History of Art and Visual Culture

HAVC students at UCSC investigate complex questions concerning the social, political, economic, religious, and psychological impact of images from the perspective of their producers, users, and viewers. Visual objects play a central role in the formation of values and beliefs, including the perception of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, and class. Through attentive historical study and close analysis, students are taught to recognize and assess these systems of value, and are introduced to theoretical and methodological frameworks for future research.

Study and Research Opportunities

• B.A. in History of Art and Visual Culture
• Concentration in Curation, Heritage, and Museums
• Undergraduate Minor in History of Art and Visual Culture
• Ph.D. in Visual Studies
• The UCSC Global Learning Program provides undergraduate students with many opportunities to study university-level academic programs abroad

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall band score of 6.5 or higher*, includes IELTS Indicator Exam (through fall 2022)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the Internet-based test, includes TOEFL iBT Home Edition (fall 2021 only)
• SAT (March 2016 or later) Writing & Language Test: 31 or higher
• SAT (prior to March 2016) Writing Exam: 560 or higher
• ACT combined English-Writing or English Language Arts portion: 24 or higher
• AP English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition: 3, 4, or 5
• IB Standard Level examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature: 6 or 7
• IB Higher Level examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature: 5, 6, or 7
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 (through fall 2022)

• The preparation students receive from the B.A. degree in History of Art and Visual Culture provides skills that can lead to successful careers in law, business, education, and social services, in addition to a more specific focus on museum curating, art restoration, studies in architecture, and studies in art history leading to a graduate degree. Many HAVC students have gone on to careers in the following fields (these are only samples of the many possibilities):

• Architecture
• Art book publishing
• Art criticism
• Art history
• Art law
• Art restoration
• Arts administration
• Auction management
• Curatorial work
• Exhibition design
• Freelance writing
• Gallery management
• Historic preservation
• Interior design
• Museum education
• Museum exhibition installation
• Publishing
• Teaching and research
• Visual resource librarian