Leading graduate programs in art conservation typically require for admission the following:
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
Humanities (12 to 18 credits total)
• Art History
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
Studio Art
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• 3-D Design (ceramics, metalworking, sculpture, textile art)
Other classes recommended, but not always required, are biology, biochemistry, geology, material science, physics, mathematics, museum studies, drafting, and library science.
Upon application to graduate programs it is required that you present a portfolio that demonstrates your dexterity, knowledge of techniques, and understanding and affinity for art materials.
You will also be expected to have, in addition to your coursework, professional conservation experience. Experience can be gained through internship, volunteer, apprenticeship, or paid work in regional, institutional, or private conservation laboratories.
Conservation and Preservation Programs in the United States
| Institution | Location | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | M.S., Art Conservation | |
| New York, NY | M.S., Historic Preservation | |
| Peterborough, ON | Certificate in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management | |
| New York, NY | M.A., Art History w/Certificate in Art Conservation | |
| Kingston, ON | M.A., Art Conservation | |
| Los Angeles, CA | M.A., Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Materials | |
| Tucson, AZ | M.A./M.S. in Related Course of Study and/or Graduate Certificate in Heritage Conservation | |
| Philadelphia, PA | M.S. in Historic Preservation w/Advanced Certificate in Architectural Conservation | |
| Austin, TX | M.S. in Historic Preservation | |
| Winterthur, DE | B.A*/M.S. in Art Conservation |