B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Art History
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Art History at Queens College is designed to cultivate visual literacy, critical thinking, and advanced research and analytical skills within the context of art and its cultural significance. The program encourages students to explore contemporary and historical issues in visual art and the museum sector from interdisciplinary perspectives. With typically small class sizes, students benefit from close mentorship with internationally recognized scholars. The program emphasizes experiential learning through field trips, hands-on study of art, and engagement with analytical equipment, preparing students for diverse career paths in the arts, cultural policy, academia, and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a broad understanding of Western and non-Western art history, encompassing various periods and geographical areas. Students are required to take introductory courses and then select from electives that cover at least three of the general areas of Art History: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance-Baroque, Modern, and Non-Western art. Courses often delve into the historical significance of visual arts, from the Renaissance and Baroque periods to Modern and Contemporary art, as well as Mesoamerican, Native American, Islamic, and Asian art. The program fosters critical analysis and helps students develop sophisticated analytical and writing skills essential for interpreting visual culture. Opportunities to explore creativity through electives in studio art are also available, offering a well-rounded education in the visual arts.
Research Focus: The Department of Art History at Queens College is home to distinguished scholars with diverse research interests that enrich the academic program. Faculty research areas span a wide range of periods and geographies, including late Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo architecture and art in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa. Other areas of focus include 19th- and 20th-century craft and design, global design history, classical and contemporary African art, Afro-Brazilian art, Italian Medieval and Renaissance art, cultural heritage preservation, the history of art restoration/conservation, and the impact of war on cultural heritage. Modern art, the intersection of art with psycho-sciences and medicine, collecting and museums, feminist and critical race theory, later medieval art and architecture, and the history of photography are also prominent research areas. This active research environment provides students with exposure to cutting-edge scholarship and opportunities for independent study.
Industry Engagement: Queens College's B.A. in Art History strongly emphasizes experiential learning and industry engagement, leveraging its prime location in New York City. Students are actively encouraged to pursue internships in museums, galleries, auction houses, and other cultural institutions, providing invaluable hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities. The School of Arts at Queens College facilitates these connections, offering internships at institutions like the Godwin-Ternbach Museum, Kupferberg Center for the Arts, and the Louis Armstrong House Museum. The college also has initiatives like the "Diversifying The Business of Art Business" program, a consortium with Sotheby's Institute of Art, which offers select students access to graduate-level art business courses. Field trips to major exhibitions and collections are integral to many courses, providing direct exposure to the professional art world.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Art History program inherently fosters a robust global perspective through its comprehensive study of artistic traditions from diverse cultures and across vast geographical contexts. The curriculum's coverage of Western and non-Western art, including a wide array of global artistic movements and cultural expressions, encourages students to understand art's significance within different societal frameworks worldwide. Faculty members often conduct international research, bringing global insights directly into the classroom. Furthermore, Queens College's exceptional cultural diversity, with a student body representing numerous nationalities and speaking over 96 languages, creates a naturally globalized learning environment. This exposure prepares graduates to engage with a globally interconnected art world and to appreciate the rich tapestry of human creativity across different cultures.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, an esteemed institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art History that provides students with a profound and nuanced understanding of visual culture across diverse historical periods and global contexts.
Museum Professional (Collections, Exhibitions, Education): This is a classic path for art history majors. Roles include Collections Assistant/Registrar (managing and documenting museum collections), Exhibitions Assistant (supporting the planning and installation of exhibits), or Museum Educator (designing and leading public programs and tours). While curatorial roles often require advanced degrees, an undergraduate degree is an excellent starting point.
Gallery Assistant/Manager: Graduates can work in commercial art galleries, assisting with sales, client relations, inventory management, exhibition planning, and marketing. A strong understanding of art historical context and market trends is highly valued in this dynamic environment.
Auction House Specialist/Cataloguer: Professionals in auction houses research and authenticate artworks, write detailed catalogue entries, and assist with sales. An art history degree provides the essential knowledge base for identifying, valuing, and presenting art for auction.
Art Appraiser: Art appraisers determine the monetary value of artworks for insurance, sales, or estate purposes. This career requires extensive knowledge of art history, market trends, and research skills to accurately assess value.
Cultural Heritage and Preservation Specialist: Graduates can work to protect and conserve historical sites, artworks, and cultural artifacts. This may involve roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private firms focused on heritage management and conservation (though conservation often requires specialized graduate training).
Arts Administrator/Program Coordinator: These roles are vital for the functioning of arts organizations, non-profits, and cultural centers. Responsibilities can include managing budgets, coordinating events, fundraising, marketing, and overseeing daily operations.
Archivist/Librarian (Special Collections): Art history graduates are well-suited for organizing, preserving, and providing access to historical documents, photographs, and other materials, particularly in specialized art libraries, museum archives, or university collections.
Art Journalist/Critic/Editor: With strong writing and analytical skills, graduates can pursue careers in art publishing, journalism, or content creation. They can write reviews, articles, and essays for art magazines, newspapers, online platforms, or publishing houses focusing on art books.
Marketing/Public Relations in the Arts: Understanding visual communication and cultural trends makes art history majors valuable in marketing and PR roles for museums, galleries, cultural events, or even luxury brands, where they can craft compelling narratives and visual campaigns.
Education (K-12 or Museum Education): A B.A. in Art History can be a stepping stone to teaching art history or general humanities in secondary schools, often with additional education coursework or certification. Museum education roles focus on engaging the public with art through interpretive programs.
