
About the Program
Explore the artistic legacies of historical periods, regions and cultural traditions worldwide. In Art History, you will immerse yourself in the study of production, reception and experience of art, architecture, design, mass media and other artifacts. Our program provides the flexibility to choose electives in a series of disciplines to shape your degree to your career goals.
The Polytechnic Approach
Walk among real works of art and learn the duties of a curator at the Kellogg and Huntley Art Galleries right on campus. Intern with local museums or libraries. Catalog, caption, archive, document and maintain crucial art information. Complement your art history studies with a selection of foreign languages, business courses, humanities and more to prepare for your dream career in an exhilarating and global field.
Career Outcomes
Courses
In the Art History program, you will delve into the study of visual and material culture across diverse periods, regions, and cultural traditions. Explore art, architecture, design and mass media, gaining insights into the production, reception, and impact of various artifacts. The curriculum includes a wide range of courses, such as “Contemporary Art,” “Medieval Art,” “Japanese Art” and “Art and Architecture of India,” allowing you to engage with significant works and interpret their social and cultural functions. Emphasizing verbal and written communication, critical thinking and research, the program equips you with essential skills for analyzing visual culture and preparing for various career paths. The faculty offers personalized guidance, helping students tailor their studies and choose electives or minors that align with their career goals. Through a combination of comprehensive coursework and focused advising, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in art history and related fields.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Art Department Scholarship for Diverse Voices
The Art Department Scholarship for Diverse Voices was established in 2020 to increase accessibility for students from diverse and/or socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing studies in Art, Art History or Visual Communication Design. The goal is to increase the diversity and inclusive culture within the department.

Featured Faculty
Dr. Karlyn Griffith's research focuses on the interplay of sacred and secular visual imagery in medieval culture and the reuse of Roman and early medieval materials in medieval architecture.Karlyn Griffith Associate Professor, Art History