BA Art History

Art History is the critical inquiry into how people have reimagined their worlds through art, architecture, photography, film, performance, and design. More than anything else, it is a history of creativity. In an increasingly global, competitive, and image-saturated world, it is vital that students be able to think critically and creatively about how visual forms communicate across cultures.

The UIC program in Art History introduces students to the work of artists, architects, designers, and thinkers who have changed the course of history. Classes cover all historical periods and most of the world’s cultures. Students are trained in the fundamentals of historical analysis, visual literacy, and theoretical understanding. In addition to going on to successful careers as academics and museum professionals, graduates work in teaching, publishing, arts administration, art conservation, public culture, historic preservation, journalism, advertising, business, law, and medicine.