罗格斯大学新伯朗士威校区

Studying art history offers a fascinating look at the world through visual arts, and enables you to interpret the work of many cultures and eras through architecture, paintings, and sculpture. Courses taught by internationally recognized faculty cover both European and American historical periods, and wider global traditions including Islamic, Latin American, African and Asian art. You will gain excellent preparation for graduate study, after which you can consider becoming a curator for a major museum or director of an art gallery. Some graduates move on to law school to apply their skills in the growing field of litigation involving works of art. Many employers in businesses ranging from internet start-ups to advertising seek people who know how to look carefully and think visually, which is the core of what our program teaches.

The academic approach to art history suggests that a culture's nature is best revealed by its art. Art historians apply that principle when comparing past eras in western history or when relating western forms of thought and feeling with those of other cultures. Art history programs offer students the means of immersing themselves in cultural and aesthetic issues.

Some students want to pursue careers as curators or archivists at the many museums and galleries across the country. Others, knowing they have an eye for art and design, but lacking the interest in pursuing a career as an artist, use art history to hone their intellectual abilities in art for careers in media, advertising, publishing, fashion or design. Another path for historians is art therapy, working with handicapped or disabled people. There is a trend toward providing additional training and certification for this specialty. Others move into careers in business, government and other nonprofit organizations.

Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of career choices, increasing one's marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities is important. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry level positions, but for advancement in an area of specialization, an advanced degree may be required.