Emphasis in Art History

The art program at California State University Channel Islands focuses on interdisciplinary studies in the visual arts and related media, emphasizing an innovative approach to artistic process and problem solving. The integration of traditional media with emerging digital technologies in graphic design, multimedia, fine art, art history and interdisciplinary studies focus on developing a solid foundation leading to advanced work in art media and theory.

Upper division Art History courses focus on the History of Art and Art Theory, Interdisciplinary Art Courses integrate academic study of Art with related content from other disciplines. ART Majors (in the Studio Option) are required to select a minimum of two Art History-Interdisciplinary Art Courses (total of 6 units). ART Majors (in the Art History Option) are required to select an additional four courses (for a total of 18 units) of upper division 300/400 level Art History-Interdisciplinary 

One of the Art courses from the list below:

ART 435 Postmodern Visual Culture (3) 
ART 436 Modern Art (3)

AND any Art courses from the list below:

ART 330 Critical Thinking in a Visual World (3) 
ART 331 Art and Mass Media (3) 
ART 332 Multicultural Art Movements (3) 
ART 333 History of Southern California Chicana/o Art (3) 
ART 334 The Business of Art (3) 
ART 337 Art on Film and Film on Art (3) 
ART 338 Psychology of Art and Artists (3) 
ART 341 Visual Canons of the Ancient World (3) 
ART 343 Medieval Art: Diversity, Faith and Power (3) 
ART 351 The Baroque Eye: Art, Culture, Money, Power (3) 
ART 433 Women in the Arts (3) 
ART 434 The Museum: Culture, Business, Education (3) 
ART 435 Postmodern Visual Culture (3) (If not taken above) 
ART 436 Modern Art (3) (If not taken above) 
ART 451 Diversity in the Visual Arts (3)
ART 480 - Advanced Issues in Art History, Theory and Criticism (3)

International Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The process for freshmen and transfer students is the same; however, as a transfer student additional criteria must be met. This additional criteria is marked with an *.

International Checklist & Application

To apply to CSU Channel Islands as an undergraduate, please submit an application and $55.00 application fee online through www.csumentor.edu 

International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants (PDF, 232KB)

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

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 financing options for the Art History emphasis at California State University are designed to support students through various scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Students are encouraged to apply for federal and state financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens annually in October and must be completed each year of study. The university offers a range of scholarships specifically for art and humanities students, including merit-based awards and need-based grants. These scholarships often require a separate application and may be renewable based on academic performance and financial need.

In addition to university-specific financial aid, students can explore federal loan programs such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, which help cover tuition fees, books, and living expenses. California residents may also be eligible for Cal Grant scholarships, which provide significant financial support with minimal repayment obligations. Work-study opportunities are available on campus, allowing students to earn money while gaining relevant experience in arts administration, gallery management, or academic research related to art history.

Furthermore, many students secure private scholarships and external grants from organizations dedicated to arts and education. Part-time employment, internships, and assistantships offered by the university can also supplement students’ income throughout their studies. It is important for prospective and current students to consult the university’s financial aid office regularly, as available funding sources and application deadlines may change annually. The university provides resources and counseling to help students identify the best financial strategies to support their education in Art History. Overall, the program’s financing landscape aims to make higher education accessible and affordable, emphasizing support for students pursuing a degree with an emphasis in Art History at California State University.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art with an Emphasis in Art History at California State University offers students a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop a deep understanding of the history of art across various cultures and time periods. This program provides students with a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of art history, fostering skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, research, and scholarly writing. The emphasis is on exploring the social, cultural, political, and artistic developments that have shaped visual culture from ancient times to the present day.

Students enrolled in this program have opportunities to engage with a diverse array of coursework, including the study of ancient civilizations, medieval art, Renaissance and Baroque periods, modern and contemporary art movements, and non-Western art traditions. The curriculum encourages students to critically analyze artworks within their historical contexts and understand their significance within broader cultural narratives. faculty members, who are experts in their fields, often integrate visits to museums, galleries, and cultural sites into the educational experience, enriching students' understanding through experiential learning.

In addition to coursework, students may participate in internships, research projects, and conferences that prepare them for careers in art curation, art history research, education, and museum work. The program also emphasizes the development of strong writing and communication skills necessary for graduate studies or professional work in related fields. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees in art history or related disciplines, or to enter various careers in the arts sector, including museum and gallery administration, art conservation, and cultural heritage management.

CSU's Art History program often collaborates with other departments and external institutions to provide students with a broad perspective and practical experience. Overall, it aims to cultivate scholars who are not only knowledgeable about art history but also capable of applying their expertise critically and creatively in diverse settings. The emphasis in Art History at California State University prepares students for both academic and professional success, contributing to the preservation, interpretation, and appreciation of visual arts across the globe.