In a world where we are constantly being presented with stylized imagery, Art History offers a critical means of assessing our visual culture and increasingly globalized society. The Art History Minor provides a broad academic curriculum, covering major artistic developments in painting, architecture, sculpture, photography and new media throughout history and around the world.

Art History is an interdisciplinary field that encourages students to explore the many intersections between art and politics, religion, science, history and philosophy, among other areas. Through close analysis of works of art, architecture and texts, students of Art History develop strong critical evaluation skills and a wide-ranging cultural literacy.

Because of Saint Joseph’s proximity to downtown Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.C., students are able to have first-hand experiences with major works of art at such world-renowned institutions as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Art.

Students who have studied art history at Saint Joseph's have benefited from specially arranged visits to major museums in the Philadelphia region and internships at regional museums and cultural organizations. While still studying at SJU, students have pursued a variety of internships related to their course work, including internships at Freeman’s Auction house, the Barnes Foundation, and the Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum.

The art history program also affords students the ability to travel overseas - including Rome and Florence - to see major works of art. Closer to home, art history students can take advantage of exhibitions at the University’s gallery and to view works in the University’s extensive permanent collection.