Art History

A Major or Minor with Global Skills

The Art History Bachelor of Arts Program in the School of Visual Arts provides a dynamic and engaged environment that allows students to explore the historical, cultural, and theoretical frameworks for visual and material culture as a part of the human experience. Art history draws from an interdisciplinary process, and provides a means of assessing the production, circulation, and reception of visual content from past and present cultures. Coursework develops a high level of visual literacy, critical thinking, and research abilities in order to understand and interpret the meaning of visual information, past and present. Courses in the Art History program span a range of inclusive global topics, including art and architecture of the ancient Mediterranean, the global Middle Ages, Early Modern Europe, the Americas, the Islamic world, East Asia, and India. Our faculty are active in their fields of research, and bring their excitement and experience to teaching.

Courses emphasize mastery of the theory and methods of the field, as well as practical skills that are essential to any career in the creative sector. Students who participate in the study of Art History are prepared for a variety of career paths in museums, galleries, non-profit administration, historic and cultural sites, cultural heritage management, auction houses, and publishing companies, as well as outlets that require proficiency in writing, research and analysis. Some continue with advanced graduate study in a variety of disciplines that may lead to careers in teaching, research, and law. Our mission in the Art History program aligns with institutional and College of Architecture, Arts and Design goals: to develop our students as critical thinkers and informed citizens.

Interested in changing your major to Art History? Start here.