Art History

We live in a world of images, and the study of art history offers a critical means of assessing our visual culture in an increasingly globalized context. As an art history major at Saint Joseph's University, you will go beyond studying the process of creating art. You will dive into the history of art throughout the world as you develop your ability to view, assess and analyze various forms of art and visual culture. Additionally, students majoring or minoring in art history at Saint Joseph's University have access to many exciting cultural opportunities in the Philadelphia region to gain experience in the field.

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Students with an art history major or minor are trained to analyze the production, function and meaning of works of art and visual culture from prehistory to the present, including painting, architecture, sculpture, photography and new media. An art history degree involves visual culture from around the world, and its place within a broader context of politics, religion, science, history and philosophy.

    The study and analysis of visual culture and its context provides a way of understanding not only the past but the present. The study of the history of art and its attendant issues provides an opportunity to explore the most important issues of our day, including ethics, gender, diversity and social justice.

  • You can tailor your education to your unique interests by choosing a double major or minor in art history. Whatever path you choose, you will receive a rigorous, student-centered education in the liberal arts, focused on critical thinking and analysis. Complementary areas of study that pair well with art history include:

    While students gain a broad understanding of the history of art and different art styles, they can focus on particular art periods in history or geographical areas.

  • There are numerous opportunities beyond the classroom that Saint Joseph's University offers to prepare for life after college. As part of the Gallery Exhibition Research Assistant (GERA) program, students gain valuable experience researching and curating exhibitions in the department’s two art galleries for professional and student work.

  • You also have the ability to explore various objects around campus and in the University's extensive permanent collection and galleries in the new Frances M. Maguire Art Museum at the Barnes Arboretum, housing many different types of art.

  • Looking to explore the art scene beyond Hawk Hill? Saint Joseph's location in Philadelphia, with close proximity to New York and Washington D.C, provides students with the opportunity to experience major works of art at renowned galleries and museums. Our close connection to these vibrant metropolitan areas is ideal for students seeking to pursue internships and grow their network of regional museums and cultural organizations. Study abroad options are also available for students to travel overseas and expand their art history education across the globe. 

What Can I Do with Art History Major?

As a discipline that promotes critical thinking as well as effective communication and writing skills, art history is excellent training for a number of careers. Many students in our program go on to pursue graduate programs in art history or related fields such as museum studies, law, business and medicine, as an increasing number of medical schools require students to engage in historical art studies that involve visual analysis. Training in art history helps prepare students for art history jobs and other career fields, including:

  • Art galleries and museums
  • Art therapy
  • Art conservation
  • Education
  • Grant writing and development
  • Historic preservation
  • Journalism
  • Library science
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Publishing

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Affordable tuition rates can be found on our Tuition and Fees page.*

    *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition and Fees page for a detailed breakdown.

Admission Information

  • To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

    Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student.

  • First-Year Students
    Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision options are available. For a full timeline of deadlines, visit our admission page.

    Transfer Students
    Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms.

  • 1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.

    2. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.

  • Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University:

    • Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
    • Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above
    • Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit
    • Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
    • The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph's
    • Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
    • Earned credit may be submitted for review based on a timeline of less than or equal to 5 to 10 years between completion of course and enrollment at SJU

    Visit the Transfer Admission page for a detailed breakdown of courses and institutions eligible for transfer.

  • If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

    • Satisfy general admission requirements
    • Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

    Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT as an option to the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.

  • Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

    • Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
    • Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
    • Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
    • Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
    • Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
    • Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Explore Other Degree Programs

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In the art therapy program at Saint Joseph's University, you will learn the theories and concepts in psychology and art to deliver transformational and whole-person-focused care.

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