Program Overview

University Program Information

Overview

The Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in art history, visual arts, and related fields.

Undergraduate Programs

• Majors:
  • Art History
  • Art History: Architecture
  • Art History: Museum Theory & Practice
  • Art History & Visual Arts
  • Computational Media: Interdepartmental Major in Computer Science and Visual and Media Studies
  • Visual Arts
  • Visual & Media Studies
  • Visual and Media Studies: Cinematic Arts
• Minors:
  • Art History
  • Computational Media: Interdepartmental Minor in Computer Science and Visual and Media Studies
  • Photography
  • Visual Arts
  • Visual & Media Studies
  • Cinematic Arts Minor

Graduate Programs

• Degree Programs:
  • Ph.D. in Art History & Visual Culture
  • Ph.D. in Computational Media, Arts & Cultures
  • MA in Digital Art History / Computational Media
  • MFA in Experimental & Documentary Arts

Courses

• Art History
• Visual Arts
• Visual & Media Studies
• Historical & Cultural Visualization
• Cinematic Arts
• Computational Media, Arts & Cultures
• SPRING 2026 Courses

Research Areas

• Visual Arts
  • Student Visual Arts Projects
  • Faculty Visual Arts Projects
• Art History
  • Faculty Art History Projects
• Visual & Media Studies
  • Student Visual & Media Studies Projects
  • Faculty Visual & Media Studies Projects
• Selected Faculty Books
• Related Programs

Independent Study

Directed reading in a field of special interest, under the supervision of a faculty member, resulting in a substantive paper or report. Open to qualified students in the junior year, by consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies.

Enroll Consent

Department Consent Required

Typically Offered

Fall and/or Spring

Learning Outcomes

The department's learning outcomes are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in art history, visual arts, and related fields.

Graduation with Distinction

Students who meet certain requirements may be eligible to graduate with distinction.

Alumni

The department has a strong alumni network, with graduates going on to pursue careers in a variety of fields.

In the News

The department is regularly featured in the news for its innovative programs and research initiatives.

Events

The department hosts a range of events throughout the year, including lectures, exhibitions, and performances.