Overview

The Art History programme at Portland State University provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in the study of global visual culture and historical material contexts. By examining art through the lenses of philosophy, aesthetics, and cultural ideals, students learn to communicate effectively about diverse artistic traditions. This degree path is designed to be flexible, allowing individuals to tailor their studies to specific career aspirations.

Why Art History at Portland State University?

Portland State University is situated just steps away from major museums and hundreds of independent galleries, providing an immersive environment for cultural study. Students benefit from the Portland Art Museum’s College Creative License programme, which offers reduced-price annual passes for frequent visits. The department maintains small upper-division classes of 15 to 35 students, ensuring personalised attention from faculty who are active scholars.

The programme emphasises practical research and professional engagement. Students can participate in the Art History Student Association to build community or apply for travel grants to conduct independent research. Faculty-led group trips to cultural institutions outside of Portland further broaden the educational experience, while guest lectures introduce a variety of contemporary art historical themes.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of art from ancient human culture to the contemporary scene. Students engage with thematic and regional studies to build a diverse portfolio of knowledge. Modules may include:

Italian Renaissance Art
Chinese Painting
Islamic Art
Latin American Women Artists
Medieval Monsters
Nature into Art
Senior Thesis

Careers with Art History

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in the arts, non-profit sectors, and business environments that value creative thinking. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees, while others enter the workforce directly in specialised positions. Potential career paths include:

Museum or Gallery Curator
Art Conservation and Restoration
Exhibition Coordinator
Art Dealer or Appraiser
Cultural Specialist
Museum Marketing and Public Relations
Visual Resources Curator
Corporate Curator

The skills gained in visual analysis and written communication also support careers in law, specifically regarding intellectual property, as well as roles in secondary or university-level teaching and non-profit administration.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

ART Digital Tools and Resources
Five Upper Division
Art History Courses

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-07-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-07-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Art History View 849 other Bachelors in Art History in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Art History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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