History of Art
The History of Art Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of art history, visual culture, and artistic expression across time and geography. The curriculum integrates art analysis, cultural studies, historical context, visual theory, and research methodology, enabling students to examine the social, political, and cultural significance of art. Students engage in close visual analysis, scholarly research, and exhibition studies, developing the skills to interpret, critique, and contextualize works of art from diverse periods and cultures.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, gallery projects, and collaborative research guided by faculty experts in art history, visual culture, and museum studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and interdisciplinary inquiry, allowing graduates to connect visual knowledge with broader historical and cultural questions. Students leave the program with research proficiency, analytical skills, visual literacy, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in art history, curation, education, or cultural institutions.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: History of Art
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Art History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Art History
- Introduction to Art History and Visual Culture
- Survey of Global Art Traditions
- Research Methods and Critical Analysis
- Studio Visits and Visual Analysis Techniques
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Art History
- Art of Europe and the Americas
- Non-Western Art and Cultural Contexts
- Art Theory and Criticism
- Electives: Photography, Sculpture, or Architectural History
Year 3 – Advanced Art Historical Analysis
- Renaissance and Modern Art
- Museum Studies and Exhibition Practices
- Applied Research in Art History
- Electives: Contemporary Art, Curatorial Studies, or Visual Media
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Art History
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Experiential Project in Museums or Galleries
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the History of Art program are prepared for careers in museum curation, art galleries, cultural heritage management, art education, research, and arts administration. Alumni may work as curators, art historians, educators, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in art history, museum studies, or related fields. The program equips graduates to conduct in-depth research, analyze visual and cultural artifacts, and communicate insights effectively. With strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and advancing art and culture.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of art historical knowledge, research methods, cultural analysis, and applied practice within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, hands-on projects, and opportunities to engage with museums, galleries, and archival collections. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary reasoning, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to interpret art, manage collections, and contribute meaningfully to cultural institutions. For students passionate about exploring visual culture, understanding historical and contemporary art, and applying research to professional or academic contexts, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
