Overview

The Art History programme at Stanford University provides a rigorous academic framework for students to engage with the evolution of visual culture across diverse global civilisations. This degree encourages scholars to interpret material objects as vital historical documents that communicate complex social and political messages.

Students develop essential analytical skills to decode a vast array of visual media, ranging from ancient sacred temples and icons to contemporary digital images and cinema. The curriculum emphasises that visual literacy is a learned discipline, refined through sustained practice and the study of artistic traditions from Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe.

Why Art History at Stanford University?

Studying within the School of Humanities and Sciences allows students to benefit from a multidisciplinary environment where art is linked to literature, philosophy, and political science. The institution provides access to a wide range of exploratory courses designed to build a strong foundation in global art and architecture.

The department is distinguished by its commitment to teaching students how to navigate the "visual turn" in modern academia, ensuring graduates are equipped for a world increasingly shaped by visual forms of communication. Distinctive teaching features include a focus on both historical accuracy and the evolving interpretation of art in the present day.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22577 per semester
National fee: USD 22577 per semester
Local fee: USD 21709 per semester

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Experiencing Early Global Art and Architecture
How to Look at Art and Why: History of Western Painting
Islamic Art
Asian Arts and Cultures
Art and Power

Careers with Art History

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths where visual literacy and critical analysis are paramount. The skills acquired during the programme are highly applicable to roles in gallery and museum management, heritage conservation, and archival research across the cultural sector.

Beyond traditional arts institutions, the ability to interpret complex media prepares students for careers in media, publishing, and education. The programme's focus on the intersection of art and society also provides a strong background for those entering fields such as law, international relations, or digital communications.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Visual Arts: Prehistoric through Medieval

How to Look at Art and Why: An Introduction to the History of Western Painting

Asian Arts and Cultures

World Architecture

Humanities Research Intensive

Dangerous Ideas

American Photographs

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

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

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Coalition Application or Common Application
$90 nonrefundable application fee or fee waiver request
ACT or SAT (Writing/Essay not required) (refer to testing for score reporting policies)
School Report and counselor letter of recommendation
Official transcript(s)
Letters of recommendation from two teachers
Midyear transcript (by February 15)
Standardized testing is one of the application requirements that can highlight academic preparedness. There are no minimum test scores required to be admitted to Stanford, and there is no score that guarantees admission. At Stanford, we review applications holistically, meaning every component of the application is valuable to us as we get to know each student.

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

67731 USD / year

≈ 67731 USD / year
Out-of-State

67731 USD / year

≈ 67731 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67731 USD / year

≈ 67731 USD / year

Additional Details

Tuition per quarter. Students are typically enrolled in classes for three quarters: autumn, winter, spring.

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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