Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Art History

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History at Oakland University is designed to equip students with a range of adaptable skills and a sharp eye for an increasingly visual world. From critical thinking to communication, creative expression, and cultural awareness, the skills acquired in this versatile art history degree are always in demand.

Program Overview

The program offers a diverse, creative community led by accessible faculty, providing students with a strong sense of visual literacy as they explore art and architecture from antiquity to the present, in both Western and non-Western contexts. Students will have the opportunity for hands-on experiences with undergraduate courses in art processes or curation, or an internship with a gallery.

Key Features

• Transferable skills: Students will hone their skills in critical thinking, writing, visual analysis, problem-solving, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Committed faculty: The art history program faculty are internationally active, widely published, and committed to student success.
• Creative community: Students will draw inspiration from fellow artists and designers who challenge and broaden their perspective.
• Real-world experience: The program takes students out of the classroom and into the community for hands-on experiences.
• Access to arts venues: The campus provides access to the gallery's 1,500-piece art collection at Meadow Brook Hall, a National Historic Landmark, museum, and cultural center.

Career Opportunities

An art history undergraduate program serves as a strong foundation for a range of jobs and careers. Art history majors develop the skills to understand, record, and interpret a world dominated by visual media. Graduates are well-qualified for jobs in art-related venues and organizations such as:

• Art publishers
• Historical societies
• Conservation firms
• Educational institutions
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Auction houses
• Libraries

Curriculum

The bachelor's in art history degree program includes core coursework that covers critical thinking and writing. Students will explore the histories of art from Western, Asian, and Islamic cultures. They will also have the opportunity to choose art history courses from four main categories: non-Western, ancient/medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, and American/modern.

Sample Course Offerings

• Japanese Art
• Art of the Ancient Near East
• Islamic Art
• Renaissance Art in Italy
• Techne: Art Making and Context
• History of Photography
• Art Since 1960
• Visual Representations and the Nuclear Experience

Program Resources

• Major Requirements
• Minor Requirements
• Department of Art, Art History and Design
• College of Arts and Sciences

Related Programs

For students unsure if the bachelor's degree in art history is right for them, Oakland University offers other undergraduate degree programs such as:

• Bachelor of Art in Studio Art
• Bachelor of Arts in History
• Bachelor of Art in Women and Gender Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Accreditation

Oakland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.