Why study Art History?

Art History involves the historical interpretation and visual analysis of painting, sculpture, architecture, and other forms of visual art. Works of art are examined as primary sources that reveal much about the human experience past and present. Art historians are experts on the lives of artists as well as the forms, traditions, meanings, and cultural and theoretical context of the visual arts.

This 18 credit hour minor in art history will complement many fields of study, including but not limited to archaeology, anthropology, education, business, fashion design, and others.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to this minor must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in previous college work. To apply, students should submit the DAAP Undergraduate Application for Certificates and Minor online.

People who are successful in the art history program tend to have both visual and verbal learning styles. Art history is important to students who are passionate about art, enjoy learning, and believe in the value of a broad humanistic education. They study the lives and works of artists and designers and deal with questions about the forms, traditions, meanings, and cultural context of works of art, architecture, and design of both present and past.

Art history students can prepare for employment as teachers, museum curators, commercial art gallery proprietors or staff, art conservators, art librarians, photographers, journalists, advertising professionals, television and film producers, and many other art-related occupations. Many art history students enter graduate school immediately after graduation, while others enroll after some work experience has led to specialization in a particular area.

Art history students in UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) may focus on different cultures, various periods of time, and particular forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, architecture, design or the decorative arts. Courses are offered in many areas including Renaissance, Baroque, Asian, Modern, African-American, and American art history and museum studies. Courses in ancient art and architecture are taught by members of the UC Classics Department. Many additional courses in the history of design, architecture, and cities are offered in other programs of the college.

Students interested in this minor should work with their major advisors to confirm the compatibility with their major's requirements and course schedules. Questions about the minor should contact DAAP Admissions at daap-admissions@uc.edu or 513-556-1376.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

DAAP Student Affairs
PO Box 210016
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0016
(513) 556-1376
daap-admissions@uc.edu

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Program Code: 23MIN-ARTH-MIN