Major: Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
It doesn't matter whether you're standing in front of a prehistoric cave painting or inside a present-day art installation that uses interactive video and sound. As a student of art history, you'll look at how the artist has used color, line, form, space, light, and shadow to communicate an idea or emotion. Your classes will cover such topics as the theory of art, the study of specific periods and styles of art, research methods, and conservation techniques.
Archaeology, anthropology, literary criticism, philosophy, and history will all play a role in your studies. You'll learn to use the tools of these fields to see art alongside the history and culture of the artist.
Students of art history, criticism, and conservation learn about the history of art, the interpretation of works of art, and the care and conservation (protection) of artworks.
“Through art history, I can find out how art reflects, and affects, the people of its time period.”
Katie, senior, art history, Ohio State University
Are You Ready To...?
- Memorize images, names, dates, and places
- Build your vocabulary to better describe works of art
- Read and write a lot about art
- Conduct library and museum research
- Pursue a graduate degree if you want to work in a museum
It Helps to Be...
Interested in visual arts and architecture, museums and galleries, travel, and other cultures.
College Checklist
- Will you be able to complete an internship at a museum, gallery, or historic site?
- Does the library have a large collection of books on art, slides, digital images, and other tools of the trade?
- Does the university have a good collection of original art? Are there nearby museums?
- What are the faculty’s interests? If you have a special interest in the art of India, for example, look for a professor who shares your interests and can guide you through your studies.
“I applied for a grant from the art history department and they gave me $3,000 to travel over the summer and do some research. I got to go all over Europe.”
Min, senior, urban studies and art history,
University of Pennsylvania
Course Spotlight
As a senior in art history, you'll probably take one or more seminar courses. You'll meet with a small group of students and a professor to investigate a specific topic, such as the landscapes of French impressionist Claude Monet. You might visit local museums to see Monet’s paintings. Your reading could include archival material, such as reviews and newspaper articles from the 1880s. Finally, you may get the chance to show off your knowledge in a research paper of twenty pages or more.
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