Bachelor of Arts in Art History

As a student majoring in art history, you will begin with courses that survey the arts of Asia, Europe, and America. More specialized lecture courses and proseminars follow in global art and visual culture from ancient times to the present day. You are also encouraged to complement the major with advanced work in related disciplines such as classics, religion, history, philosophy, literature, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies and foreign languages. Art historians study the changing visual expression of values, beliefs and experiences across diverse cultures and over time. The art history major provides training in historical, social and aesthetic understanding, critical thinking, scholarly research, and lucid, thoughtful analysis and writing. More than any other discipline, art history sharpens its students visual acuity and deepens their visual literacy.

A major in Art History develops critical thinking and the integration of research, interpretation and understanding. It provides an excellent liberal arts basis for professions as far ranging as advertising, law, medicine, politics and business. The major prepares students for advanced study in Art History, Architecture, Museum Studies and Cultural Studies. It also serves as the foundation for careers in teaching, arts, administration, museums, galleries, historic preservation, art libraries, publishing, journalism, advertising, art conservation, and art investment. As the world becomes increasingly flooded with images, the critical visual literacy gained through the study of art history becomes more important for a wide variety of careers.

To be considered for freshman admission, you must complete secondary school, earn good grades in academic subjects, and receive a certificate of completion that grants you admission to university-level studies in your country.
prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements.
Score 24 or higher on the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT
Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
Score 6 or 7 on an IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)
Score 5, 6 or 7 on an IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)
IELTS - Score 6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT - Minimum score of 80 or better