The Undergraduate Program

A major or concentration in art history lays the basis for pursuit of a variety of careers, including law, medicine, business, and academe, among others. Critical study teaches the student not only the particulars of the art, archaeology, and architecture under study, but also the broader analytical and synthetic skills needed for mature, reasoned, and inventive solutions to broad-based questions in any field.

Further, the visual study of the world around us has been and continues to be increasingly important as worldwide communication becomes most often based in visual media. Understanding the sources and significance of images that form a common language of communication is crucial for anyone wanting to play an active part in society.

The goal of the major or concentration in the Department of Art History and Archaeology is to explore the history of art, architecture, and archaeology across a broad historical, cultural, geographic, and methodological spectrum. Department courses take advantage of the extraordinary cultural resources of New York City and often involve museum assignments and trips to local monuments.

The department offers three majors and two concentrations. All department policies and procedures as they relate to the undergraduate program are detailed in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Barry Bergdoll, and the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Emily Benjamin, are also available to answer questions and support students as they make their way through the major and concentration.