What is Art History?
Art history explores how visual art across cultures, time periods and media, reflects and shapes human experience. As an art history major, you will gain a broad understanding of world art, study Western and global traditions in-depth and engage with historiography and professional practices of the field. Through lecture and seminar coursework, you will develop a sophisticated lens for interpreting images, objects and built environments. The art history track builds strong analytical and cultural literacy skills that prepare you for future careers in museums, academics, teaching, arts management, further graduate study and more.
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- Students will develop and implement a broad art historical vocabulary to discuss a diversity of media, art-making techniques and processes, and formal and theoretical analysis and interpretation.
- Students will develop a working knowledge of diverse periods and cultures and their major monuments, artists and themes.
- Students will be able to assess and utilize primary and secondary sources for use in original research.
- Students will be able to understand and identify major theoretical and methodological trends in art production and art historiography.
- Students will demonstrate excellence in scholarly and critical writing and in oral and digital presentation skills.
What Can You Do With an Art History Degree?
Coursework in lecture and seminar format allows students to engage a diversity of cultures, time periods and media. Courses augment studio practice, but the B.A. in Visual Arts - Art History Track offers a path to professionalization in a multitude of art careers.
- Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Interior Designer
- Curator
- Corporate Publication Writer
- Cultural Organization Manager
- Project Manager
- Elementary & Middle School Teacher
- Postsecondary Teacher
- Librarian
- Archivist
- Editor
- Grant Writer
- Museum Director
- Denver Art Museum
- Monroe County History Center
- Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University
- University of Wyoming Art Museum
- Laramie Main Street Alliance
Art history majors can pursue graduate programs in art history, museum studies, arts administration, conservation or curatorial studies. They’re also well-prepared for fields like law, education, library science and cultural studies.
Through this program, students gain valuable skills in critical thinking, research, visual analysis and clear communication. They develop cultural awareness, attention to detail and project management abilities many employers find useful in professional fields.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my two years at the UW's Art History Department, and have fond memories of my classmates and professors. The classes were well-developed and rigorous, encouraging me to think outside the box and think critically about the class material. The expected high standards regarding written papers and presentations prepared me exceptionally well for the graduate program in which I am currently enrolled. The internship I participated in under the guidance of Dr. Rachel Sailor was influential in my decision to pursue a career in archives. The Art History program at UW is excellent, and one which I happily recommend to prospective students."
- Margaret Solie | Class of 2020
