Art History (ART)

The art history program offers courses that encompass topics and periods ranging from the arts of the ancient world to those of Asia, Africa, early modern Europe, and contemporary art in a global environment. The introductory course, Art 105-06, provides students with knowledge of significant works of art, and architecture and their historical developments. It focuses on how to look at works of art and develop methods of analysis. It also considers various ways of approach: the aesthetic, cultural, and social interpretations of major monuments. Critical inquiry and analytical thinking are essential components of the field that are further developed in the intermediate courses. At the upper level, specializations that include work in different historical periods, architectural studies, museum studies, and criticism are encouraged; internships in New York museums, auction houses and artist-run spaces are common. Advanced seminars allow students to pursue research in depth.

• Common Application (Vassar specific URL) or Coalition Application
• Early Decision Agreement (Early Decision Applicants ONLY)
• School Report and High School Transcript: To be completed and sent by your guidance counselor. Available for online completion or download through Common Application.
• Teacher Evaluations
• Mid-year Grade Report Vassar requests each applicant’s most recent grade report to be sent by their school counselor. For Early Decision I or II, Vassar requires a first quarter/trimester grade report, which should be sent as soon as it becomes available. For Regular Decision, a mid-year report with first term grades is required when available, typically by February 1. Students admitted during Early Decision I or II will also be asked to provide their first term grades as soon as they become available.
• TOEFL/IELTS/DET: If English is neither your first language nor the primary language of instruction in secondary schools you have attended for the last three years.

English Language Proficiency

If English is either your native or heritage language, or the primary language of instruction in the secondary school(s) you have attended for the last three years, you do not need to submit English language proficiency exam results.

First-year applicants may submit either the Common Application (including Vassar Member Questions) or Coalition Application, along with a non-refundable application fee of $65 or a request for a fee waiver. Vassar is also a QuestBridge partner school and will accept the QuestBridge application for first-year applicants as well. Transfer applicants can apply using the Common Application along with a non-refundable application fee of $65 or a request for a fee waiver.