Wondering whether a master’s degree in art history might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Matthew Looper to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-5331
Email: mlooper@csuchic.edu
The Master of Arts in Art prepares you for a variety of professional opportunities and for entrance to doctoral programs in other institutions.
The emphasis is on scholarly research and writing. You will focus on a broad knowledge of the history of art and benefit from faculty who specialize in medieval art, modern art, and art from ancient Mesoamerica, and who are dedicated to mentoring students through the program.
The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Research and Writing Skills for Diverse Career Paths
You can expect to gain expansive knowledge about art history and gain specialized skills in research and writing about art. You can apply those skills in a variety of settings, including museums, auction houses, galleries, non-profit arts organizations and foundations, and academic institutions.
Show the World the Impact of Art
Obtaining your MA in art history will prepare you with the skills to:
- Plan and conduct research projects in art history
- Analyze and critically evaluate artwork
- Work with museum collections and archives
You will be prepared to work as an instructor in higher education at community colleges or as a curatorial assistant in museums, galleries, and auction houses. You will be prepared to successfully apply to PhD programs to continue your research and teach at the university level. Other career paths that our graduate students pursue include art appraisal, art conservation, publishing, and archive and library sciences.
Museums and Galleries on Campus
The Janet Turner Print Museum and Jacki Headley University Art Gallery not only provide you with great resources to learn from, but they are also prospective places of employment for you to gain hands-on experience with curatorial practices, collection management, public engagement, and other highly valued skills.
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The personalized support, teaching and curatorial internships/opportunities, have all prepared me for what I do now as tenured art history faculty.
Learn from an Engaged Artist Community
Chico State’s faculty and staff take pride in being easily accessible. We are eager to explore ideas with you and help you realize their professional and creative goals. Our faculty of artists, scholars, and designers are nationally and internationally recognized.
Visiting Artists
Hopper Visiting Artist Series bridges the distance from metropolitan art centers by inviting artists from outside our local community for interactive sessions.
Display Your Work
Open Studios events and multiple campus galleries provide students with opportunities to publicly exhibit their artwork.
Get Teaching Experience
Obtain experience and get paid by working as a teaching assistant
Coming together with Your Peers
The Art History Collective is an active student club that organizes exhibitions, plans field trips, and writes reviews of local art exhibitions. It’s just one of several student-run clubs and professional organizations for art students.
Application Information
Are you ready to pursue and turn your passion into a rewarding career? See the information below to start the process of earning your MA in art at Chico State.
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall: March 1
Spring: December 1 (September 16 for international applicants)
Supplemental Materials
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Two upper-division art history papers
How to Apply
Matthew Looper
530-898-5117
mlooper@csuchic.edu
Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
You can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field. Occasionally, you may be required to take some prerequisites to bring you up to speed. Talk to the graduate coordinator for details.
The MA in art is a 30-unit program which can be completed in two years.
Related Programs
Art and Art History Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in art history might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Matthew Looper to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-5331
Email: mlooper@csuchic.edu