Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Investigate how art shapes the world.
THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART HISTORY delves into an expansive study of visual culture, from fine arts to street art. Majors study monuments, objects and spaces as communicative forms created in response to particular political, social, religious and economic circumstances. Students gain knowledge and learn the skills needed to understand art and archaeology from a range of historical and geographical perspectives. Graduates are prepared for careers in museum work, arts and cultural management, education, research and more.
Students are encouraged to supplement their art historical and archaeological studies with courses in other disciplines, to participate in internships at local museums and galleries and to take advantage of Maryland’s study abroad programs. Students who have completed a minimum of 60 credits may apply to the department’s honors program.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Art History and Archaeology at the University of Maryland is a welcoming community committed to an inclusive approach to visual and material culture within a global context. Internationally recognized faculty prepare students to examine, interpret and evaluate the many facets of our visual culture. Students benefit from the innovative technology and digital approaches offered through the Michelle Smith Collaboratory for Visual Culture, and the department regularly collaborates with leading D.C. metro area art institutions and museum collections to provide students with real-world experience.
COURSEWORK
Art history coursework delves into visual, material and textual expressions of culture and our place within it. Courses cover a range of regions and topics, including Greco-Roman antiquity, archaeology, Asian art and art vital to conversations in America today. Many explore some of the most widely debated issues of our moment, such as art and climate change, the politics of cultural heritage and race and representation. An interdisciplinary and flexible major, students are encouraged to broaden their perspectives by taking courses in supplemental disciplines, participating in internships at cultural institutions and studying abroad.
Career Readiness
The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) offers courses designed to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce, along with integrated and individualized academic and career advising. Alumni continue on to graduate school or forge their careers in a variety of industries and fields. The creative ways to apply your ARHU degree are truly limitless! Here are some placements specific to art history majors.
Internship Placements
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Archaeological sites in Italy and Greece
- Smithsonian Institution
- UMD STAMP Art Gallery
Graduate School Placements
- Drexel University
- Harvard University
- The Institute of Fine Arts, New York University
- Johns Hopkins University
Employer Placements
- The Baltimore Museum of Art
- Brentwood Art Exchange
- Christie’s
- Glenstone Museum
- National Gallery of Art
Course Examples
- Contemporary Chinese Art and Film
- Greek Art and Archaeology
- How (and Why) to Look at Art in the Era of Climate Change
- Leonardo’s World: Art and Experience in Renaissance Italy
- Monuments, Monumentality and the Art of Memorial
Alumni Job Titles
- Art Appraiser
- Communication Manager
- Community Arts Coordinator
- Curator
- Gallery Assistant
- Lawyer
- Peace Corps Volunteer
- Project Manager
- Registrar/Archivist
Requirements
Requirements for the major in art history and archaeology can be found in the Undergraduate Catalogue. They include:
- Three 200-level ARTH courses (9 credits), one of which may be an iSeries course.
- No more than 3 credits from ARTH269 or ARTH289
- Seven 300- and 400-level ARTH courses (21 credits).
- Including at least 3 credits from ARTH488
- No more than 6 credits from ARTH369
- No more than 6 credits from ARTH389 or ARTH489
- One studio art course (ARTT 100 or ARTH110; 3 credits).
- Three supporting-area courses (9 credits).
- Must be upper-level courses from outside the Department of Art History and Archaeology
- Must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies or academic advisor
Students can follow their progress by consulting this ARTH Major Checklist [link to PDF].
Students must meet either with the director of undergraduate studies or undergraduate academic advisor [link] for admission to the major. To schedule an appointment, contact arthadvisor@umd.edu.
Alumni
Our graduates go on to work in a variety of fields that include arts and cultural [heritage] management, education, museum work (curatorial, education, conservation), marketing and communications, human resources, law, medicine and even advanced research. Learn more about their achievements.
Alumni
BOLDLY HUMAN FEARLESSLY CREATIVE
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
When you join the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU), you become part of a supportive and inclusive community committed to solving the world’s grand challenges. ARHU is reimagining an education in the arts and humanities by empowering students to make sense of the world using empathy, creativity and intellectual rigor. Our faculty and staff experts are focused on preparing competitive, versatile and visionary leaders equipped to address the complexities of the human experience. Graduates are purposefully prepared for successful careers and fulfilling lives.