Overview

The Art History B.A. at North Central College provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in the analysis, interpretation, and communication of visual information. This programme is specifically designed to prepare graduates for the complexities of the 21st-century professional landscape by fostering critical thinking. Students engage deeply with various historical periods and geographic regions through advanced research and theoretical study.

The curriculum emphasises the development of essential skills in communication and writing, which are vital for success in the arts and beyond. By combining traditional classroom learning with practical experiences, the university ensures that students are well-equipped to handle visual data in a variety of professional contexts.

Why Art History at North Central College?

Students benefit from the university's strategic location near Chicago, providing direct access to world-class art institutions and cultural resources. A significant advantage is the University Partner Program with the Art Institute of Chicago, which allows students to enter the museum free of charge. This partnership facilitates engagement with professional lectures, educational programmes, and special exhibitions.

The institution also offers unique experiential learning opportunities, such as the Chicago Term, where students live in the city while completing their coursework. Research is a cornerstone of the experience, with opportunities to secure Richter Grants for independent projects or to complete a thesis through the College Scholar Honors Program. These facilities and partnerships create a distinctive environment for academic growth.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a broad understanding of global artistic traditions alongside specialised topics. Modules may include:

World Art Histories
Chicago Art, Architecture and Cultural Institutions
Art History Seminar
Modern Art and Contemporary Art
History of Design
African American Art
Latin American Art
Aesthetics
Classical Mythology

Careers with Art History

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a wide array of roles within the cultural and creative sectors. Many alumni pursue successful careers as museum curators, gallery managers, and historic preservationists. The analytical skills gained also translate well into fields such as archives, arts administration, and education.

In addition to traditional museum roles, graduates find opportunities in commercial design, digital communications, and publishing. Some students choose to continue their academic journey through graduate-level study, often moving into roles as college professors or specialised researchers. The programme's focus on visual methodology ensures versatility in the modern job market.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

World Art Histories
Chicago Art, Architecture and Cultural Institutions
Art History Seminar
Modern Art and Contemporary Art
History of Design
African American Art
Latin American Art

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

Art History View 850 other Bachelors in Art History in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

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

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

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

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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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

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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