Art (Art History), BA

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Are you interested in the meaning of art over time and place? Explore the critical concerns and processes of art history in our vigorous online BA or in-person degree programs.

The BA in art history is a dynamic program that investigates visual culture and engages students in a rich and diverse curriculum. Inherently interdisciplinary, art history intersects with a variety of fields including history, literature and economics.

Faculty members emphasize critical concepts in their teaching, including the close study of artists, objects and technologies. Students explore art's history in economic, social and political contexts and the relationship of visual art to other disciplines such as literature, science, anthropology, media and performance studies. In addition to art history courses, the program includes interdisciplinary coursework from disciplines across the university.

Internships are available at a wide range of arts organizations. The program is enriched by partnerships with the ASU Art Museum and museums throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond, including an affiliation with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

At A Glance

Art (Art History), BA

Required Courses

A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.

While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.

Application requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:

Affording college

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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact, more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.

Admission requirements

Students meeting the university requirements for admission may matriculate in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Separate admission procedures and approvals are required for some programs within the college. Students must contact specific departments or schools for details.

Freshmen students applying to the Herberger Institute School of Art enter ASU as art exploratory majors in the School of Art. There is no portfolio review process for freshmen at the time of admission to ASU.

Typically, students in their second year who are interested in studio art and art education will submit a portfolio for review once they have completed their core requirements and are completing the last of the 12 hours of 200-level art requirements, or if they are interested in art history or museum studies they will submit a declaration form in the semester in which they complete 30 hours.

Career outlook

Graduates of art history at the bachelor's degree level find employment opportunities in commercial art galleries, art museums and historical societies and archives. Other options include arts agencies and public art programs or admission to prestigious graduate programs across the nation.

A graduate degree is essential for professional positions, as a master's degree prepares individuals to teach at the community college level; to practice and publish as an art critic or writer; to enhance one's own practice as an artist; or gain entry into museums, archives, historical societies, auction houses, publishing companies and academic presses as well as to art libraries. The doctorate is a necessity for employment as a university or college teacher and for responsible administrative and curatorial positions in the museum and publishing world.

Example careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:


Career*growth*median salary
Archivists 14.3%$51,760
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 12%$66,930
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education7.5%$59,170
Curators 14%$53,770
Museum Technicians and Conservators 12.4%$40,670
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes4.7%$64,940

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

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What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?

ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.

What are ASU's Online Programs?

ASU Online offers programs like Art (Art History) in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.