Exploring the Art History Minor at UCLA: Requirements, Opportunities, and Beyond

For students with a passion for visual art and its historical context, a minor in Art History at UCLA offers a compelling opportunity to deepen their knowledge and broaden their academic horizons. This article delves into the requirements for the Art History minor at UCLA, exploring the program's structure, course options, and the benefits it can provide to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Furthermore, it highlights the broader context of art history studies, including related programs, career paths, and the vibrant academic community that supports this field of study.

Unveiling the Art History Minor at UCLA

The Art History minor at UCLA is designed for students who wish to augment their major with a series of courses that analyze the history, theory, and criticism of diverse visual traditions in world culture. It provides a structured framework for exploring art from various perspectives, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to a wide range of disciplines. The minor exposes students to overviews of these traditions in broad time periods from ancient to modern, from the regional to the global, as well as to courses that trace the historical significance of art in the context of specific thematic and media concerns.

Navigating the Requirements

To successfully complete the Art History minor at UCLA, students must fulfill specific requirements outlined by the Department of Art History. These requirements ensure a comprehensive understanding of the field and allow students to tailor their studies to their individual interests.

To enter the minor students must be in good academic standing with an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better, have completed 45 units, and file a petition with Student Affairs Officer Annie Carpenter in Dodd Hall 206B.

Course Selection and Curriculum

Students wishing to minor in art history can do so by taking 5 art history courses. On the lower division level, the minor exposes students to overviews of these traditions in broad time periods from ancient to modern, from the regional to the global, as well as to courses that trace the historical significance of art in the context of specific thematic and media concerns.

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Required Courses in Preparation for the Major: Two courses from Art History 20 through 25 and two courses from Art History 27 through 31. It is strongly recommended that these courses be taken prior to enrollment in upper division courses. The department strongly encourages completion of the general education requirements in conjunction with preparing for the major.

***Only one course (three credits) in art history taken in a foreign program, exclusive of the Rome and London Program, may be counted toward fulfilling the major or minor requirement. This course may only be used as an “option.” If a student participates in a full-year foreign study program (e.g. Angers and Bologna), then up to 6 credits may be counted towards the major.

Benefits of Pursuing an Art History Minor

An Art History minor can be a valuable asset for students pursuing a wide range of majors. It offers several benefits, including:

Enhanced Critical Thinking Skills: Art History courses encourage students to analyze visual information, interpret meaning, and develop well-reasoned arguments.
Broadened Cultural Understanding: Studying art from different periods and cultures fosters a deeper appreciation for human creativity and the diverse ways in which societies express themselves.
Improved Communication Skills: Art History requires students to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing and in oral presentations.
Career Advantages: An Art History minor can enhance a student's profile for careers in fields such as museum studies, art conservation, journalism, and education.
Personal Enrichment: Studying art can be a deeply rewarding experience, fostering a lifelong appreciation for beauty, creativity, and the human story.

Beyond the Minor: Exploring Art History Further

For students who wish to delve even deeper into the world of art history, UCLA offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Art History. This program provides a more in-depth exploration of the field, with opportunities for specialized study and research.

The Art History Major at UCLA

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in art history is a 30-credit-hour major. In addition to the one-course university requirement, the major in art history is 10 courses. Of these, the only requirement involves varying the course level at which you take classes: 2 at the 20000-level; 4 at the 30000-level or above; and 1 at the 40000-level. There are no requirements on how any of the courses are distributed. Instead, your advisor will help you develop an individualized curriculum that corresponds to your own interests and goals. Every art history major has his or her own distinctive curriculum. Many majors especially seek out classes with field trips to museums.

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Honors Program

The honors program consists of 33 hours, as compared to 30 hours in the regular art history major. The honors program is designed for Art History majors who are interested in carrying out an independent research project that culminates in a departmental honors thesis of approximately 30 pages. Students who wish to be considered for departmental honors must select a thesis advisor and petition the faculty with a one-page letter by the 10th week of the spring semester of the student's junior year. The letter should be addressed to the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Art History. In the letter, the student should give a brief indication of their intended advisor, their proposed senior thesis topic, and their future plans.

Art Conservation Track

The art conservation track consists of 45 hours, as compared to 30 hours in the regular art history major. This is an ideal track for students interested in studio art and art history, and who are interested in a hands-on, applied career path. It is intended to prepare undergraduates with the required coursework for application to top-tier art conservation programs, such as the fully funded M.A./M.S. at the IFA or the M.A. program at UCLA/Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage. But it is also rigorous enough that undergraduates could begin to work in some conservation labs without an advanced degree. Additional recommendation: reading knowledge of a foreign language is required for many M.A.

Resources and Opportunities at UCLA

UCLA provides a wealth of resources and opportunities for students interested in Art History, both within the Department of Art History and across the university.

Faculty and Research

Under the guidance of our expert faculty, art history students learn to apply a range of critical lenses to their study. The department strongly encourages completion of the general education requirements in conjunction with preparing for the major. Our faculty members work alongside students on research and hands-on learning.

UCLA General Catalog

The UCLA General Catalog is published annually in PDF and HTML formats. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in the UCLA General Catalog. However, all courses, course descriptions, instructor designations, curricular degree requirements, and fees described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice. Consult this Catalog for the most current, officially approved courses and curricula. Other information about UCLA may be found in materials produced by the schools of Arts and Architecture; Dentistry; Education and Information Studies; Engineering and Applied Science; Law; Management; Medicine; Music; Nursing; Public Affairs; Public Health; and Theater, Film, and Television.

Transfer Students

The UCLA Department of Art History is pleased to welcome transfer students to undergraduate study in Art History; please refer to the UCLA Transfer Admission Guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Additional Minors at UCLA

UCLA offers more than 100 minors, many of which you can pair in unexpected ways with majors. For instance, the food studies minor can be a nice complement to majors in chemistry, biology, communication and many more things.

Message Center

If you are an undergraduate major and have questions regarding academics and/or policies through the Art History department, you can also use the MessageCenter on your MyUCLA portal.

Art History Beyond UCLA: A Broader Perspective

The study of Art History extends far beyond the walls of UCLA, encompassing a global network of museums, galleries, research institutions, and academic programs. Understanding this broader context can further enrich a student's appreciation for the field and open doors to exciting opportunities.

Career Paths in Art History

A background in Art History can lead to a variety of fulfilling career paths, including:

Curator: Curators are responsible for the care, interpretation, and exhibition of artworks in museums and galleries.
Art Conservator: Art conservators work to preserve and restore artworks, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
Art Critic/Journalist: Art critics and journalists write about art for newspapers, magazines, and online publications, providing commentary and analysis of contemporary and historical art.
Museum Educator: Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs for visitors of all ages, fostering an appreciation for art and culture.
Art Appraiser: Art appraisers assess the value of artworks for insurance, estate planning, and other purposes.
Gallery Owner/Manager: Gallery owners and managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of art galleries, including sales, marketing, and artist relations.
Academic/Professor: Art History graduates can pursue advanced degrees and teach at the university level.

The Value of Interdisciplinary Study

The study of Art History is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing connections to history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, and other fields. Students who combine their Art History studies with other disciplines can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and develop a unique skillset that is highly valued in today's job market. For instance, the food studies minor can be a nice complement to majors in chemistry, biology, communication and many more things.

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