Art History University of Missouri - Kansas City

Overview

The Art History programme at the University of Missouri - Kansas City offers a rigorous academic foundation in the analysis of visual culture and architectural heritage. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that spans from ancient civilisations to contemporary global movements, fostering a deep understanding of art as a cultural product.

The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and professional communication skills through the study of aesthetic objects. Participants learn to construct well-supported arguments using sophisticated research methods while exploring the nature and meaning of works from various historical periods. This academic journey prepares graduates for both advanced postgraduate study and immediate entry into the competitive global job market.

Why Art History at the University of Missouri - Kansas City?

Students benefit from a distinctive teaching approach that integrates theoretical study with practical studio arts experience. The university provides access to specialised facilities and resources within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, encouraging students to think independently about global artistic traditions. The programme's location and institutional strengths offer unique opportunities for engagement with local cultural organisations and museum practices.

The teaching framework includes intermediate lectures and advanced seminars that allow for close collaboration with expert faculty. Distinctive features of the department include a focus on socially engaged art and the history of exhibitions, ensuring students understand the practicalities of the modern art world. Furthermore, the university supports undergraduate research through symposia and dedicated mentorship, allowing students to present their findings at professional levels.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 1073 per credit
• National fee: USD 1073 per credit
• Local fee: USD 411 per credit

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• From Cave Paintings to Cathedrals
• From Michelangelo to Modernism
• World Currents of Contemporary Art
• Arts Of African and New World Cultures
• Asian Art
• Socially Engaged Art: Inside and Outside Art Institutions
• Made in the USA: Latinx Art and Experience
• Whose America: Modern Art and Philosophy in the Americas
• Participatory Forms of Spectatorship in Contemporary Art
• Sensing, Feeling, Thinking: Contemporary Art and the Mind
• Art Museums: History and Practice
• History of Exhibitions and Curatorial Practice
• Site-Specific Art: Within and Beyond the Museum Walls
• Pompeii and Herculaneum: The Archaeology of the Roman World
• Film Theory
• Art of the Short Film
• Film Industry
• Documentary Film History
• World Cinema
• Museums, Monuments, and American Life
• Modern Latin America
• Graphic Design and Typography II
• Student Design Lab
• Scope and Methods of Art History

Careers with Art History

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles within the cultural and creative sectors, including positions in art museums, galleries, and heritage sites. The programme provides the essential skills required for curatorial practice, exhibition management, and museum education. Students also find opportunities in public history, archival work, and arts administration across various private and public organisations.

The analytical and writing competencies gained during the degree are highly transferable to industries such as journalism, digital media, and education. Many alumni choose to pursue further academic specialisation through Master's or PhD programmes to enter high-level research or academic teaching roles. The combination of historical knowledge and practical studio experience ensures a versatile professional profile for the evolving arts landscape.