Students sitting and looking at scenery in Italy.

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

View Average Salaries

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.

Required courses

A group of people looking at art on a wall.

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.

BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

The Art History program is part of the School of Art in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.   

Updated: 08/07/2024 01:54PM