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Art History (B.A.)

Because ideas and information are frequently communicated through visual images, learning to read art and architecture as texts of past and contemporary cultures opens a deeper understanding of our world. As an art history major, you'll be part of a dynamic program that offers a variety of approaches, including the study of thematic development, theory, criticism, media, and techniques. You may also select a concentration in architecture, which gives an in-depth study of topics ranging from architectural theory to city planning.

Thanks to the generosity of the W. M. Keck Foundation, our art history technology classroom is transforming the way our students learn and our faculty teach. A suite of high-end Apple Macintosh computers, large format monitors, state-of-the-art projection technology, and impressive image software make this visually intensive classroom a breakthrough in art history education. We also maintain a subscription to the ARTStor digital library and have developed an internal database of more than 23,000 digital images.

You’ll have an opportunity to apply and expand your knowledge during internships with museums and galleries, ranging from our own Handwerker Gallery on campus to experiences in museums abroad. Our graduates have gone on to a variety of careers, including museum and gallery administration, education, publishing, advertising, graphic design, architecture, and historic preservation.