Pursue an Art History Degree To Study Global Art, Design and Architecture

The Bachelor of Art (B.A.) degree in Art with a concentration in Art History provides both a strong foundation and advanced courses in art history and visual culture, as well as a variety of liberal arts electives and the study of a foreign language. Students are expected to discuss their programs of study, including electives, with assigned success advisors.

In the Art History concentration, students learn how to articulate and express their ideas about art while developing research and writing skills as tools for communicating about art. Art history students research art and visual culture in depth and may pursue graduate study in art history or related fields. Many students complete internships at galleries and museums throughout the country.

Art History Courses & Curriculum

View Courses & Curriculum in the Official Academic Catalog

To reflect the breadth and variety of art and visual culture, the Art History concentration offers a diverse, comprehensive curriculum in the history of world cultures. Students pursuing a unique specific interest in art’s historical and cultural contexts are encouraged to explore Study Abroad programs offered through the Office of Global Opportunities.

Careers in Art History

The B.A. in Art with a concentration in Art History prepares students to work in fields related to art history or undertake graduate work at the master’s level before proceeding on to the Ph.D., which is the terminal degree in art history.

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
• Insurance underwriters, adjusters

• 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.

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.

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!