Art History (B.A.)

Program Overview

Students studying Art History will earn a B.A. in Art History. The major at Messiah University is designed to give students knowledge of the art and architecture of Europe, Western Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Upper-level courses focus on a specific place or period, or will be worked around a theme such as spirituality and abstract art, artists and the theater, or biblical themes in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In the junior and senior years, students will spend one or two semesters in approved programs in the United States or abroad. Students must be on the Mechanicsburg Campus for their capstone courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Art History program can:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the major monuments of western art through survey courses.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of the major stylistic periods and artists of western art at a more advanced level.
3. Demonstrate a familiarity with at least one area of non-western art at a survey level.
4. Demonstrate abilities in art historical research materials and methods and utilization of those materials and methods in course work.
5. Exposure to various methodological and theoretical approaches to art history.
6. Examination of the philosophy, ethics, and practices of museums, galleries, and related display venues.
7. Conduct independent research in art history and related areas.
8. Analyze and discuss visual images and related texts both orally and in writing.
9. Pursue graduate study and/or professional employment in art history.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of sources of information and opportunities for employment and the practice of art history as a profession.
11. Articulate the relationship between the arts and other areas of study such as history, religion, philosophy, literature, social sciences, and technology.
12. Articulate the relationship between faith and the study of art history.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Twenty-one credits from the following:

Three credits from the following foundational studio courses:

Three credits from the following:

QuEST Requirements