Overview

The Art History programme at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous foundation in the visual and material cultures of societies spanning from antiquity to the contemporary era. As one of the most distinguished departments globally, it offers an expansive curriculum that integrates the study of archaeology, architecture, and fine arts within a broad historical framework. Students engage deeply with the diverse methodological approaches that define the discipline today.

Why Art History at Columbia University?

Studying in New York City allows students to utilise world-class cultural resources, with many courses incorporating direct assignments at local monuments and major museums. The faculty comprises leading specialists whose expertise covers an impressive spectrum of regions, including the Ancient Near East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Students benefit from a curriculum that explicitly addresses critical issues of race and gender, alongside instruction in curatorial practices and the history of collecting.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to balance broad survey lectures with intensive, small-group seminars that focus on research and writing. The Majors Colloquium is a central requirement that introduces essential literature and methods of the field. Modules may include:

Northern Baroque Art and Knowledge
Nineteenth-Century Art in Europe
History of Photography
Arts of Islam
Sumer: Art and Architecture
Chinese Art: Center and Periphery
Latin American Artists
Roman Art and Architecture
Arts of Japan

Careers with Art History

Graduates are equipped with sophisticated analytical and synthetic skills that are highly transferable to various professional sectors. Many alumni pursue advanced graduate education or secure roles within the commercial art world, including positions at auction houses and private galleries. The programme also provides a strong foundation for careers in museum work, heritage management, and the scholarly pursuit of art history. Beyond the arts, the degree prepares students for success in fields such as law, medicine, business, and academia, where the ability to interpret complex visual media is increasingly vital.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History Painting and Its Afterlives

The Arts of Japan

Art In China, Japan, and Korea

Japanese Architecture from the Mid-19th Century to the Present

Rome Beyond Rome: Roman Art and Architecture in a Global Perspective

The Arts of Africa

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, 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

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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