After Pacific | The art history program trains students to think analytically and to effectively communicate as scholars and acquire problem-solving techniques that are invaluable to employers. Our graduates work in museums, galleries, art-related nonprofit organizations and as teachers.

Art History Student Learning Outcomes:

1.   perform critical and creative thinking skills, generating new ideas
2.   demonstrate oral, written, and visual communication skills
3.   apply problem-solving techniques
4.   demonstrate the ability to work effectively individually and collaboratively
5.   engage in analysis and interpretation using independent thinking
6.   perform research and synthesis of materials and ideas
7.   appreciate and interact with visual culture

Art History Program Purpose

The discipline of Art History is central to a liberal arts education because it unites the visual arts with numerous fields in the humanities, such as history, politics, religious studies, philosophy, anthropology, archeology, sociology, gender studies, and literature. As such, art history is interdisciplinary and will enrich the life of any student regardless of major.

What is the Study of Art History?

Art history is the study of visual culture in its historical and theoretical contexts. It goes beyond merely studying artistic styles and aesthetic theories to exploring a variety of cultures, geographic areas, and time periods, in both western and non-western art, as well as a variety of broad thematic issues to present art history within a global perspective. Through the study of art history, the student can realize the impact of visual culture on the formation of human values, beliefs, creativity, and identity in diverse civilizations as well as for oneself in contemporary society.

Why Study Art History?

Students who major in art history or take art history classes develop skills that enhance their achievements as students and scholars and cultivate skills that are highly valued by employers. These skills include: critical and creative thinking; oral, written, and visual communication skills; problem-solving techniques; the ability to work effectively individually and collaboratively; ability to analyze and interpret using independent thinking; and research and synthesis.

The study of art history also inspires students to interact with their visual culture and community through the visitation of local galleries, museums, and art shows, as well as traveling abroad to pursue that interaction with other global communities. The study of art history prepares students for advanced degrees in graduate school as well as employment in galleries, museums, arts administration, art criticism, nonprofit organizations, art centers and institutions, conservation, archivist, and art education, depending on their skills and experience.

Students who are considering graduate work in art history are encouraged to study a foreign language beyond the 102 level. Students who are interested in the field of art conservation may wish to pursue a Chemistry minor.