Art History Major
Art History is the study of art objects, their history, and their cultural context. It is a major within Arts & Humanities.
Art History is the study of visual art objects—paintings, sculptures, photographs, architecture, and other forms—along with their history and the cultural contexts in which they were created. The major asks questions like: Who made this work, and why? What did it mean to people at the time it was made? How do artistic styles change across time and place? Students develop skills in looking carefully at images, reading and interpreting visual evidence, understanding historical periods, and communicating their ideas clearly both in writing and discussion.
Students drawn to Art History typically enjoy visual thinking and are curious about human creativity across different cultures and time periods. The major usually begins with foundational courses that survey art from various regions and historical eras, helping students build a broad knowledge base and learn core analytical methods. As students progress, they take more specialized courses focused on particular periods, movements, regions, or media, often conducting deeper research and developing their own interpretations of artworks and their significance.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Art History program commonly includes topics such as:
- Survey of Western art
- Non-Western art
- Modern and contemporary art
- Museum studies
- Visual analysis
- Research methods
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Art History is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Art History background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Museum educator
- Gallery assistant
- Archivist
- Arts administrator
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Art History major?
Art History is the study of art objects, their history, and their cultural context. It is part of arts & humanities, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Art History majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as survey of western art, non-western art, modern and contemporary art, museum studies, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Art History major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as museum educator, gallery assistant, archivist. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Art History offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.