Bachelor of Arts in Art History

University of North Texas

Art historians enhance our understanding of art and its place within society through their research. Studying the art, architecture and material culture produced by diverse world cultures and periods, art historians examine the historical, social and cultural significance art holds for its creators and users.

Why Earn an Art History Degree?

Our commitment to diverse areas of inquiry is reflected in the curriculum, which enables students to experience a range of courses addressing global art history, with a goal to train art historians to have a broad understanding of the historical roots of the visual arts, the contemporary issues addressed by artists and the role of art in a world context. The program seeks to enhance students’ understanding of both contemporary and past visual art forms through innovative uses of technology, research and teaching in the arts, providing continuing opportunities for intellectual development and career growth for students and faculty.

Students who complete a degree in art history through the College of Visual Arts and Design will develop a range of competencies that reflect the standards of the discipline and the pedagogical principles of the faculty. Graduates of the program understand past and contemporary visual art forms and can demonstrate:

• Knowledge of key monuments and objects within a breadth of discrete periods and regions of artistic production
• Know the history and literature of methodologies employed in art history
• Are conversant in the key discourses, themes and issues associated with the global study of art history
• Can employ the specialized vocabulary of the discipline
• Implement a successful research program/project analyzing works of art using one or more methodologies

The competencies reflect the diverse teaching and research areas of the faculty as well as their commitment to preparing undergraduates for future graduate study in art history.