See UCLA's minimum requirements for all graduate program applicants.

In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit the following:

Curriculum vitae

Portfolio: Each applicant must submit a portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of the field of conservation. The portfolio may include examples of conservation treatment reports, or writing about conservation that may include conservation theory and practice, conservation science, artifact fabrication technologies, community collaboration, sustainability in conservation, or diversity, equity and inclusion in cultural heritage conservation. Samples of studio arts and crafts such as painting, ceramics, sculpture, weaving, papermaking, woodworking, basketry, etc., may also be included.

Writing Sample

Each applicant is required to supply a written sample (3500 words maximum) of previous research in archaeology, anthropology, art history, conservation, the sciences or related fields. This may be in the form of one or more publications, papers for college courses, conservation reports, etc.

Prerequisites:

A minimum of 200 - 400 hours of documented practical experience in conservation fieldwork, laboratory experience, exhibit preparation, or similar responsibilities performed under the supervision of a professional is highly recommended. We discourage applicants from pursuing unpaid internships before graduate study. Exposure to various aspects of conservation may also be gained from lab and studio visits with conservators, webinars hosted by conservation associations and regional centers, online or live workshops in areas central to conservation research and practice, and exploration of materials and techniques through the creation of original artwork. Evidence of this exposure to the field may be included in the portfolio, and reflections about these experiences can be expressed in other application materials.

Coursework: Applicants must have completed study equivalent to one academic year in archaeology, art history, anthropology or ethnography. This requirement may be fulfilled by a full year in one subject or via coursework in two or three or all four of these subjects.

Applicants must also have completed one academic year of study in each of the following subjects: general chemistry (with laboratory) and organic chemistry (with laboratory).

Coursework in other fields of science (physical chemistry, biology, geology, physics, materials science, etc) may be considered favorably but is not essential for admissions consideration.

Those applicants who reach the final stages of evaluation will be interviewed in person as part of the evaluation process.