The department offers courses of study in both art history and archaeology. Because of the emphasis faculty members put on teaching, students majoring in the department have frequent contact with them in and out of class. The faculty have distinguished themselves as national and international scholars, making important contributions to their field. In addition to publishing scholarly articles, a number have written books used in college and university courses across the country. The department offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in art history or archaeology.
Some students combine the major with other fields as a minor or as part of a double major.
Recent combinations have included art history with library science, journalism, or studio art, or archaeology with classical languages or anthropology. Areas of concentration in art history and archaeology generally follow the guidelines shown here, but there is flexibility, since each student's program is planned to meet individual interests and professional goals. Majors must also take at least 8 hours in fields related to art history, such as history, anthropology, art, religious studies, literature, philosophy, aesthetics, film, classical mythology and environmental design. Students who plan to enroll in a graduate program after completing the Bachelor of Arts degree should begin study of a second foreign language. At least two courses at the 300 level in the ancient field.