Art History provides skills in analyzing and interpreting art in relation to its historical and cultural contexts. Students learn how art acquires and conveys meaning by exploring the interactions among artists, objects, patrons, and society at large across a broad spectrum of media, cultures, and periods. Unlike art history programs at other colleges, the curriculum at Columbia College Chicago emphasizes fields of study outside the traditional canon of western art history. Our students specialize in one of four areas - modern and contemporary art, history of design, history of photography, and global art. These areas provide exciting perspectives on our visual and cultural environment and reflect the inclusive and interdisciplinary nature of art and art history today.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• describe, analyze, and interpret artworks and other cultural objects;
• write well-constructed essays using the terms and critical concepts of art history and visual culture studies;
• practice effective research skills, including evaluating research sources, using electronic databases and primary source archives;
• create projects that engage with art history and visual culture through innovative formats that involve collaborative and interdisciplinary processes; and
• write and present original scholarship that is appropriate for submission for publication or as a writing sample in applications to graduate programs, internships, fellowships, and jobs in the field.

Training in art history prepares students for a wide variety of professional opportunities or for further graduate study. Graduates with a B.A. in Art History typically pursue art-related careers in museums and art galleries, art criticism and publishing, arts management, and cultural advocacy.

A grade of “C” or better is required in all major coursework.

For students who have already earned a Bachelors degree in another field, the Second Bachelor of Arts in Art History is available.

Program Requirements  

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