Bachelor of Arts
Oakland University’s Bachelor of Arts in Art History equips you with a range of adaptable skills and a sharp eye for an increasingly visual world. From critical thinking to communication, creative expression, and cultural awareness, the skills you acquire in a versatile art history degree are always in demand. You’ll develop a strong sense of visual literacy as you explore art and architecture from antiquity to the present, in both Western and non-Western contexts. Join our art history majors as they explore interdisciplinary themes including history, politics, economics, philosophy, and culture. You’ll also have the opportunity for hands-on experiences with undergraduate courses in art processes or curation, or an internship with a gallery. Whether your next step is graduate school or the workforce, our bachelor’s degree in art history program gives you a global perspective for a world of opportunities.
Oakland University’s Bachelor of Arts in Art History equips you with a range of adaptable skills and a sharp eye for an increasingly visual world. From critical thinking to communication, creative expression, and cultural awareness, the skills you acquire in a versatile art history degree are always in demand. You’ll develop a strong sense of visual literacy as you explore art and architecture from antiquity to the present, in both Western and non-Western contexts. Join our art history majors as they explore interdisciplinary themes including history, politics, economics, philosophy, and culture. You’ll also have the opportunity for hands-on experiences with undergraduate courses in art processes or curation, or an internship with a gallery. Whether your next step is graduate school or the workforce, our bachelor’s degree in art history program gives you a global perspective for a world of opportunities.
What separates Oakland University’s undergraduate program from other degrees in art history? Our art history program offers a diverse, creative community led by accessible faculty. Their interdisciplinary approach will prepare you to reach your career goals, whatever they may be.
An art history undergraduate program serves as a strong foundation for a range of jobs and careers. Art history majors develop the skills to understand, record, and interpret a world dominated by visual media. You’re cultivated to analyze critically, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively, and this will support your success in a variety of career pursuits.
Oakland University art history program alumni have landed jobs working in museums and art galleries as archivists, curators, museum technicians, conservators, and more. These types of art jobs are projected to grow 11% — much faster than the average — by 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Graduates of Oakland’s art history degree undergraduate program are also well qualified for jobs in art-related venues and organizations such as:
The bachelor’s in art history degree program at Oakland University includes core coursework that covers critical thinking and writing. You’ll also explore the histories of art from Western, Asian, and Islamic cultures. Then chart your own path of interest, choosing art history courses from four main categories: non-Western, ancient/medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, and American/modern.
Art history majors gain further appreciation for artists by taking studio art electives. Your undergraduate art history college experience will culminate in an opportunity to showcase your senior thesis project in a department-wide symposium.
A sample of recent Oakland art history program course offerings includes:
Not sure if the bachelor’s degree in art history is right for you? Check out these other undergraduate degree programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.