Art: Art History
Major, Minor
Program Overview
The history of art is a fascinating look into the cultures of the world. Studying Michelangelo's masterpieces, Picasso's cubist paintings or ancient Assyrian frescoes can help you learn to observe, analyze, teach and write about the intersection of art, history and culture. You'll be prepared for careers in museum curation and administration, archaeology, teaching and more.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
Are you fascinated by historical art, such as the pyramids of Egypt or Renaissance frescoes in the Sistine Chapel? As an art history student you'll study works from the beginning of civilization through the 21st century. You'll become familiar with methodologies for observing, analyzing, teaching and writing about art history.
In our National Association of Schools of Art and Design-accredited program, you'll learn from accomplished faculty in small classroom settings. You can also customize your curriculum around a particular area. Are you intrigued by icons of the Middle Ages? How about East Asian scroll paintings? A focus can help differentiate yourself on the job market and for graduate programs.
You'll also have the chance to engage art firsthand through regular visits to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Our department offers an annual visit to the Art Institute of Chicago as well. And you can study abroad for a semester for an immersive cultural experience.
You'll be prepared for careers in museum curation and administration, archaeology, teaching and more. You'll also be prepared to pursue competitive graduate programs for careers in academia and research.
Program Highlights
As an art history student here, you'll:
- Develop a strong foundation in observing, analyzing, teaching and writing about various works of art.
- Have the opportunity to study abroad for an immersive cultural experience for a semester.
- Participate in regular trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology in addition to an annual trip to the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Join a department that supports cultural diversity and global awareness.
- Customize your curriculum based on your historical and artistic interests.
- Learn how to use digital modeling and 3D rendering technologies for research.
Careers & Outcomes
Our art history students can pursue a number of meaningful and engaging careers as teachers, museum curators, museum directors and more. And those interested in pursuing academic or research positions (art historian, archeologist, etc.) are prepared for competitive graduate programs.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Curator/Museum Director | $60,380 |
| Historian | $64,540 |
| Anthropologist/Archeologist | $61,910 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | $47,270 |
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