American University United States

Art History (BA)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

Embark on a rich exploration of human visual culture with the Art History (BA) undergraduate degree from American University. This programme is designed for students passionate about understanding the creation, context, and impact of art across diverse cultures and historical periods, from Renaissance perspectives to Buddhist arts of Asia. You will develop a critical eye for visual analysis and gain foundational knowledge in key art historical methodologies, preparing you to engage with the complex narratives and societal roles of art. This degree offers a comprehensive grounding for those seeking to delve deeply into the study of artistic expression.

This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Arts degree is structured over four years, guiding you through introductory, intermediate, and advanced coursework. You will complete a significant portion of your studies through electives, allowing you to tailor your learning towards specific interests such as museum management, modern European art, or African-American art. The curriculum encourages hands-on engagement, with opportunities for independent study projects and internships, culminating in a robust understanding of art historical research and practice. You will graduate prepared for careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, and further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Art History BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of visual culture across diverse historical periods and global regions. Students will engage with introductory topics such as artists, audiences, and afterlives, alongside surveys of Renaissance, modern, and non-Western art traditions. The curriculum also incorporates studio art experiences and delves into intermediate and upper-level studies, including specialized seminars, museum management, and independent research opportunities.

1 Introductory (9 credit hours)

Artists, audiences, and afterlives
Renaissance perspectives: European art 1300-1600
How art became modern
Washington, DC architecture
Buddhist arts of Asia

2 Studio Art (3 credit hours)

Art: the studio experience
The artist’s perspective: drawing
The artist’s perspective: painting
The artist’s perspective: sculpture
The artist’s perspective: video art
The artist’s perspective: printmaking
The artist’s perspective: digital photography

3 Intermediate (9 credit hours)

Chinese art: a history of gender, ethnicity and class
Chinese art: a history of gender, ethnicity and class
Buddhist arts of Asia
Medieval art
International baroque art
Introduction to the arts of Japan
Twentieth century women artists of the Americas
African-American art: slavery to social justice
Regional studies in art history
Selected topics: non-recurring

4 Art History (3 credit hours)

Approaches to art history

5 Upper-Level Electives (15 credit hours)

Museum management
Museum management
Museum management
Italian art: early renaissance
Italian art: high renaissance
Italian art: late renaissance and early baroque
Modern European art: rococo to realism
Modern European art: impressionism and post-impressionism
Modern European art: expressionism to surrealism
Women and the avant-garde
Museums and society
East-West photography
Envisioning the nation: modern and contemporary art in Asia
American art: European conquest to civil war
American art: civil war to civil rights
American art: civil rights to social justice
Independent study project in art history
Internship
Selected topics: non-recurring
Northern renaissance art: texts and contexts
Northern renaissance art: sex and gender
Seminar in art history

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 241,080.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,000.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Washington Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Corporate Training & DevelopmentCorrections & RehabilitationDefense & Military SecurityEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducational Support ServicesForensic Science & Criminal JusticeHigher Education & UniversitiesPolice & Public SafetyPrivate Security & Risk ManagementSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Montgomery Police Department (Alabama)

Smithsonian Institution

Why Study Art History (BA) at American University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

American University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at American University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Art History (BA) at American University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit, but off-campus work after the first year will need university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, satisfactory scores on recognized tests are needed, such as a Duolingo overall score of 120 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Refer to specific scores for different sections across various tests.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as curators, art historians, museum administrators, or art educators.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program offers a deep dive into human visual culture, covering diverse topics such as Renaissance perspectives and Buddhist arts of Asia. You'll engage with art historical methodologies and gain skills for art research and analysis.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Art History (BA) program at American University has two intake months: January and August. Make sure to apply before the deadlines for your chosen term.
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