Earn your BA in Art History

Enrich your life–study art history!

We're excited that you are an art history major–or are considering becoming one. A major in art history prepares you for a wide range of professional careers as well as competitive placement in graduate schools across the country.

As you progress through the program, you will study the historical relationships between societies and their works of art, consider the creative processes of making art objects, and learn methods for understanding the original contexts and interpreting the multiple meanings of paintings, sculptures, buildings, prints, ceramics, and other types of art.

Throughout your studies, you will be developing your research abilities as well as strengthening your critical thinking and writing skills.

Art history offers three specialized tracks within the major:

• The Iowa Idea Track, which continues our century-long tradition of combining the study of art history with hands-on creation of art in studio art courses
• The  Global and Interdisciplinary Connections Track, which enables you to pursue your interests across academic departments by combining art history courses with those of another humanistic discipline
• The new Art, Museums, and Museology Track, which pairs hands-on experiential learning opportunities with the art historical disciplinary training that is essential for a successful career in an art museum, art gallery, or auction house.