Art History

The Art History program emphasizes the study of visual art as a means of understanding the intellectual and cultural history of humanity.

The program provides a firm grounding in global art history within the context of a liberal arts education. Undergraduate work covers the broad range of art history leading towards graduate work for the M.A. and the Ph.D. degrees, organized into two major concentrations: Art History and Arts of the Americas. The curriculum in each area of concentration is nationally and internationally recognized. 

Art History Degrees

several art historians interacting with an ancient piece of art
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Our program provides a firm grounding in art history and covers a geographical and chronological range of art history. Skills acquired through an art history degree include strong writing and critical thinking skills, as well as a refined sense of looking critically at the visual world around us. Art history majors go on to variety of careers in teaching, museums, arts administration, law among others.

Our Master’s level graduate program allows a student to deepen their knowledge of art history through a chronological range of courses, and the introduction of essential art historical methodology and theories. The degree also requires the successful presentation of a research paper, proficiency in one language other than English, and a thesis paper written under the supervision of one of our faculty members.

Through our PhD program students gain a general mastery in the discipline of art history, a comprehensive knowledge of their chosen field of specialization, and an ability to conduct original research. In addition to coursework the degree requires, the successful presentation of a research paper, proficiency in two languages other than English, and a dissertation written under the supervision of one of our faculty members.

Areas of Faculty Expertise include:  

  • Art and Architecture of the Ancient Americas 
  • Medieval and Byzantine Art and Architecture 
  • Mediterranean Art  
  • Native North American Art 
  • Ibero-American Colonial Art and Architecture 
  • American Art 
  • African American Art   
  • Nineteenth-Century Latin American Art
  • Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art  
  • Chicana/o and Latinx Art 
  • History of Prints 
  • History of Photography 
  • European and American Modern Art 
  • American and European Contemporary Art 
  • History of Design 

Art History Gallery

Art History Faculty