Art History

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from BGSU prepares individuals for a variety of careers in the arts and humanities, including continued study in art history graduate programs. Art History is the study of the visual arts, design, and architecture over time. In addition to art history as a major, all students within the School of Art are required to take art history classes. These classes explore the visual cultures of our global world and draw upon a variety of critical theories and methodological approaches to offer students a comprehensive understanding of the contexts of art production, art reception, collecting, exhibition, and publication.  

The Art History Division's relatively intimate size, together with BGSU's commitment to teaching, ensures a strong connection between students and faculty, and offers an opportunity for students to benefit from close faculty attention. Our art history faculty are internationally recognized in their research specializations. These specializations include the history and theory of classical and late antique art and archaeology; renaissance art and visual culture; modern and contemporary art, architecture, design, and photography; and the arts and cultures of Africa and the Caribbean. Given the global breadth of our faculty expertise, the Art History Division offers a revolving curriculum of advanced courses representing every continent with chronological and thematic breadth. 

Students are encouraged to take advantage of BGSU's unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study within the School of Art, other colleges at the University, and through international institutions through our robust study abroad programs. Our students have gone on to prominent careers in the arts, including teaching positions, curatorial, and administrative posts at internationally recognized art institutions. Because the art history program at BGSU is housed in the School of Art and is part of its curriculum, the art history major receives constant exposure to, and has ample opportunity to see and participate in, a variety of art processes.  

Program Requirements