The Art History program is part of the School of Art in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.   

art students drawing in Florence, Italy
  • Minor Available
  • Bachelors Available
  • Masters Available
  • Minor Available
  • Bachelors Available
  • Masters Available

Art History

The Art History major investigates how individuals and communities use the visual arts to express their identities, beliefs and creative ideas across time and cultures. Art History classes draw upon a variety of critical theories and methodological approaches to offer students a comprehensive understanding of the contexts of art production, art reception, collection, exhibition, and publication.

Quality classroom experiences

The art history division is relatively small in size, offering the opportunity for students to benefit from close faculty attention. The diverse research specializations of our faculty enable the art history unit to offer a revolving curriculum of advanced courses representing every continent with chronological and thematic breadth and encourages interdisciplinary study. Because the art history program is housed within the School of Art, students can experience art first-hand, from its creation in the BGSU art studios through its exhibition in the School’s art galleries. Students also have access to collections and image resources through BGSU’s Jerome Library, ARTstor, and OhioLINK.

Stand Out in courses like

  • Art History
  • Methods & Theory
  • Professional Practices
  • Survey of World Art
  • Western Art

Curriculum

A bachelor’s degree in art history provides a solid foundation in the history of the visual arts. Students in the program begin their studies with four core courses, including History of Western Art, World Art, and Methods and Theory. Students also participate in an art studio course to gain practical knowledge of the terms, media and principles used in artistic production. At the upper level, students take ten art history courses offered in the following areas of study: ancient, early modern, modern and contemporary, and world art. Study abroad programs are available in Florence, Italy; Ghana, West Africa; and Bali, Indonesia.

Art History study abroad programs are available in Florence, Italy; Ghana, West Africa; and Bali, Indonesia.

Internships and Careers

Museums and galleries throughout the region offer the possibility of student internships. While careers in art history usually require training beyond a bachelor’s degree, the B.A. in art history prepares individuals for graduate work or for careers in the arts and humanities.

Go Far in your career

  • Art Dealing
  • Art Law
  • Art Restoration
  • Education
  • Libraries
  • Museums
  • Nonprofit Administration

BGSU Arts and Sciences white

The Art History program is part of the School of Art in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.   

Admissions Information

Prospective students are encouraged to take general art classes in high school. A solid background in history and the humanities is essential. Because a knowledge of languages is often necessary for reading scholarly works in the field, students are advised to begin their language training in high school.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in art history will be able to:

  • Demonstrate basic technical abilities within studio media and/or scholarly abilities within art;
  • Engage in and apply scholarly and/or creative research in visual, written and oral context;
  • Apply knowledge of art history, criticism, and theory to chosen field of study;
  • Demonstrate the ability to contextualize art experience within chosen field of study.

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The art history program does not lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Art History program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Updated: 03/04/2021 03:55PM