About This Program
The Art History B.A. is designed to help you learn to critically engage with the world through visual and material culture. From ancient ruins to the history of museums to contemporary activist imagery, the program’s courses explore a variety of cultural and historical contexts in relation to aesthetic traditions, cultural values, and social experience.
The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of art history through curricular connections to other departments/ programs, including: Museum Studies; Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies; and World Languages & Cultures.
Art History majors become proficient in disciplinary and critical modes of scholarly inquiry in the visual arts, including the role of historical research. You likewise learn to identify the significance of art and visual culture to everyday life, both across time and in the present moment.
The program’s focus on critical thinking, research, and written and verbal expression prepares you for work in a variety of cultural institutions, as well as pursuit of post-graduate degrees in a variety of fields.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
- Faculty create, exhibit, and publish research, in addition to teaching and providing mentorship and career guidance
Research & Experiential Learning
Museum internships available at UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art or at Glensheen the Historic Congdon Estate, or at other local museums/societies as well, including the Duluth Art Institute and Prøve Gallery.
Student Internships
- UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art
- Glensheen the Historic Congdon Estate
- Duluth Art Institute
- Duluth Children’s Museum
- Lake Superior Railroad Museum
- St. Louis County Historical Society
- The Depot
- Walt Disney World
Potential Careers
- Professor
- Archivist
- Art dealer
- Conservator
- Curator
- Editor
- Gallery owner
- Museum technician
- Art educator
- Writer
- Roles within non-profit organizations
Scholarships
Several departmental scholarships are awarded to returning Art & Design majors after the first year; additionally, any student can submit creative pieces to the Student Exhibition each spring, which does include several small scholarships for outstanding selected artwork and/or research.
Get Involved
Student clubs in the Department of Art & Design vary each year according to interests but typically include:
- Art Education Club
- Student Photography Cooperative
- Mud Guild (Ceramics Club)
- Art History Symposium
- Media Arts Club
- Student Design Organization (SDO)
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.