Art History (BA)

The BA degree in Art History provides students with an understanding of the importance of the visual arts to society and culture through the study of historic and contemporary artists, art movements, and styles. Art History teaches students to critically analyze visual images in their original social and political context; the emphasis on visual literacy and critical thinking are especially valuable today. This degree can lead to professional employment in art museums and galleries, art publishing houses, and other areas of art services. The degree will also prepare students for advanced, graduate-level art history studies.

About This Major

Important information about this major:

• 3.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all art foundation or art major courses with no individual course grades lower than a "C".
• No more than 6 semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Additional fees are required throughout the art program for materials.
• KINA Activity courses can NOT be used to fulfill general elective credit requirements.

Institutional Degree Requirements

The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU baccalaureate degrees. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.

• 120 semester hours minimum.
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
• 40 upper-division credits (an alternative credit limit applies to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree).
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education, and internships, cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. A maximum of 15 of the 30 credits may be for cooperative education, internships, and practica.
• Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
• Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Degree Requirements.
• The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.

Essential Learning Requirements

(31 semester hours)

• English 1:
  • ENGL 111: English Composition I-GTCO1 (3 semester hours)
  • ENGL 112: English Composition II-GTCO2 (3 semester hours)
• Mathematics 1:
  • MATH 110: Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 (3 semester hours)
• History:
  • Select one History course (3 semester hours)
• Humanities:
  • Select one Humanities course (3 semester hours)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences:
  • Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course (3 semester hours)
  • Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course (3 semester hours)
• Fine Arts:
  • Select one Fine Arts course (3 semester hours)
• Natural Sciences 2:
  • Select one Natural Sciences course with a lab (4 semester hours)
  • Select one Natural Sciences course (3 semester hours)

Other Lower Division Requirements

• Wellness Requirement:
  • KINE 100: Health and Wellness (1 semester hour)
  • KINA 1XX: Activity Course (1 semester hour)
• Essential Learning Capstone 1:
  • ESSL 290: Maverick Milestone (3 semester hours)
  • ESSL 200: Essential Speech (1 semester hour)

Foundation Courses

(18 semester hours, must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA, minimum grade of "C" is required in each course.)

• ARTE 101: Two-Dimensional Design-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
• ARTE 102: Three-Dimensional Design-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
• ARTE 118: History of Art, Prehistory to Renaissance-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
• ARTE 119: History of Art, Renaissance to Present-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
• Two consecutive courses in the same foreign language (6 semester hours)

Program Specific Degree Requirements

(45 semester hours, must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA, minimum grade of "C" is required in each course.)

• Art Specialization:
  • ARTE 294: Sophomore Seminar (3 semester hours)
  • ARTH 220: History of Modern Art (3 semester hours)
  • ARTS 151: Foundation Drawing I (3 semester hours)
• Art History Core:
  • Select 12 hours from the following:
    • ARTH 315: Nineteenth-Century Art
    • ARTH 316: 20th Century Art to 1950
    • ARTH 318: Development of Contemporary Art
    • ARTH 321: Gothic and Northern Renaissance Art and Architecture
    • ARTH 325: Italian Renaissance Art History
    • ARTH 326: Medieval Art: Early Christian to the Romanesque
• Art History Capstone:
  • ARTH 400: Art Theory (3 semester hours)
• Art History Upper Division:
  • Select 12 semester hours of ARTH 300- or 400-level courses
• Studio Art & Design Introduction:
  • Choose one course from three of the following art and design disciplines:
    • Animation, Film, Photography and Motion Design
    • Ceramics
    • Graphic Design
    • Drawing
    • Painting
    • Photography
    • Printmaking
    • Sculpture

General Elective

(All college level courses appearing on your final transcript, not listed above that will bring your total semester hours to 120 hours. 20 semester hours, 13 of which must be upper-level credits. Excludes KINA Activity courses. ARTE 499 is a possible elective.)

Plan of Study Grid

First Year

• Fall Semester:
  • ARTE 101: Two-Dimensional Design-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
  • ARTE 118: History of Art, Prehistory to Renaissance-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
  • ARTS 151: Foundation Drawing I (3 semester hours)
  • ENGL 111: English Composition I-GTCO1 (3 semester hours)
  • MATH 110: Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 (3 semester hours)
• Spring Semester:
  • ARTE 102: Three-Dimensional Design-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
  • ARTE 119: History of Art, Renaissance to Present-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
  • ENGL 112: English Composition II-GTCO2 (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Humanities (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester hours)

Second Year

• Fall Semester:
  • ARTH 220: History of Modern Art (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Natural Science (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Fine Arts (3 semester hours)
  • Foreign Language I (3 semester hours)
  • Studio Art Introduction (3 semester hours)
• Spring Semester:
  • ARTE 294: Sophomore Seminar (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Natural Science with Lab (4 semester hours)
  • Foreign Language II (3 semester hours)
  • KINA 1XX: Activity Course (1 semester hour)
  • KINE 100: Health and Wellness (1 semester hour)
  • Art History Core Requirement (3 semester hours)

Third Year

• Fall Semester:
  • Art History Core Requirements (2 courses) (6 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester hours)
  • ESSL 200: Essential Speech (1 semester hour)
  • ESSL 290: Maverick Milestone (3 semester hours)
  • General Elective (3 semester hours)
• Spring Semester:
  • Art History Core Requirement (3 semester hours)
  • Essential Learning - History (3 semester hours)
  • General Elective (3 semester hours)
  • Studio Art Introduction (3 semester hours)
  • Upper Division Art History (3 semester hours)

Fourth Year

• Fall Semester:
  • General Elective (2 courses) (5 semester hours)
  • Studio Art Introduction (3 semester hours)
  • Upper Division Art History (2 courses) (6 semester hours)
• Spring Semester:
  • General Electives (3 courses) (9 semester hours)
  • Upper Division Art History (3 semester hours)
  • ARTH 400: Art Theory (3 semester hours)

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree(s).

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Colorado Mesa University

---

Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

---

Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

---

Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

---

Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.