Art History

Overview

The history of art explores the meanings, values, and purposes of the visual arts within the historical cultures that create them. Works of fine and applied arts are understood not merely as aesthetic forms, but as expressions of the social, economic, scientific, religious, and political contexts that gave rise to them. The study of art history thus effectively serves the high purposes of a liberal education by equipping students with an understanding of world cultures and their histories from multiple disciplinary perspectives, and by encouraging the development of critical thinking, reading, research, and writing skills.  

The Art History program at Drexel University is intended for students wishing to become professional art historians or who wish to supplement the art history curriculum with other courses leading to a specific career path. The BS degree is designed to allow students to combine the art history major with another major or to tailor the curriculum to their specific interests and aspirations. Both the BA and BS degrees require a total of 180.0 credit hours.

Career Opportunities

A major in art history can prepare students for a wide variety of careers, as well as preparation for graduate school.Possible career paths:

• Museum Administrator
• Gallery Director
• Curator
• Museum Registrar
• Museum Educator
• Art Consultant
• Art Librarian
• Editor
• Art and/or Intellectual Property Law
• Artist Representative