Drawn to how people have depicted beauty throughout history? Need to know more of the story behind it? Major in art history at the University of Mary Washington and you’ll explore humanity through artistic wonders, from prehistoric cave paintings to the works of Warhol. You’ll investigate styles, periods, and movements of Western art; masters and masterpieces of Italy, Egypt, and beyond; and the rich resources of Washington, Richmond, Baltimore, and New York.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in Art History who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art History.
Areas of Study
Course offerings include History of Western Art, Topics in Non-Western & Non-Eurocentric Art, Egyptian and Near Eastern Art and Archaeology, Greek Art, Roman Art, Art Museum Studies, Romanesque & Gothic Art, High Renaissance & Mannerism, Post-Impressionism to Abstract, American Art, and Pop Art to the Present.
Career Opportunities
With a background in the artistic masters and movements, UMW grads have created careers at such organizations as the American Association of Museums, Brooklyn Museum, Corcoran College of Art & Design, Delaware Art Museum, Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Internships
Students gain valuable experience and career contacts through internships with prestigious museums and art institutions in Fredericksburg, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia.
I wouldn’t trade my experience at UMW for anything. Majoring in art history at Mary Washington was one of the best decisions I’ve made since it was a stepping stone to where I am today. I continue to rely on the courses I took and skills I acquired (especially writing!). I strongly believe majoring in art history made me a more competitive candidate for graduate school, since I bring a different background to the table.– Jennifer Davis Bangoura, Project Coordinator, World Resources Institute
Honors
To receive honors in art history, students must have a 3.25 grade-point average overall and a 3.5 GPA in the major, demonstrate excellence in upper-level courses in the major, and present an individual study research paper to the art history faculty.
Requirements
The art history major requires 39 credits, including nine credits from required courses; 15 credits from courses covering the major artistic eras from ancient through modern times; three seminar credits; and 12 art history elective credits.
Scholarships
Learn more about art scholarships at the University of Mary Washington.