The undergraduate major not only receives sound training in the history of art but also a basis in other humanistic disciplines. The curriculum is designed to guarantee students a general knowledge of both western and eastern art, and to offer a variety of upper division courses in specialized areas. Majors are exposed to a diversity of theoretical approaches and encouraged to sharpen their critical and conceptual thinking. This foundation has enabled many art history graduates to pursue advanced degrees in nationally recognized programs, to enter diverse fields, including law or business, and to pursue careers in the arts. A special feature of the undergraduate program is the apprenticeship, which affords upper-division students the opportunity to work in the professional art world in return for academic credit.
Students gain valuable job skills in local museums, galleries, auction houses, and art foundations.
Apprenticeship placement is also available during the summer months throughout the United States. Graduate students in art history pursue a wide range of subject matter, using a variety of methodologies and techniques. Graduates may also pursue parallel interests by taking courses in outside departments such as history, classics, East Asian languages and cultures, Slavic languages and literatures, French, German, Italian and others. Graduate students are encouraged to participate in annual conferences and symposia. Travel grants are available through the department.