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College of Arts & Sciences

Art History

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Why pursue a degree in Art History at North Central College?

The art history program prepares students for 21st century careers that require careful analysis, interpretation, and communication of visual information. You will use visual analysis methodology to think critically about art from a range of historical periods and geographic regions, while conducting graduate-level research and critical reading of theory.

You can also enhance your studies with an additional major or minor, study abroad opportunities, and North Central’s proximity to world-class art institutions in Chicago.

Graduates pursue opportunities in areas such as archives and curatorship, art therapy, commercial design and digital communications, studio art, graphic design, education, arts administration, and historical preservation.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Traveling through time
  • Experiencing the world
  • Sharpening your communication and writing skills

then a degree in ART HISTORY might be for you.

Why study art history at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • African American Art
  • American Art
  • Chicago Art and Architecture
  • Contemporary Art
  • Latin American Art
  • Modern Art
  • Modern Industrial Design
  • Museum Studies
  • World Art Histories

Campus Virtual Tour 

Beyond the Classroom

As an art history major, you can:

  • Intern at local museums, studios, galleries, auction houses and organizations
  • Enroll in Chicago Term to experience living in the city while taking courses from North Central professors
  • Conduct graduate-level research with an independent study, Honors Program thesis or a Richter Grant
  • Access the University Partner Program offered by the Art Institute of Chicago:
    • North Central students can gain admittance to the AIC free of charge with their North Central Student ID
    • Experience lectures, educational programs, and other special events

Art History, B.A.

The art history program prepares students for twenty-first century careers that require careful analysis, interpretation, and communication of visual information. Using visual analysis research methodology, students learn to think critically about art from a range of historical periods and geographic regions. Students can enhance their studies with an additional major or minor, study abroad or Chicago term and internships. Graduates pursue opportunities in areas such as archives and curatorship, art therapy, commercial design and digital communications, education, arts administration and historic preservation. Students planning to pursue graduate study in art history should have at least one foreign language and are encouraged to write a thesis through participation in the College Scholar Honors Program.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

The major in Art History requires 40 credit hours, including:

Art History Core Courses

Art History Electives

Twelve credits from the following, with no more than four credits from internships, practica or independent studies:

Required Support Courses

One of the following:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Art History Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Art and Design.

The minor in Art History requires 20 credit hours, including:

Electives

Eight credit hours from the following:

Advanced Electives

Four additional credit hours of Art History at the 300-level or above.

Art History Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Recent research, internships, and post-graduate study

  • Richter grant to study art museums in Paris
  • Study abroad semester in Japan
  • Collections management intern, The Field Museum
  • Education department intern, The Art Institute of Chicago
  • MFA, University of Edinburgh Marketing intern, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
  • Marketing Intern, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

Careers

Recent graduates in art history include:

  • Museum curators
  • Docents
  • Gallery managers
  • Publishers
  • Graphic designers
  • Architects
  • Historic preservationist
  • College professors
  • Teachers

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

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