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Our program was recently ranked by College Magazine as the second-best art history program of any size in the Midwest.
Bachelor of Arts in Art History
We are surrounded by a diverse array of images every day. A degree in art history from the University of St. Thomas provides the necessary training for understanding how art forms reveal ideas about history, ethics, creativity, religion and so much more. A major or minor in art history gives you the tools to critically analyze the role visuals have played over time and across cultures.
Why Study Art History at St. Thomas?
We explore many dimensions of art across a vast range of periods and cultures. We challenge our students to become investigators as they ask and answer questions about art and design and its role in cultural expression. Our program pairs well with other programs at the university, ranging from business to history, all the way to theology. Recent graduates are pursuing careers in education, art conservation, architecture, historic preservation, curatorial work, interior design
We Study Art in Its Cultural Context
Course Requirements
Art history majors complete three core classes focusing on developing their foundational knowledge about art history and its methods, eventually culminating in a capstone project, a thesis and presentation in their senior year. Additional coursework examines art from the beginning of time to the present in classes on the art of Asia, Mesoamerica, Pacific, Africa
Four-Year Plan
You will explore the many dimensions of art throughout your undergraduate career. Our program embodies the liberal arts by considering art within its broader and social contexts. We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your time at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Art History
- Minor in Art History
Scholarships
As an art history major at St. Thomas, you have access to a variety of scholarships. Students are eligible to apply or be nominated for the following opportunities:
- Stanley Ryan Scholarship for the Arts
- Art History
Department - Luann Dummer Center for Women Research Grant
- Jaffray Research Scholarship for the Study of Asmat Art
Internship Opportunities
We encourage our students to pursue internships throughout their time at St. Thomas. Students have interned with organizations including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Walker Art Center, the Minnesota Museum of American Art and the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Art history majors complete three core classes focusing on developing their foundational knowledge about art history and its methods, eventually culminating in a capstone project, a thesis and presentation in their senior year. Additional coursework examines art from the beginning of time to the present in classes on the art of Asia, Mesoamerica, Pacific, Africa
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
You will explore the many dimensions of art throughout your undergraduate career. Our program embodies the liberal arts by considering art within its broader and social contexts. We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your time at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Art History
- Minor in Art History
Scholarships
Scholarships
As an art history major at St. Thomas, you have access to a variety of scholarships. Students are eligible to apply or be nominated for the following opportunities:
- Stanley Ryan Scholarship for the Arts
- Art History
Department - Luann Dummer Center for Women Research Grant
- Jaffray Research Scholarship for the Study of Asmat Art
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
We encourage our students to pursue internships throughout their time at St. Thomas. Students have interned with organizations including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Walker Art Center, the Minnesota Museum of American Art and the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City.
Versatile Knowledge, Practical Skills
Art history students become investigators under the tutelage of their professors at St. Thomas. They gain invaluable skills and knowledge that are in demand by employers in numerous industries.
Dr. Heather Shirey
Dr. Shirey is currently leading students in studying urban art with enriching hands-on work in the College of Arts and Sciences' SOLV Initiative. They work as part of a larger interdisciplinary team with the Urban Art, Landscape and St. Paul Community Stories Project, which explores connections between urban art and community identity in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood. Urban art provides expressive avenues for marginalized voices, promotes competing visions of community development and shapes urban space.
Maddie Ley '18
"The role I fill now at Textile Center involves working with textile artists, fiber art guilds, and students in the field. My academic training within the varied historical contexts of different fiber art processes informs my approach to the education and administrative work I do for Textile Center, and in turn our audience benefits from thoughtful, informed programming and management. Of equal value was my experience working in the Visual Resources department. The understanding of archival methods and library science gained working for Christy Dent deeply informed my approach to work within nonprofit database and lead management, in addition to administrative data organization." (Photo Credit: Malik Chehab)
Ben Schroeder '19
Ben received a Young Scholars grant from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. He conducted summer research focusing on architecture in Florence, Italy. He also received an additional grant from the art history program to support his travel. When he returned to campus, he presented his research at the St. Thomas Fall 2018 Inquiry poster session.
The Opportunities are Endless
Art history students are well-rounded and knowledgeable, finding work in a variety of different industries after graduation.
- Architecture
- Law
- Museums and Galleries
- Design
- Academia
Top of the Class
$1,500
We award a $1,500 research travel grant to qualified students in preparation for their capstone course.
2,500
There are 2,500 objects in our American Museum of Asmat Art collection, one of the largest collections of its kind.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Victoria Young
Dr. Young's primary interests are modern American and European architecture.
Dr. Elizabeth Kindall
Dr. Kindall focuses on Chinese art in her classes and research.
Dr. Craig Eliason
Dr. Eliason is an award-winning type designer and teaches courses on type design and modern art.
Oh, the Places You'll Go
Our program prides itself on providing regular study abroad opportunities, collaborative research with faculty and professional development workshops that prepare you for life after St. Thomas.
Study Abroad
The J-term study abroad course "ARTH 150 - Exploration in Art History in London" takes you to London, where you immerse yourself in the rich history of art and architecture in the city.
Resources
You have the opportunity to explore various galleries on campus, including the American Museum of Asmat Art, the University Art Collection and the Department of Art History Gallery. In addition, St. Thomas and Bartholomew Voorsanger entered an agreement in 2015 to open the Voorsanger Architects Archive, which holds select projects in digital, oral and physical media.
Professional Development
Majors and minors are eligible to apply for employment as paid student assistants in the Visual Resource Center. We also host professional development workshops that allow you to network and prepare yourself for positions in the field after graduation.
Ready for the Real World
Art history students gain a unique perspective on the world and society through our curriculum. Art history majors graduate with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in multiple industries as well as navigate the complexities of our modern society.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.