Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Masters
Minor
Art History
The Art History major investigates how individuals and communities use the visual arts to express their identities, beliefs and creative ideas across time and cultures. Art History classes draw upon a variety of critical theories and methodological approaches to offer students a comprehensive understanding of the contexts of art production, art reception, collection, exhibition, and publication.
Quality classroom experiences
The art history division is relatively small in size, offering the opportunity for students to benefit from close faculty attention. The diverse research specializations of our faculty enable the art history unit to offer a revolving curriculum of advanced courses representing every continent with chronological and thematic breadth and encourages interdisciplinary study. Because the art history program is housed within the School of Art, students can experience art first-hand, from its creation in the BGSU art studios through its exhibition in the School’s art galleries. Students also have access to collections and image resources through BGSU’s Jerome Library, ARTstor, and OhioLINK.
Art History study abroad programs are available in Florence, Italy; Ghana, West Africa; and Bali, Indonesia
Career - what can you do with an art history degree?
Careers in art history usually require training beyond a bachelor’s degree, the B.A. in art history prepares individuals for graduate work or for careers in the arts and humanities.
Career paths
- Art Dealing
- Art Law
- Art Restoration
- Education
- Libraries
- Museums
- Nonprofit Administration
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Internships
Museums and galleries throughout the region offer the possibility of student internships.
Curriculum
A bachelor’s degree in art history provides a solid foundation in the history of the visual arts. Students in the program begin their studies with four core courses, including History of Western Art, World Art, and Methods and Theory. Students also participate in an art studio course to gain practical knowledge of the terms, media and principles used in artistic production. At the upper level, students take ten art history courses offered in the following areas of study: ancient, early modern, modern and contemporary, and world art. Study abroad programs are available in Florence, Italy; Ghana, West Africa; and Bali, Indonesia.
Sample courses
- Art History
- Methods & Theory
- Professional Practices
- Survey of World Art
- Western Art
Admissions Information
Prospective students are encouraged to take general art classes in high school. A solid background in history and the humanities is essential. Because a knowledge of languages is often necessary for reading scholarly works in the field, students are advised to begin their language training in high school.
The Art History program is part of the School of Art in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
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Accreditation
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022-2023, with our next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2032-2033. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
Updated: 08/07/2024 01:54PM