accreditation Information

  • MIAD: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • UWM: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Verify accreditation details at https://www.hlcommission.org.

Professional and City-Specific Organizations

  • College Art Association (CAA)

    • Purpose: Advocates for art history education and careers.
    • Website: https://www.collegeart.org
    • Benefits: Provides job listings and conference access.

  • Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM)

    • Purpose: Offers internships and exhibitions that benefit art history students.
    • Website: https://mam.org
    • Contact: (414) 224-3200

Educational Resources

  • Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD)
    • Purpose: Provides a studio-based art education with a low student-to-faculty ratio.
    • Website: https://www.miad.edu

Additional Career Information

  • Job Prospects: Typical roles include museum curator, gallery manager, and arts administrator.
  • Professional Development: Consider certifications such as the AAM’s Museum Studies Certification or advanced degrees like UWM’s MA in Art History.
  • State-Level Resource: The Wisconsin Arts Board funds arts initiatives and career grants.
  • City-Level Resource: The Historic Third Ward serves as an arts and culture hub with galleries and studios.

Get Started Today

Milwaukee offers diverse and robust opportunities for those interested in an Art History Degree. With multiple program options, strong state and local support, and a wealth of career opportunities within renowned cultural institutions, there has never been a better time to embark on your art history journey. Contact a school today through the forms on their respective pages to begin your future in art education.