Art History Major and Minor

Explore the evolution of art and architecture across different eras and cultures. Hone your critical and creative skills as you employ research, analysis, discussion, and reflection to understand how art relates to the social, political, economic, cultural, and religious trends of the moment.

Why Study Art History at Albion?

Art reflects the breadth of human experience, and so should your education. At Albion, you’ll put the foundation of your liberal art into action as you learn to contextualize artworks politically, historically, and socially. You’ll benefit from small classes, close mentorship from faculty, and the opportunity to study original art and artifacts from the 15th century to the present from our collection.

Highlights

Our Collection

At Albion, you’ll have the opportunity to experience original artworks and artifacts first-hand through our extensive collection and our rotating program of exhibitions in the Bobbitt Visual Arts Center.

Research

Take your research to the next level with an independent project through the Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (FURSCA). As a participant in FURSCA, you’ll submit a research proposal and, if accepted, you’ll be matched with a faculty mentor to help you execute your project.

Off-Campus Programs

Study Renaissance masterpieces in Tuscany or spend a semester interning in a museum in Philadelphia. At Albion College, we offer many opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge of art history and gain hands-on experience across the country and around the world.

What Will You Learn as an Art History Major?

You'll study the evolution of creative expression and learn how to identify works by their styles and technique.

You'll examine the relationship between art and society over time, and learn how ideas about the nature and purpose of art developed.

You'll learn how patterns of trade, migration, pilgrimage, diplomacy, war, conquest, slavery, colonialism, and imperialism influenced the development of artistic movements.

You'll analyze the role that art has played, and continues to play, in social and racial justice and political activism.

As an art history major, you’ll learn to think critically and solve problems creatively. From arts administration to writing and publishing our graduates pursue careers that draw on their analytical skills and deep understanding of long-range visual, political and social trends. Explore career opportunities in Art History.

Job Titles

• Curator
• Museum Educator
• College Professor
• Art Historian
• Art Critic
• Antique Dealer
• Gallery Director
• Professor
• Community Arts Programmer
• Architectural Historian