Art History, BA

A major in art history will equip you to analyze works of visual art, from prehistory to the latter half of the 20th century, in a historical context.

Our program combines the study of the History of Art and architecture with coursework in archeology, cultural anthropology, religious studies, and modern languages. By developing your critical skills in writing and visual analysis, we will prepare you for graduate study in art history, curatorial studies, or other related fields.

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Curriculum

Art History, BA + Single Subject Teaching Credential

Earn an Art History, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!

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Program Requirements

A major in Art History equips students to interpret works of visual art, architecture, and material culture from antiquity to the contemporary world. Our interdisciplinary program combines the study of art and architecture with coursework in archaeology, cultural anthropology, religious studies, museum studies, and modern languages. In addition to developing strong skills in visual analysis, research, and writing, students have the unique opportunity to pursue specialized coursework in art conservation, museum studies, museum management, art valuation, and auction house practices, acquiring specialized skills for graduate study as well as careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, cultural organizations, and related fields.

Learning Outcomes

PLO 1: Recognize practices unique to the process of artmaking and means of production across a variety of media.
PLO 2: Synthesize knowledge of artistic expression, museum practice, and professional standards in both critical writing and applied contexts, including exhibitions, collections care, and institutional frameworks.
PLO 3: Identify major works of art across global cultures and historical periods and their significance in the production of culture.
PLO 4: Analyze artworks and cultural objects in appropriate critical, historical, and/or museological contexts.
PLO 5: Apply scholarly and professional research tools—including archival research, provenance study, and historiographic analysis—in the production of art historical writing and analysis, culminating in a comprehensive written thesis or applied research project.

Requirements

Lower Division

The following lower-division courses are required for the major.

Western Art Survey (4 units)
Non-Western Art Survey (4 units)
Art Theory (3 units)

Lower-division Elective

Choose one of the following courses:

Intro to Archaeology (4 units)
Introduction to Studio Art (4 units)
Basic Design (4 units)
Digital Photography (4 units)
Digital Foundations (4 units)
Designing for the Web (4 units)
Introduction to Printmaking (4 units)
Screenprinting for the Communi (3 units)

Upper-division Art History

The following upper-division courses are required for the major.

Senior Thesis (1 units)
The Silk Road (4 units)
Arts of Africa (4 units)
Arts of the Americas (4 units)
Islamic Art (4 units)
East Asian Art (4 units)
Museums and the Construction (4 units)
Medieval Art (4 units)
Renaissance Art (4 units)
Baroque Art (4 units)
Women in Art (4 units)
Issues in American Contemp Art (4 units)
Issues in Modern Art (4 units)

Upper-division Art Elective

Choose at least one from the following ART courses:

3D Animation (4 units)
Advanced Painting (4 units)
Experimental Photography (4 units)
Advanced Design (4 units)
Experimental Film/Video (4 units)
Advanced Screenprinting (4 units)
Interdisciplinary Arts (4 units)
Media Archaeology (4 units)
Artist's Bookmaking (4 units)

Upper-division Art History Electives

Take at least 10 units from the following. Relevant courses in other departments may be petitioned to count as part of this requirement as electives for the Major.

History of Media Art (4 units)
Art Criticism, 1900-Present (4 units)
Art Since 1930 (4 units)
Seminar Theory & Pract of Art (4 units)
Topics in Art Management (3-4 units)
Art Conservation & Restoration (4 units)
Art Conservation & Restoration (1 units)
Academic Internship in Art His (1-2 units)
Art History Independent Study (1-4 units)
Museum Studies (4 units)
Introduction to Curating (4 units)
Visual Theology (3 units)

All Art History Courses

Introduction to World Art (4 units)
Introduction to Art & Artifact (4 units)
Intro to Art & Artifact Lab
Middle Eastern Cinema (1 units)
Iranian Cinema (1 units)
Golden Years of the Japanese C (1 units)
Western Art Survey (4 units)
Non-Western Art Survey (4 units)
Film as Art (4 units)
Art Theory (3 units)
AH Elective (1-5 units)
Women in Art (4 units)
History of Media Art (4 units)
Art Criticism, 1900-Present (4 units)
Art Since 1930 (4 units)
The Silk Road (4 units)
Arts of Africa (4 units)
Arts of the Americas (4 units)
Islamic Art (4 units)
East Asian Art (4 units)
Museums and the Construction (4 units)
Medieval Art (4 units)
Renaissance Art (4 units)
Baroque Art (4 units)
Issues in American Contemp Art (4 units)
Issues in Modern Art (4 units)
Film Theory and Criticism (4 units)
Art Conservation & Restoration (4 units)
Art Conservation & Restoration (1 units)
Seminar Theory & Pract of Art (4 units)
Topics in Art Management (3-4 units)
Applied Research: Community (1 units)
AH UD Elective (1-5 units)
Applied Research Community Svc (1-2 units)
Academic Internship in Art His (1-2 units)
Senior Thesis (1 units)
Art History Independent Study (1-4 units)
Honors Capstone (1-4 units)

What can you do with a degree in Art History?

A degree in Art History provides students with a strong foundation in skills applicable to a wide variety of professions.
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study).

Museum Curator
Research, acquire, and interpret artworks for exhibitions that connect audiences with cultural history.

Art Historian or Researcher
Analyze artistic movements, styles, and contexts, contributing to scholarship and academic discourse.

Archivist or Collections Manager
Preserve, organize, and manage historical records and art collections for institutions and archives.

Gallery or Museum Coordinator
Plan exhibitions, manage logistics, and support artists and curators in showcasing visual works.

Art Dealer or Auction Specialist
Evaluate, acquire, and sell artworks for galleries, private collectors, or international auction houses.

Art Conservation Specialist
reserve and restore artwork and artifacts using scientific and historical methods.

Journalist or Arts Writer
Write about art, design, and culture for magazines, newspapers, or digital platforms.

Art Educator
Teach art history and visual culture in schools, universities, or museum education programs.

Cultural Heritage Consultant
Advise governments, nonprofits, or private clients on the preservation and interpretation of cultural sites and artifacts.