The Bachelor of Arts in Art History trains you to analyze, understand and write about art in a variety of historical environments and cultures. Our program is differentiated by giving you hands-on experience with our special collections of medieval and African art as well as opportunities to curate your own exhibits on campus. You'll be well-equipped to work as a teacher, museum curator, exhibition manager for private collectors and much more.
Art History B.A. Degree
Pursue an Art History Degree To Study Global Art, Design and Architecture
The Art History Program at Ohio University makes an important contribution to the School of Art + Design, by training students to analyze and interpret visual and material culture.
The Art History Program in the School of Art + Design is located in the same school as studio and design practice. Working alongside peers in studio and design, students in Art History are gaining an additional dimension in understanding, especially in the matters of artistic conception and design practice.
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B.A. in Art History | Honors Tutorial College
The Honors Tutorial program in Art History provides students with the opportunity to take individual, one-to-one tutorials and write an academic thesis as a capstone project. Acceptance comes with a tuition scholarship for incoming freshmen. Visit the Honors Tutorial College to learn how to apply.
Careers in Art History
Art history students learn to analyze, interpret, and write about the visual arts. Graduates of the program find employment in museums, galleries, non-profits, publishing, and K-12 education. Art history majors are prepared to enter graduate programs in the liberal arts, business, and law school. You could work in art history jobs for corporations, individual art collections, arts administrators, or schools in roles such as:
- Museum and Gallery Curator
- Librarian
- Historian
- Art authenticator
- Artist
- Art critic
- Publisher
- Designer
- Art journalist
- Gallery manager
- Teacher
- Appraisal and Conservation
- Auctioneer
Post-Grad Opportunities for Art History Majors
An art history degree, especially from OHIO, also is a versatile credential where you’ll be prepared for graduate study in the history of art or professional programs that require a liberal arts education, law, business, administration and K-12 teaching.
If you know you want to go to grad school, consider OHIO’s accelerated pacing art history + master’s pathways. For instance, you can earn an M.Ed. with a 4+1 program, earning both an Art History bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education in Art Education on your path toward teaching. Or you can earn a Master of Arts in Art History at an accelerated pace, spending just one year on your master’s by taking classes in the summer.
Get Hands-On Experience With Your Art History Degree
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Develop Collaborative Projects With CoArts
Art history majors have the opportunity to work with CoArts, a collaborative venture that focuses on community development projects. With CoArts, art history students will develop experiential and place-based learning opportunities and participate in community improvement. Previous projects where students made an impact include the Appalachian Recovery Project and the Mt. Zion Preservation Project.
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Work at the OHIO Art Galleries
Ohio University maintains its own art galleries, which host up to five exhibitions per year. Our history students can work at the OHIO Art Galleries to gain valuable experience (which looks great on the resumes of future art curators or historians). Furthermore, your thesis exhibition might be displayed in one of these very galleries!
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Study Art History Abroad
Like to travel and broaden your horizons? Ohio University lets you do just that while completing your art history degree program by studying abroad. Specifically, you can visit London and Edinburgh over four weeks in your summer semester or explore art in London during the winter season. Your faculty and success advisor can help you plan your trip and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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Represent Ohio University as an Art Ambassador
Want to make a difference for the School of Art + Design or hone your leadership skills? Become an OHIO Art Ambassador, which lets you earn learning credits for assisting with fundraisers, planning and executing tours for prospective art students, and (of course) attending exhibitions and receptions. It’s the perfect work experience and social opportunity for full-time School of Art + Design students.
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Attend Events To Connect With Visiting Artists
Ohio University hosts a variety of important events and artist visits. Previous guests have included Jerome Harris, Roxanne Jackson, and Kris Grey. You can attend many of these events during your time at Ohio University, and they may provide you with valuable insight into your major and open your mind to new forms of art or new perspectives you never imagined.
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Introduction to Medieval Manuscripts
At Ohio University, you can get first-hand practice handling and analyzing medieval manuscript materials rather than looking at them on display behind glass.
Explore Art in London
Art History majors have the opportunity to study abroad in England and explore London's rich and diverse art world and culture.
Why Choose an Art History Degree?
Art history goes beyond studying singular works. It’s the study of the cultures and personalities that contributed to the creation of icons we still experience and enjoy to this day. It’s a multidisciplinary subject, incorporating elements of history, psychology, artistic techniques and foreign language.
Many students pursue an art history degree after taking an AP Art History course in high school or after taking an art history course as an undergraduate student. They experience an intellectual pull to learn more about a specific period in history or how art has shifted and changed with time (and a culture’s art often serves as an apt metaphor for the evolution of the culture itself). There’s perhaps no better way to appreciate the best art than by learning where it comes from.
Even better, you can then share your newfound understanding with others as an educator, museum worker and more. A B.A. in art history equips you to enlighten others as to the meaning and value of art — there’s no greater joy than empowering others to appreciate your favorite pieces, artists or styles.
Student Support Resources for Art History Majors
Supporting our students is the most important thing we do at Ohio University. This extends from dedicated success advisors, which are assigned to every student, to faculty support. Art history majors can turn to their professors for assistance with projects, help finding internships and even one-on-one mentoring to ensure they understand each class topic before proceeding.
The School of Arts + Design also offers financial aid and scholarship resources. Examples include the Fine Arts Talent Award (FATA) and the Fine Arts Talent Enhancement Award (FATEA), which are provided to students based on the strength of their application portfolios.
Art History Faculty
The Art History faculty are dedicated to teaching and mentoring their students. They, and their students, have received a number of professional accolades, including research grants, speaker invitations, and teaching awards.
If you’d like more information on the Art History program, reach out to Professor Charles Buchanan.
Charles S. Buchanan
Associate Professor
(740) 593-9413
buchanac@ohio.edu
Professor of Interdisciplinary Arts, Art History
Interdisciplinary Arts
Professor, Art History, Director School of Interdisciplinary Arts
Art + Design
Interdisciplinary Arts
The OHIO Experience for Art History Majors
Art history majors at Ohio University don’t just learn about art; they live it. Opportunities to volunteer at galleries, produce works for display, and participate in showcases expose our students to every unique facet of this fascinating industry, effectively preparing them to work in a variety of careers.
Ohio University is also a unique place to study for an art history degree because of its culture. Tucked into a small community surrounded by green and nature, there’s a spirit of artistic exploration and acceptance that’s tough to replicate elsewhere. We offer a place where you can refine your love and understanding of art, as well as a school that will prepare you for a successful career!