The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History allows students to pursue a dedicated degree focused on the historical, theoretical, and critical interpretation of art and visual practices. This program draws on the depth and diversity of offerings in the scholarly study of art practices that only a major art school connected with a world-class museum can offer. The BA in Art History entails substantial
coursework in Art History supported by additional coursework in Liberal Arts and in studio departments. In their first year, students complete the studio-intensive Contemporary Practices program and introductory Art History surveys as a foundation for beginning their advanced Art History coursework in their second year. In addition to a sequence of research, theory, and methods courses, BA in Art History students choose two (out of three possible) geographic-area pathways on which to focus (with at least three courses in each area). The degree culminates in the fourth year with a significant research project written in the two-semester senior research methods seminar. In addition to external applicants and transfer students, interested SAIC students from other degree programs may apply for admittance to the BA in Art History program, usually before the beginning of their junior year.
