Academic & Professional Opportunities in History of Art & Architecture
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it offers a selection of opportunities for finding the right career or job for you.
The College Art Association Jobs and Opportunites 
The CAA Online Career Center is a database of employment listings in the art and academic worlds, where job seekers may search listings and post their CV, and employers may submit classified advertisements and browse information about potential candidates. CAA’s Opportunities collects and publishes calls for entries and papers, conference notices, fellowship and grant opportunities, available internships, and more. To prepare for interviews, visit CAA Standards & Guidelines for Tools for Art Historians and Tools for Museum Professionals. Note: you must be a CAA member to obtain full job listing information.
The Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs
Formerly ChronicleVitae; online career hub for higher education. Can browse faculty jobs by discipline and jobs outside academe.
Association of Academic Museums & Galleries Job Postings
Lists openings for academic museums, galleries, and collections.
Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) Career Center
Job listings as well as resources for both emerging and established scholars (account log in required to view job postings).
American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Manage Your Career and JobHQ
Tools for managing your career and listings of museum jobs via the American Alliance of Museums website, including sections devoted to emerging museum professionals and career management.
This very active listserv has numerous position openings (use "Search Archives" feature).
Academic Jobs Wiki: Art History Jobs 2023-2024
A listing of academic and museum job searches taking place during the 2023-2024 academic year, for jobs starting 2024.
Career Alternatives for Art Historians
This site lists the criteria for numerous career options - some have links to other relevant websites.
Career Resources & Professional Organizations
Information for undergraduates 
and graduate students on career counseling, upcoming workshops, recruiting events, and other resources.
Visual Resources Association (VRA) Jobs Digest
Job listings and opportunities for image media professionals, including art and architecture librarians, image curators, and archivists; check also the VRA's Visual Resources Emerging Professionals and Students group for further employment and internship opportunities.
The Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) JobList
Recent job postings art librarians, as well as arts administrators, curators, and other visual resources professionals.
MCN (Museum Computer Network) Mail Archive
Jobs regularly posted here for museum information professionals.
Careers in Architecture
UCSB does not offer a degree in architecture. However, on the websites of the organizations listed below, students can find information about studying architecture towards a professional career.
- Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) . This is an excellent resource to learn about the various routes to study for a degree in architecture, including information for students with a non-architectural first degree.
- Study Architecture . Sponsored by the ACSA, Study Architecture is a one-stop resource for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the Architecture profession..
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) . The largest, most influential network of architecture professionals.
- American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) . The AIAS serves as the "incubator" for the architecture profession.
- National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) , especially the section Accredited Programs List .
Recommendations for how students can develop their interest in architecture while studying at the Department of History of Art & Architecture:
- Declare a major in the History of Art & Architecture, either with an Emphasis in Architecture & Environment or take as many courses in architectural history as the major requirements allow.
- Organize independent research with faculty in the department who are working in architectural history and architecture.
- Look for relevent courses for a Minor in UCSB's Spatial Studies , and even combine a major in History of Art & Architecture and an Emphasis in Architecture & Environment with a Minor in Spatial Studies .
- Take courses in UCSB's Department of Art . Note that these courses are often oversubscribed and Art Majors may have priority.
- Develop drawing and drafting skills by taking such courses as, for example, freehand drawing, architectural drafting, AutoCAD and 3-D computer programs. In addition to UCSB, check out Santa Barbara City College for relevant courses.
- Research, with places to start:
- For information about architecture schools and a handy search engine with links to school websites in the U.S., see National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), Architecture Programs School Search . Accessed August 17, 2022.
- For information about research expertise at ACSA member programs or an indivisualized list about faculty research, scholarship and creative practice, see the ACSA Index of Scholarship , published July 2022. Accessed August 24, 2022.
- For international architecture school rankings, see QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Architecture & Built Environment . Accessed April 5, 2023.
- For general architecture school rankings, see The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022 by subject: Arts and Humanities . Accessed August 17, 2022.
- For rankings for Master of Architecture programs, see Best Architecture Master’s Ranking 2023 , published August 2022. Accessed September 14, 2023.
- For information and statistics on the architect profession in the U.S., see Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Architects . Accessed July 14, 2022.
- For information on which design tools are necessary for a successful career in architecture, see American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), "Digital Workflow," (published n.d.), a tool for optimizing your design workflow and software knowledge, and "Digital Resources Guide" (published n.d.). Both accessed July 14, 2022
- For recommendations for and links to architecture software, and "Best architecture software of 2022 ," TechRadar (published June 23, 2022). Accessed August 17, 2022.
- For checklists on what to do to become an architect, see National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Destination Architect: Your Guide to Becoming an Architect , and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), Prospective Students: You want to be an architect. That's Great! . Accessed August 17, 2022.
- For a White Paper on securing your first job after graduation, see American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), "THRIVE: How To Get A Job In Architecture ," AIAS.org (published May 2018). Accessed August 17, 2022.
- For COVID-19-related resources, see American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), COVID-19 Student Resources , (published n.d.). Accessed August 17, 2022.
- For information about architecture schools and a handy search engine with links to school websites in the U.S., see National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), Architecture Programs School Search
- Explore UCSB's departments of Mathematics and Physics to determine if they offer appropriate courses that meet or supplement requirements for any architectural programs you might consider entering after your time at UCSB (check with the school's architectural program about required course work).
- Organize an internship with architects, landscape architects, municipal and county architects and planning offices, non-profit organizations working, for example, in the field of housing and sustainable architecture. History of Art & Architecture majors may be able to obtain course credits for internships; contact the Undergraduate Advisor, arthistory-ug-arthi@ucsb.edu
, for more information.
Want more information about advanced (e.g., Master of Architecture) degrees? Example: The USC School of Architecture in Los Angeles
The USC School of Architecture in Los Angeles cultivates creative intelligence and champions spatial and environmental justice through innovative design practices that challenge traditional norms in the built environment. The program focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of contemporary architectural practices, tackling pressing issues such as the housing crisis, environmental challenges, spatial justice, and technological advancements. With a diverse faculty boasting extensive design expertise, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of design practice, research, and discourse. Get a glimpse inside the USC Graduate Architecture programs here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxdnxUp7-C8
Immerse yourself in the dynamic and inspiring environment of Los Angeles, a global city that serves as a wellspring of inspiration, creativity, and opportunity for aspiring architects. With some of the most significant landmark architecture in the world, and over 1000 architecture firms, including industry giants such as Thom Mayne of Morphosis (c/o 1968), Frank Gehry of Gehry & Partners (c/o 1954), Mark Lee of JohnstonMarkLee (c/o 1991), Mark Rios of RIOS (c/o 1978) and pioneering creative technologist Behnaz Farahi (c/o 2013) - all esteemed alumni of the program - Los Angeles is a thriving urban laboratory for students to explore and understand the complexities of the contemporary built environment.
The faculty, recognized as global design leaders, have collectively designed and built over 3,500 innovative projects worldwide, garnering over 900 design honors at various levels. Through visionary and speculative design ideas disseminated across 2100 exhibitions and lectures at premier academic and cultural institutions globally, they are actively shaping the future of architecture and design. Check out the faculty highlight reel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shNCMKPbHEg
At USC School of Architecture, they are committed to reimagining the built environment's past, present, and future through impactful scholarly research that engages communities and fosters social impact. With a focus on leveraging emergent design technologies for sustainable and ecological construction practices, they aim to revolutionize the AEC industry while envisioning a more inclusive and resilient future for all.
Explore the range of graduate and post-professional programs tailored to different educational backgrounds, including:
- 3-Year Master of Architecture (for applicants with no previous experience)
- 2-Year Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing (for applicants with an existing 4-year BA or BS in Architecture or Architectural Studies)
- 1-Year Master of Advanced Architectural Research Studies in City Design + Housing (for applicants with an existing 5-year B.Arch)
- 1-Year Master of Advanced Architectural Research Studies in Performative Design + Technologies (for applicants with an existing 5-year B.Arch)
For an inside look at their vibrant community and the exceptional work of their students and faculty, follow the USC Grad Architecture Instagram account.