BA in Art History
A major in art history can be solid preparation for graduate work in this field or related disciplines, but it can also serve as excellent training in close observation, interpretation of visual materials, rich appreciation of artistry from diverse cultures and eras, construction of sound arguments based on solid evidence, and clear communication, all of which are skills that can be useful in a wide range of career paths.
Some of our majors have continued their educations in art history graduate programs. Others have found work in museums, galleries, auction houses, and other areas of the art world. Our majors have been accepted into law, medical, and business school and have found that their training in art history offers valuable and sometimes unexpected perspectives that their fellow students often lack.
Our department provides undergraduates with exceptional teaching by award-winning faculty in small classes and lots of one-on-one attention. We have an active undergraduate organization, Art History Club, which sponsors events, study groups, and workshops throughout the academic year. We offer undergraduate scholarships for study abroad and internship support at local museums. Because we are located in the heart of a large urban area with an amazingly vital arts scene, we are able to develop and maintain connections with a large number of local institutions and businesses that offer internships related to the discipline.
Art history majors who are pursuing honors are encouraged to consider study abroad and student/faculty honors contracts as ways to integrate honors experiences more deeply into their major programs. The department especially emphasizes independent and mentored research opportunities, made possible through arrangements such as UROP, RAships, directed studies/directed research credits (ARTH 3993, ARTH 5993, ARTH 5994), and directed professional experience credits (ARTH 3896).
If you are considering graduate study in art history or related fields, you are encouraged to meet with the director of undergraduate studies for advice in curricular planning, graduate program selection, and application guidance.
Transfer Guide
If you are exploring or planning to transfer to CLA, learning more about your intended major is important.
Click on the ” Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.
Courses to Prepare for the Major
The Art History major does not have a specific 1xxx-level Art History (ARTH) course requirement. Only one 1xxx-level ARTH can count towards the major elective requirement, and there are only a few 1xxx-level ARTH courses approved to count towards the Art History major elective requirement.
Art Practice – The Art History major requires one Art Practice course (3-4 credits). The course must be hands-on and focused on the practice, rather than the history of art. The following UMTC courses have been approved to satisfy this requirement:
- ARTS 1101 - Introduction to Drawing
- ARTS 1102 - Introduction to Painting
- ARTS 1103 - Introduction to Printmaking: Relief, Screen and Digital Processes
- ARTS 1701 - Introduction to Photography
- ARTS 1704 - Introduction to Moving Images
- ARTS 1801 - Introduction to Ceramics
- ARTS 1802 - Introduction to Sculpture
Other hands-on art courses may satisfy this requirement. Contact the Art History departmental advisor for more information.
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.
Transferring Courses and Credits
Use Transferology to help you plan your courses for the major. Remember, when using Transferology, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses.
Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for courses you would like to use towards the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated, you can submit an evaluation request to find out if your course is equivalent to a specific UMTC course. A copy of the course syllabus is required for the evaluation.
Click on ” Full Requirements” above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.
Declaring the Major
Transfer students must apply and be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts in order to declare a major. Check out the information for the Art History declaration process on the Declare page.
BA Second Language Requirement
The BA degree does have a second language requirement. Consider completing or starting your second language before you transfer to CLA. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor about any questions.
Who Can Help as You Plan Your Transfer
- CLA Transfer Advising - CLA Transfer Advisors are ready to assist you as you plan your transfer to CLA. The Transfer to CLA website provides additional information to help you in your transfer exploration and planning.
- Art History Department Advising - The departmental advisor can answer questions that are specific to the major.
- Office of Admissions - Requirements for admission to CLA are not the same as the requirements to declare a major. Read through the CLA Transfer Admissions requirements to learn more, and contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.
If you are a current UMTC student or a UM-Rochester student, you will use
the Change of College application process.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and art history majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include the ability to interpret and assess art objects, as well as everyday images, objects, and the built environment, a broad range of historical knowledge, and research skills.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "AES" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
- Minnesota Association of Museums
- National Emerging Museum Professionals Network
- Museum Employment Resource Center (MERC)
- Museum Jobs Online (includes internships)
- Minnesota Art Museums, Non-Profit Art Organizations & Art Centers
- Art Jobs
- Art History Jobs
- The Mother of Art History Links
- Career Alternatives for Art Historians
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Springboard for the Arts
Student Groups
Professional Organizations
- American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
- Association of Midwest Museums
- National Association of Independent Artists
- Arts Educators of Minnesota
- Minnesota Association of Museums
- American Alliance of Museums
- Society of American Archivists
- Association of Art Museum Curators
- College Art Association
- Art Libraries Society of North America
- American Historical Association
- National Art Educator Association
- America for the Arts
- The National Antique & Art Dealers Association of America
- Appraiser Association
- American Association of Museums
- National Emerging Museum Professionals Network
- Museum Association
Graduate Programs in Art History
This is a small sample of programs alumni have gone onto, to find graduate programs in this field, search the Grad School Directory or Peterson's Guide.
- Master of Arts, Art History, Case Western Reserve University
- Master of Arts, History of Art, Boston University. Postgrad job: Assistant Curator of Interpretation, George Eastman House
- Master of Arts, Art History, University of Toronto. Postgrad job: Education and Exhibits Director, Altered Esthetic
- PhD, Art History, University of Pittsburgh
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Internships
- Education Department Intern, Weisman Art Museum
- Development/Membership Intern, Walker Art Center
- Curatorial Intern, Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Docent, Minnesota Museum of American Art
- Museum Studies Intern, Exhibits Development Group
- History Day Mentor, Minnesota Historical Society
- Research Intern, Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Audience Engagement Intern, Weisman Art Museum
- History Museum Fellow, Minnesota Historical Society
- Development Intern, The Soap Factory
- Museum Education and Curatorial Internship, Weisman Art Museum
- Research Assistant, Minnesota Historical Society
- Traveling Exhibits Network Board Secretary, American Alliance of Museums
- Mobile Learning Research Intern, Minnesota Historical Society
- Windgate Museum Internship, American Craft Council
- Contemporary Art Intern, Minneapolis Institute of Art
Entry-Level
- Warshawsky Fellow in Art Interpretation, Cleveland Museum of Art
- Exhibition Development & Sales Coordinator, Exhibits Development Group
- Curatorial Assistant, Basilica of Saint Mary
- Mobile Learning Program Assistant, Minnesota Historical Society
- Assistant to the Registrar, Weisman Art Museum
- Japanese Print Archivist, Minneapolis Institute of Arts
- Traveling Exhibits Manager, Science Museum of Minnesota
- Art in Park Instructor, Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Prints and Drawings Assistant, Minneapolis Institute of Art
Experienced
- Curatorial Fellow, Weisman Art Museum
- Gallery Curator, University of Minnesota Urban Research & Outreach Center
- Digital Imaging Technician, Minneapolis Institute of Arts
- Historical Interpreter II, Minnesota Historical Society
- Development Assistant, Guthrie Theater
- Content Development-Expansion Strategist, Geoffrey M. Curley & Associates
- Development Coordinator, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota
Graduate Programs
- Master of Arts, Museum Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Internships
- Sales and Development Intern, Exhibits Development Group
Entry-Level
- Exhibition Consultant, Geoffrey M. Curley & Associates
- Project Coordinator, Randstad Staffing
- Marketing Assistant, The Bookmen Inc
- Leadership Consultant, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
- Sales Associate, Craftsy
Experienced
- Exhibition Development & Sales Coordinator, Exhibits Development Group
- Development & Marketing Coordinator, Senior Resources Inc.
- Office Manager, Briol & Associates PLLC
- Founder & Owner, My Chic Nest
- Recruitment Coordinator, Hyrian
- Senior Art Director, Target
- Account Executive, Global Experience Specialists
- Vice President, Exhibitions International, LLC
- Marketing Specialist, JE Dunn Construction
- Sales Manager, Hubbard Broadcasting
- Senior Manager-Events Marketing, Target Center
Graduate Programs
- Mini-MBA, Non-Profit Management, St. Thomas Opus College of Business. Postgrad job: Regional Director, APA (American Photographic Artists) New York
- BFA, Advertising & Graphic Design, Minneapolis College of Art and Design