Pepperdine University
Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Field of study · Malibu, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Malibu
Intl. Tuition
US$74,370 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$74,370 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
See how your grades stack up for this course
With an Ascenda account you get your fit and admit odds for every programme, a shortlist you can compare, and your deadlines and applications in one place.
Course Overview
Art History, Criticism and Conservation at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.
Student life (indicative)
Life in Malibu revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
3,553
Staff Ratio
12.0:1
International
7.8%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
84%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Suburban
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Art History, Criticism and Conservation
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Art History, Criticism and Conservation topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Art History, Criticism and Conservation
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
3,553
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
12:1
Students per staff
International Students
8%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Suburban
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
6.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Life in Malibu revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
- Life in Malibu revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Vibrant nightlife & bars
- Diverse international food scene
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
84%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.
- Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$297,480
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $2,445/month (housing $1,500, food $490, transport $160). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $2,445/month (housing $1,500, food $490, transport $160).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.