Overview

The Art History programme at Portland State University provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in the study of material culture and visual expression from ancient times to the contemporary era. By examining art within its specific historical, philosophical, and aesthetic contexts, students develop the ability to think critically and communicate effectively about diverse global traditions.

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 ideal environment for immersive cultural study. Students benefit from the Portland Art Museum’s College Creative License programme, which offers reduced-price annual passes to explore world-class collections.

The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design maintains small class sizes, typically ranging from 15 to 35 students at the upper-division level. This intimate setting allows for personalised mentorship from faculty who are active scholars. Students can also participate in the Art History Student Association to build community and professional networks.

Distinctive features of the programme include:

Student research opportunities integrated throughout the curriculum.
The option to complete a senior year thesis project.
Travel grants available for independent research and faculty-led group visits to cultural institutions.
Regular guest lectures covering a wide variety of art historical themes.
Internship opportunities with local arts and non-profit organisations.

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 is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests. Modules may include:

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

Careers with Art History

Graduates of the programme are equipped with versatile skills in visual analysis and written communication, preparing them for diverse professional paths. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees, while others enter the workforce in the arts, business, or non-profit sectors. Potential career roles include:

Museum or Gallery Curator
Art Conservation and Restoration
Cultural Specialist
Art Consultant or Appraiser
Exhibition Coordinator
Museum Marketing and Public Relations
Non-profit Administrator
Visual Resources Curator
Writer and Editor

The degree also provides a strong foundation for careers in advertising, marketing, and specialised legal fields such as intellectual property or art law.

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

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended

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

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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.

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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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