Art History The City University of New York

Overview

The Art History programme at The City University of New York provides a rigorous academic framework for analysing the visual traditions that shape our world. Students engage with a diverse range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and mass media, to understand the values and inspirations of different civilisations.

This course of study treats art as a vital lens through which broader historical trends and cultural shifts can be examined. By investigating the relationship between artists, patrons, and audiences, participants learn to communicate across time and see the world through different perspectives. The curriculum is designed to foster an appreciation for human creativity while building professional expertise.

Why Art History at The City University of New York?

The institution offers a global perspective on the visual arts, covering regions including Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Students benefit from a curriculum that spans from the Stone Age to the modern day, providing an exceptionally broad historical foundation. The programme is housed within a vibrant academic community that emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical research techniques.

Distinctive teaching features include the integration of various disciplines to provide a holistic view of human expression. The faculty guides students through the techniques and principles of art-making, ensuring they understand the physical processes behind the masterpieces they study. This comprehensive approach helps students develop a unique professional profile in the competitive arts sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 620 per credit
• National fee: USD 620 per credit
• Local fee: USD 305 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of foundational surveys, upper-level electives, and a capstone colloquium. Modules may include:

• Art History
• Art History
• Ancient Art
• Medieval Art
• Renaissance-Baroque Art
• Modern Art
• Non-Western Art
• Senior Methods Colloquium

In addition to departmental offerings, students must complete two courses within the History Department to broaden their historical inquiry. These modules are chosen in consultation with an advisor to complement the student's specific area of artistic interest, such as European, American, or Chinese history.

Careers with Art History

Graduates are equipped with essential skills in critical thinking, writing, and attention to detail, which are highly valued in the modern job market. The degree serves as a foundation for various professional paths in both the public and private sectors. Many alumni pursue roles in education, administration, and cultural preservation.

Potential career destinations include:

• K-12 Art Education
• Arts Administration at local or federal levels
• Public and private cultural museums
• Libraries and community centres
• Arts journalism and publishing
• Art conservation and historic building preservation
• Architecture and landscape architecture
• Advertising and media

The programme ensures that students are prepared for the diverse work opportunities available upon graduation by encouraging a wide spectrum of elective choices. This broad general background allows graduates to present themselves effectively to potential employers across multiple industries.