Special courses in museum and exhibition practices, in writing and research, and in the effects of cultural contact, migrations, and globalization on artistic traditions are offered to art history majors. Students are urged to study abroad and often take advantage of programs in Europe, Africa, Australia, and elsewhere around the globe.
Degree Requirements
Art history students are required to complete 42-43 credits in the art history subject area, including a capstone seminar. Additional studio and general education requirements are outlined below.
For a complete list of credit requirements, visit the course catalog.
Core Classes
ART 105 | Professions in Art History
ART 210 | History of Western Art I
ART 211 | History of Western Art II
ART 215 | Art Across Borders
ART 216 | Introduction to Non-Western Art
ART 367 | Museum and Exhibition Practices
ART 492 | Seminar in Art History
ART 493 | Internship
Electives
Art History Elective at 200, 300, or 400 level
5–6 credits of Studio courses
12 Credits at 300 or 400 Level
Majors are strongly recommended to take a foreign language for at least two semesters and to take courses in CIN, DRA, and HLM.
Additional Requirements
WRT 111 | Academic Writings II
Information Technology (CS 110 recommended)
AUCC | Other Cultures
AUCS | Social Science
AUCT | Science/Technology
AUCW | Western Heritage
Mathematics (M 110 or 112 or 114 or 116)
Humanities and Arts (HIS 100 or 101 required; others can be taken from CIN, DRA, ENG, FR, GER, HIS, ITA, JS or SPA)
9 credits of Additional Humanities
Social Science (EC, POL, PSY or SOC)
Laboratory Science (BIO, CH, PHY or SCI)
Career Ready
Art historians are trained in clear expository writing and critical thinking. They are good researchers and usually have a creative flair.
With these qualities and skills, graduates pursue a variety of careers, including teaching, museum work, archeology, gallery direction, interior design, art conservation, and supervision of visual resource collections. They are also welcome in most business settings and are prepared to enter graduate school in disciplines as diverse as environmental studies or law.
Art History
History and Philosophy
Art History
History and Philosophy
Norell Ferguson
BA Art History, 2013
Norell completed a graduate thesis, Across Traditions, about how architecture and design impact faith, spirituality, and interfaith relations. One of her first professional projects was to begin planning an art program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
“The Hartford Art School was instrumental in teaching me how to work hard, think critically, ask the right questions, and effectively communicate my ideas. As I grow as a designer, I hope to continue to explore the important role of art in architecture, design, and human wellbeing.”