Art History BA

Department of Art and Design

Art History 1

Program Coordinator: Dr. Anne Betty Weinshenker; 973-655-2091

 

Art History BA: The Big Picture

For more than 35,000 years – from the Stone Age to the present day – artists have made images to express themselves. The history of art is as varied as it is profound.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fine Arts, Art History Concentration enables majors to acquire a solid grounding in the methods and techniques of research, interpretation, and writing applicable to the art, artists, and cultures of the past 35,000 years. You will learn how to prepare scholarly research papers and exhibition catalog entries, write and submit essays and articles for publication, and incorporate slides, PowerPoint, and video into oral presentations about art.

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The Art Historian

Art History 2 Art historians study art, architecture and the whole world of visual expression. They enjoy writing about what they see, studying diverse cultures, and learning new languages. They are comfortable in libraries and with archival materials. They are passionate in their search for answers to questions about the artists who made a work, the time and culture in which a work was produced, the sources of inspiration behind a work, and its impact on the subsequent works of other artists.

Because art historians study virtually everything made by man -- from traditional forms of art like painting, sculpture, architecture, and graphic arts to culturally diverse folk, religious, and ceremonial objects -- they are well versed in such related fields as philosophy, religion, literature, archeology, engineering, and history. Art historians explore how artifacts are used in religious, political and cultural contexts; examine our cultural criteria for beauty; and research the ways art impacts and reflects popular culture, economics, and science.

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What You Will Study

As an Art History major, you will explore the art historical movements, genres, and works of artists who have impacted the course of art making throughout the ages. 

For complete Art History BA course requirements and descriptions, go to:

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Our Faculty

You will study with an outstanding faculty and guest artists who are prominent scholars, curators, and critics. You will have access to the more than 28 full-time faculty members and 90 visiting professionals who mentor the Department of Art and Design each semester. 

Click the links below to learn more:

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Careers in Art History and Professional Resources

Successful art historians combine their passion for art, architecture, and artifacts with research expertise. Our art history graduates find rewarding work in museums, art galleries, cultural institutions, publishing companies, and schools, colleges, and universities. Many Montclair State graduates continue their studies at the graduate level. 

Sample career titles include:

  • Art Appraiser
  • Art Critic
  • Art Dealer
  • Art Journalist/Editor (books, magazines, and newspapers)
  • Art Lawyer – requires an additional degree in law
  • Art Registrar
  • Curator of Corporate or Private Collections
  • Gallery Director
  • Gallery Assistant
  • Museum Curator (most positions require a master’s degree or Ph.D.)
  • Museum Manager (many positions require a master’s degree or Ph.D.)
  • Auction House Professional
  • Art History Professor (requires a Ph.D.)
  • Art Consultant/Advisor
  • Lecturer on art

Please visit the links below for additional information:

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Accreditation

Montclair State University’s Art and Design programs are among the region’s most competitive, and meet the rigorous standards of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

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Apply Now

To apply to the BA in Fine Arts/Art History Concentration program, or to any of the Department of Art and Design programs, please visit Department Admissions.

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