Introduction
Art History examines the histories of art in cultural context, visual communication in the world today, and the impact of visual technology in the future. The Art History major gives students the opportunity to address social, cultural and transnational issues through an engagement with visual culture objects, images and ideas and to imagine critical intersections in the arts, humanities, and sciences by means of innovative course instruction. Art History classes are catalysts through which students make cross-connections between their major areas of study and the diverse perspectives found in visual forms of communication.
Why Consider an Art History Major?
Are you interested in the visual language of culture and systems of representation? In studying Art History, you will learn to interpret and analyze art and visual culture. A degree in Art History will prepare you for a future as teacher, museum educator, gallery curator, visual resource librarian, art critic, scholar, and other careers that require creative problem solving and knowledge of visual language.
Student Resources
Department website: Art and Art History
Contact information: Fine Arts 116, 360-650-3660, ArtInfo@wwu.edu
Department advising: Visit the Art History webpage for more information.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Art Consultant, Curator, Gallery or Museum Director, Art Critic, Architectural Conservator, Art Dealer, Art Historian, Researcher, Visual Resource Librarian, Arts Administrator, Museum Educator
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
How to Apply
To apply to the Art History major, students must have taken, or be currently enrolled in, A/HI 275 and two 200-level art history surveys, or pre-approved equivalent courses. Students must have a B average or higher in these classes to be considered for the Art History program.
Application deadlines
Application deadlines for the Art History major are October 15 and January 31. Completed forms must be received in the Department of Art and Art History by those dates.
Advising Tips
Students are expected to follow all prerequisite requirements for courses and seek early departmental advisement. As students enter the program, they will be assigned an advisor to develop an individualized course of study. This plan becomes an outline of the degree requirements but should be revised yearly in consultation with an advisor.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
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