Art History

Art History at the University of California offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to cultivate a deep understanding of the visual arts across different cultures, time periods, and regions. The curriculum combines the study of ancient, medieval, renaissance, modern, and contemporary art, providing students with a broad and nuanced perspective on the development of artistic expression throughout history. Students explore various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and new media, while engaging with critical theories, historiography, and conservation techniques. The program emphasizes analytical skills, encouraging students to interpret artworks within historical, cultural, and social contexts and to develop their own scholarly perspectives. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, hands-on research, and internships, students gain practical experience and prepare for careers in academia, museums, galleries, art conservation, curation, or arts administration. The faculty comprises leading scholars in the field who bring diverse expertise and regional focus areas, ensuring a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The program also offers opportunities for fieldwork, study abroad, and participation in exhibitions and research projects, broadening students' horizons and professional networks. Graduates of the Art History program at UC are well-equipped with critical thinking, research, and communication skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of global artistic heritage. Whether pursuing further academic study or entering the workforce directly, students graduate with a robust foundation in art historical methods and a profound appreciation for the cultural significance of the visual arts.

Departmental Requirements for the Major

Requirements

• If you are a California resident, you must receive a 3.0 GPA or higher in the required “a-g” subjects during grades 10 and 11
• If you are a non-California resident, you must have a minimum 3.4 GPA in the required "a-g" subjects in order to be eligible for the UC System

"A-G" Requirements

The “A-G” requirements, also called Academic Subject Requirements, represent the minimum academic preparation you must meet to be eligible for admission to the University of California.

A. Two years of history/social science — One year of world history, cultures and geography and one year of U.S. history OR one half-year of U.S. history and one half-year of American government or civics 
B. Four years of English 
C. Three years of mathematics (four years recommended) — Must include algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra 
D. Two years of laboratory science (three years recommended) — Must include two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, and physics 
E. Two years of a language other than English (three years recommended) — The second year or higher of the same language must be completed to fulfill this requirement 
F. One year of visual and performing arts — A yearlong course chosen from the following: dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art 
G. One year of college preparatory electives

Exams Requirement

You must submit college admission test scores from the SAT or the ACT with Writing. Submission of SAT Subject Test scores is not required, but may add positively to the review of your application. For exam requirement details, visit admission.universityofcalifornia.edu.

Other Considerations

The following faculty-approved criteria are also taken into account when reviewing your application.

• Number of, content of, and performance in academic courses completed beyond the University’s minimum eligibility requirements
• Number of and performance in honors and AP courses
• Being identified as “eligible in the local context” by ranking in the top nine percent of your high school class, as determined by the University’s academic criteria
• Quality of your senior year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned
• Quality of academic performance relative to educational opportunities available at your school
• Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas
• Outstanding work on one or more special projects in any academic field
• Recent marked improvement in academic performance
• Special talents, achievements, and awards in a particular field, or experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership or ability to contribute to the intellectual vitality of the campus
• Completion of special projects that offer significant evidence of your special effort and determination or that may indicate special suitability to an academic program on a specific campus
• Academic accomplishments in light of your experiences and circumstances, such as disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status
• Location of your secondary school and residence, to provide for geographic diversity in the student population and to account for the wide variety of educational environments existing in California

Personal Insight Questions

As of August 1, 2016, applicants will have a greater opportunity to express who they are and what matters to them on their UC Application. New personal insight questions have replaced the two previous personal statement prompts. Key points about the personal insight questions include:

• Freshman applicants will choose four out of eight questions to answer.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.

Your personal insight questions should be exactly that - personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations.

We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.

Meet English proficiency requirements for success.

If you attended four years at a high school or attended another college or university in which the language of instruction is not English, you must provide evidence of English proficiency to be successful in university studies at UCI.

If you have less than three years of instruction in English in the U.S., you must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement by achieving an acceptable score on any one of the following tests:

• Score 80 or higher on the Internet-based version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or score 550 or higher on its paper-based version
• Score 3, 4, or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition
• Score 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Higher Level Examination in English (Language A)
• Score 6 or higher on the IB Standard Level Examination in English (Language A)
• Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Score 24 or higher on the ACT combined English/Writing or English Language Arts (ELA)
• Score 560 or higher on the old SAT, Writing section, OR score 31 or higher on the SAT Writing and Language Test of the new SAT with Essay

Please note the English Language Proficiency Requirement is waived with one UC transferable English Composition course (not ESL) taken at a regionally accredited U.S. college/university with a grade of C or better.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of California offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options for students enrolled in the Art History program. Funding opportunities include federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans to support students throughout their academic journey. Federal grants such as the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are available for eligible undergraduate students, providing need-based financial assistance that does not require repayment. Additionally, the university administers numerous scholarships specifically dedicated to students pursuing art history and related disciplines; these scholarships are often merit-based but can also consider financial need. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their eligibility for federal aid programs. The University of California also participates in work-study programs allowing students to gain valuable work experience and earn funds to help offset educational expenses. Loans, including federal direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, are available with favorable repayment terms designed to make borrowing manageable for students. Furthermore, the university offers private loan options through approved lenders for students requiring additional funding. Many departments within the university may also offer departmental fellowships or research assistantships to students demonstrating academic excellence or engaging in research projects related to art history. Students are advised to consult the university’s financial aid office and the Art History department for specific information tailored to their circumstances. Financial planning for art history students should consider tuition costs, which vary depending on residency status and degree level, as well as additional expenses like books, supplies, and study abroad opportunities, which are often integral parts of the curriculum. The university encourages early application for financial aid and offers workshops and counseling to help students navigate the various options. Overall, the UC Art History program is committed to ensuring accessible education by providing diverse financial resources aimed at supporting students academically and financially throughout their studies.

The Art History program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive exploration of visual arts from ancient to modern times, emphasizing critical analysis, historical context, and interdisciplinary approaches. The curriculum is designed to develop students' abilities to interpret artworks, understand their cultural significance, and engage with the global history of art and architecture. Coursework includes the study of Western and non-Western art traditions, art criticism, and theory, with opportunities for research, internships, and engaging with museum collections. Students can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees, with advanced options available for specialized study in areas such as Asian, African, Latin American, and contemporary art. Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise across various domains of art history, and they mentor students through seminars, independent research projects, and fieldwork. The program encourages a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating perspectives from history, anthropology, archaeology, and cultural studies. Students are also encouraged to participate in study abroad programs and internships that enhance practical understanding of art institutions. The department hosts lectures, symposia, and exhibitions to foster a vibrant academic community and to provide students with exposure to current debates and developments in the field. Graduates of the Art History program are well-prepared for careers in museum and gallery work, academia, preservation, curation, publishing, and arts administration. Continuing education options include advanced research degrees, teaching credentials, and specialized training in conservation or digital archives. The program emphasizes critical thinking, visual literacy, and a global outlook, preparing students to contribute thoughtfully to the understanding and appreciation of art across cultures and eras.