Art History University of Southern California

Overview

The Art History programme at the University of Southern California provides undergraduates with a broad and sophisticated foundation in the study of visual arts across various cultures and eras. Students develop a deep awareness of the integral role art plays as an expression of society and the human experience throughout history. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and visual literacy through a rigorous academic framework.

Based within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the programme encourages students to explore the connections between historical contexts and creative output. By examining diverse artistic movements, learners gain insights into how visual culture shapes and reflects political, social, and religious identities.

Why Art History at University of Southern California?

Studying at this institution grants students access to a rich academic environment that emphasises both historical breadth and specialised research. The department requires a high standard of academic achievement, ensuring that graduates possess a competitive edge in the field. With a curriculum that spans from ancient civilisations to contemporary Los Angeles, the programme leverages its unique location to provide a vibrant cultural laboratory for aspiring art historians.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 73260 per year
• National fee: USD 73260 per year
• Local fee: USD 73260 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 128 units, including core foundational courses and specialised upper-division seminars. Students must maintain a grade of C or higher in departmental subjects to progress through the major. The syllabus is structured to ensure exposure to multiple geographical areas and chronological periods.

Lower-division modules may include:

• Western Art: Prehistoric to Renaissance
• Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary
• Arts of Asia
• Arts of the Ancient Americas
• Arts and Society in Latin America

Upper-division modules may include:

• Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology
• Medieval Visual Culture
• Art, Power and Identity in Renaissance Italy
• Contemporary Art and the Culture Wars
• History and Theory of Photography
• Mesoamerican Art and Culture
• African American Art
• Undergraduate Proseminar in Art History

Careers with Art History

Graduates of this programme are equipped with analytical and communicative skills suitable for a wide range of professional pathways in the cultural sector. The rigorous training in visual analysis and historical research prepares students for roles in galleries, museums, and auction houses. Many alumni pursue further academic study or find opportunities in arts administration, heritage management, and cultural journalism.

The programme's emphasis on the social and historical impact of art also allows graduates to transition into fields such as education, archival work, and media. By understanding the complexities of visual communication, students are well-positioned to navigate the evolving demands of the global creative economy and various non-profit organisations dedicated to the preservation of cultural history.